In recent years, a notable shift in American political discourse has emerged, particularly among voices on the far left and extremist right, questioning the United States’ enduring military alliance with Israel. This skepticism has gained traction through social media platforms and among certain political figures. Among the most prominent critics is longtime Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who has introduced multiple ‘resolutions of disapproval’ in the Senate aimed at challenging American arms sales to Israel. Thankfully, all these resolutions were overwhelmingly rejected by the Senate.
Senator Sanders argues that American aid perpetuates ongoing conflicts and that Israel’s military actions in self-defense against the attacks from Iran’s Islamist axis disqualify it from receiving U.S. military support. However, critics like Sanders often overlook the profound strategic, technological, and humanitarian benefits that the United States reaps from its alliance with Israel.
Anti-Israel sentiment has been voiced by a range of activists, including former Missouri Representative Cori Bush and other members of the ‘Squad’ in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as media figures such as Mehdi Hasan. These critics often single out Israel’s receipt of U.S. military aid, attempting to connect it to various unresolved domestic issues in America, while conveniently ignoring the broader context of U.S. foreign aid globally. Such selective criticism may stem from bias that approaches antisemitism, as military support for Israel represents one of the most cost-effective and mutually beneficial investments made by the United States in modern history.
Critics of Israel provide inconsistent analyses regarding its military assistance compared to other countries. U.S. military aid to Israel constitutes a minuscule .045% of the overall federal budget. Furthermore, this aid operates as a ‘voucher’ that mandates Israel to spend it exclusively on American-made products produced by U.S. manufacturers. Yet, ardent Israel critics often attribute this minuscule fraction of federal spending to sweeping domestic issues such as homelessness, crime, and underfunded public services — arguments lacking both fiscal logic and sincerity.
For instance, when Bush attributed poverty and homelessness in St. Louis to U.S. aid to Israel, or activists linked devastating recent wildfires in Los Angeles to the same aid, they engaged in a form of classic antisemitic scapegoating rather than offering constructive critique. Such scrutiny becomes especially questionable considering the extensive foreign aid provided by the United States, which totals more than $55 billion annually to countries worldwide, many of whom yield little to no tangible returns on that investment.
Moreover, for over two decades, the United States has effectively subsidized the budgets of all NATO countries, spending around 3.5% of its gross domestic product on defense while most other member nations barely contribute 2%. This financial imbalance has cost the United States over $5 trillion, during which Israel has consistently allocated more than 5% of its GDP towards its own defense. Notably, the massive financial support provided to European nations seldom garners similar scrutiny or outrage, and critics of Israel have never blamed countries like France or Denmark for homelessness or underfunded fire department budgets in the U.S.
Israel stands as one of the United States’ few reliable allies in the Middle East, a region rife with instability. Israeli ports such as Haifa and Ashdod serve as secure and reliable docking locations for the U.S. Navy, housing emergency military stockpiles for rapid deployment. In contrast to the tumultuous and costly military interventions in the Persian Gulf, Israel represents stability, reliability, and shared strategic interests.
From the Cold War to the present, U.S. presidents have understood that supporting Israel is not merely charity but a strategic investment in national security. During the Cold War, Israel acted as a critical barrier against Soviet encroachment in the Middle East. Today, Israel stands on the front lines against radical Islamist forces and Iranian drive for regional hegemony. Notably, Israel independently destroyed Syria’s nuclear reactor in 2007 just before its activation, preventing the Assad regime from acquiring nuclear capabilities and averting a potential catastrophe in the region. Such actions have spared the United States from needing to intervene militarily and thus safeguarded American lives and financial resources.
The partnership between the U.S. and Israel is expansive and multifaceted, extending well beyond military coordination. Israel provides invaluable intelligence to Washington on terror threats, cyber risks, and nuclear proliferation. Moreover, Israel’s extensive expertise in counterterrorism has shaped American homeland security strategies. Collaborative projects, such as the development of the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missile defense systems, have enhanced military capabilities for both nations, with these systems not only fortifying Israel but also significantly bolstering American missile defense infrastructure.
Israel’s contributions to military technology are nothing short of groundbreaking. Israeli firms have developed high-tech protective equipment, drones, unmanned vehicles, and bomb-detection systems that significantly benefit U.S. soldiers. Such innovations help save lives and ensure that the U.S. military remains at the cutting edge of defense technology. In contrast, the aid allocated to several other nations, including Ukraine, yields a limited return in security and technological advancements.
Beyond its military contributions, Israel has emerged as a global leader in innovation and technology, often referred to as the ‘Startup Nation.’ Many leading U.S. companies have established R&D centers in Israel to leverage its exceptional scientific and engineering talent. Intel, for example, has designed its most advanced microprocessors in Israel. Technologies crucial to online security, instant messaging, and digital payments, such as those utilized by PayPal, originate from Israeli innovations.
The direct benefits for the United States are substantial. Cooperation between American and Israeli technological sectors has played a vital role in bolstering the U.S. information economy. Israel’s vibrant innovation ecosystem supports the American private sector by generating job opportunities and fostering economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.
In addition, Israel offers groundbreaking solutions to pressing global challenges, particularly in the areas of water conservation, agriculture, and renewable energy. With a remarkable capability to recycle nearly 90% of its wastewater — the highest rate globally — Israel has pioneered pioneering technologies such as drip irrigation and reverse osmosis desalination. These are not merely theoretical advancements; they are actively utilized in the United States.
Israeli innovations are prominent in California’s solar energy plants and are essential in developing desalination facilities that help combat the state’s drought crises. Given California’s status as a major agricultural producer, providing nearly half of the country’s fruits, vegetables, and nuts, Israeli technology plays a pivotal role in sustaining the American food supply. In an era marked by increasing concerns surrounding climate resilience and sustainability, this enhanced international partnership is invaluable.
Critics of U.S. military aid to Israel often choose to ignore factual information in favor of ideological positions. They focus on a negligible portion of the federal budget while exaggerating the impact of this aid on domestic issues. This selective critique undermines one of the most productive alliances in modern history.
Those advocating for a weakening or abandonment of American support for Israel, whether consciously or unconsciously, fail to represent America’s best interests. Should their misguided, ideologically driven ambitions to weaken Israel’s defense capabilities come to fruition, America’s interests around the globe would face severe jeopardy, as authoritarian regimes, particularly within the Islamist supremacist ‘axis of resistance,’ would undoubtedly rejoice and become emboldened.
image source from：http://www.washingtonjewishweek.com/one-of-americas-best-investments-us-military-aid-to-israel/
