Why Does the US Support Israel? What You Must Know

In recent years, and especially amid the latest escalations in Gaza, global outrage has intensified over what many international observers, human rights groups, and governments have described as genocidal actions by Israel against Palestinians.

Protests have erupted across continents, resolutions have flooded the United Nations, and even some close Western allies have begun to voice their unease. And yet—the United States remains unwavering in its support for Israel.

This raises a critical and uncomfortable question: Why does the US support Israel—or what some label as such—despite near-global condemnation? Is it purely strategic? Historical? Ideological? Or is it a complex mix of domestic politics, lobbying power, and perceived shared values?

In this analysis, we explore the roots and reasoning behind US Israel relations, unpack the influence of AIPAC lobbying, examine US-Israel military cooperation, and trace the evolution of this enduring alliance.

Through a careful look at Middle East foreign policy, shared democratic values, and the deep undercurrents of Zionism in American politics, we’ll aim to understand not just what sustains this controversial partnership—but why it persists even in the face of mounting global moral outrage.

Historical Foundations of U.S.–Israel Relations

U.S. Recognition of Israel in 1948

The cornerstone of US-Israel relations can be traced back to a pivotal moment in 1948, when President Harry S. Truman made the bold decision to recognize the newly declared State of Israel just 11 minutes after its proclamation of independence.

This swift move wasn’t just symbolic—it cemented the United States as Israel’s first and most powerful ally on the global stage. Despite pushback from within his own administration, particularly the State Department and military officials concerned about Arab backlash, Truman stood firm.

His decision was influenced by a combination of geopolitical calculations, domestic political considerations, and moral conviction. Truman later wrote that he felt deeply compelled to help “the remnants of European Jewry” find a safe haven after World War II.

This early show of support laid the foundation for what would become a complex and enduring US-Israel alliance, marked by diplomatic backing, economic assistance, and military cooperation.

The Impact of the Holocaust

The shadow of the Holocaust loomed large over postwar American policy. As the full horror of the Nazi genocide came to light, moral imperatives stemming from the Holocaust began to shape public sentiment and influence political decisions. The sheer scale of the atrocities—six million Jews murdered—created a powerful narrative: never again.

For many American leaders, supporting a Jewish homeland in Palestine wasn’t just a foreign policy matter; it was a moral responsibility. There was a growing belief that the United States, as a victorious power and emerging global leader, had an obligation to ensure the safety and survival of the Jewish people. This sense of duty became woven into the fabric of American foreign policy in the Middle East, helping to justify early and continued support for Israel.

In the eyes of many Americans at the time, the creation of Israel wasn’t simply a political development—it was a redemptive act that aligned with shared democratic values and humanitarian ideals. It also fit neatly into the emerging Cold War paradigm, where supporting Israel was seen as part of a broader effort to counter Soviet influence in the region, forming the early architecture of what would later be known as the US-Israel strategic partnership.

Strategic and Military Cooperation

Geopolitical Interests in the Middle East

At the core of the US-Israel strategic partnership lies a cold, calculated understanding: Israel serves as a crucial pillar of American foreign policy in the Middle East, not only as a democratic ally but as a forward-operating partner in a region where direct U.S. military involvement has grown increasingly unpopular.

From the Cold War era to the present day, the Middle East has been a geopolitical chessboard where proxy warfare and regional influence are constantly in flux. Israel has played a critical role in helping the U.S. counterbalance hostile regimes and non-state actors, particularly those aligned with U.S. adversaries such as Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah.

In the current strategic landscape, Iran stands as the primary rival to both American and Israeli interests. Through its network of proxy groups—from Hezbollah in Lebanon to the Houthis in Yemen—Iran has expanded its regional reach in defiance of American efforts to contain it.

Here, Israel acts as a frontline deterrent, conducting precision airstrikes against Iranian weapons transfers in Syria, sabotaging nuclear infrastructure, and applying relentless pressure to Tehran’s ambitions, often with the tacit or explicit support of Washington.

Additionally, Israel plays an active role in tracking and neutralizing jihadist networks, including ISIS remnants and Al-Qaeda affiliates. This aligns closely with American counterterrorism goals, particularly after the drawdowns in Iraq and Afghanistan, where U.S. presence has diminished but threats remain.

Read also: U.S. Deploys 2nd Aircraft Carrier to Red Sea Amid Houthi Threats

One of the enduring appeals of Israel to U.S. strategists is that it allows Washington to project power in the Middle East without maintaining a large footprint of U.S. troops. Unlike in Iraq or Afghanistan, where American intervention proved costly and controversial, Israel provides a self-reliant military force that operates in alignment with U.S. interests, without demanding American lives be risked in ground combat.

Israel’s sophisticated military capabilities—ranging from advanced airpower to cutting-edge cyber warfare—enable it to act swiftly and independently while still being firmly embedded within the broader architecture of American influence. This has become even more critical in a time when U.S. voters are increasingly skeptical of new military entanglements abroad.

Another pillar of the Israel US alliance is the intensive intelligence collaboration that binds the two nations together. Israeli intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Aman (military intelligence), are among the most effective in the world, and the United States often benefits from Israel’s aggressive and proactive posture toward common enemies.

Whether it’s foiling planned terror attacks, monitoring weapons proliferation, or infiltrating extremist groups, Israeli intelligence has become an indispensable asset to American national security interests. This tight cooperation also extends into cyber warfare, electronic surveillance, and joint military simulations aimed at preparing for hybrid warfare and emerging threats.

Israel’s geographical location also enhances its strategic value. Positioned on the Mediterranean, bordering Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, and within striking distance of Iran, Israel occupies a geopolitical sweet spot for surveillance, rapid deployment, and power projection.

Recent developments such as the Abraham Accords and warming ties between Israel and Gulf Arab states—encouraged and brokered by Washington—have further elevated Israel’s status as a stabilizing partner in a realigned Middle East, where countering Iran and containing instability are shared regional priorities.

U.S. Military Aid and Joint Initiatives

Nowhere is the depth of US-Israel military cooperation more apparent than in the scale of American aid to Israel. Under the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the United States committed to providing Israel $3.8 billion annually in military assistance over a ten-year period—the largest such package in U.S. history. This aid is not just financial; it reflects a long-term commitment to ensuring Israel’s “qualitative military edge” in the region.

In return, Israel often uses that funding to purchase American-made weapons, strengthening the U.S. defense industry and reinforcing military alignment between the two states. Furthermore, joint development projects like the Iron Dome missile defense system symbolize how intertwined the two nations have become in defense innovation.

Developed with significant U.S. funding and technological collaboration, the Iron Dome has become a centerpiece of Israel’s defense strategy and a tangible symbol of the US-Israel alliance.

Watch also: Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ Compared to U.S. Patriots

Such systems are not just built for Israeli defense; they serve as prototypes for future American defense applications and help both countries adapt to new forms of warfare, including drone attacks and short-range missile threats. This level of military integration reinforces not only operational cooperation but also shared long-term security goals.

Shared Democratic Values and Cultural Ties

Beyond military strategy and geopolitical calculations, the US-Israel alliance is also built on a powerful narrative of ideological and cultural kinship. For decades, American policymakers have justified unwavering support for Israel not only through national interest but through the lens of shared democratic values, religious identity, and a perceived moral duty rooted in Judeo-Christian traditions.

Common Political Ideals

Israel has long been described by American leaders as “the only democracy in the Middle East,” a phrase that has become a political mantra in Washington. Despite the region’s reputation for autocratic regimes and political instability, Israel boasts a multiparty parliamentary system, regular elections, an independent judiciary, and a vocal civil society. These features, while sometimes tested, are consistently highlighted as evidence that Israel shares core political ideals with the United States.

Framing Israel as a democratic ally has had significant implications. It allows U.S. administrations—whether Republican or Democrat—to promote the relationship as one not just based on interest, but on principle. The alignment with democratic norms serves to elevate Israel above its neighbors in American foreign policy discourse and reinforces the idea that defending Israel is akin to defending democracy itself.

This narrative has also proven effective domestically. In a nation that prides itself on liberty, civil rights, and representative governance, portraying Israel as a partner with similar commitments helps justify massive aid packages and unwavering diplomatic backing, even when Israel’s actions provoke international criticism.

Religious and Cultural Connections

Cultural affinity between the United States and Israel also runs deep, especially through the prism of religion. The concept of Judeo-Christian values—a fusion of Biblical ethics, moral responsibility, and Western legal principles—has played a powerful role in shaping American identity and, by extension, public support for Israel.

For many Americans, especially within evangelical and conservative Christian communities, Israel holds not only political but spiritual significance. The biblical narrative of the “Promised Land” and the return of the Jewish people to Zion resonates strongly with religious teachings in churches across the U.S. These beliefs fuel a grassroots base of pro-Israel advocacy that influences both public opinion and legislative agendas.

This cultural bond is amplified through media, education, and even tourism. From American pilgrims visiting Jerusalem to Christian pastors preaching about the importance of supporting Israel, the emotional connection is constantly reinforced. In Washington, lawmakers often refer to this bond not just as strategic, but as “unbreakable”, citing shared heritage, mutual values, and divine purpose.

Furthermore, influential groups such as AIPAC and other elements of the pro-Israel lobby in the U.S. frequently draw upon these religious and cultural themes to galvanize political support. The result is a powerful alignment where policy, religion, and culture converge to sustain strong US-Israel relations regardless of shifting geopolitical winds.

Economic and Technological Partnerships

While the US-Israel alliance is often viewed through the lenses of military and ideological cooperation, economic and technological collaboration forms an equally critical—yet sometimes underappreciated—pillar of their enduring relationship.

Bilateral Trade Relations: The US-Israel Free Trade Agreement

The economic ties between the two nations were formalized in 1985 through the U.S.–Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA)—the first FTA ever signed by the United States. This landmark agreement removed tariffs on most goods traded between the two countries and paved the way for deeper integration in various sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and defense technologies.

Since its implementation, bilateral trade has expanded significantly, with two-way goods trade surpassing $35 billion annually in recent years. While Israel is a relatively small economy by global standards, it remains a strategic trading partner for the U.S., especially in areas where quality, innovation, and security-related technologies are prioritized.

Moreover, the FTA established the foundation for an economic relationship that is not just about quantity, but strategic value. Many of the goods and services exchanged between the two nations relate to industries vital to national security, healthcare, energy, and information technology—further reinforcing the idea that U.S.-Israel economic ties are intricately linked to their broader strategic alliance.

Collaboration in Innovation and Technology

Israel is often referred to as the “Startup Nation”, and for good reason. With more startups per capita than any other country, Israel has emerged as a global leader in tech innovation, particularly in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and defense systems. American firms, universities, and government agencies have long recognized and tapped into this innovation ecosystem.

Through numerous joint research and development programs, including those funded by the Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation and the Binational Science Foundation (BSF), Israel and the United States co-invest in high-impact projects that benefit industries and consumers in both nations. These programs are designed not only to promote scientific collaboration but also to foster technological solutions to shared challenges, from public health to national defense.

American tech giants—such as Google, Microsoft, Intel, and Apple—operate major research centers in Israel, often integrating Israeli innovations into their global products and platforms. In return, Israeli startups receive access to U.S. markets, venture capital, and academic partnerships, allowing them to scale their breakthroughs globally.

In the defense sector, Israeli technologies like the Iron Dome missile defense system, co-funded and jointly developed with U.S. defense agencies, showcase the synergistic potential of this partnership. These innovations not only bolster Israeli security but also provide the U.S. military with tested and refined defense solutions applicable in other conflict zones.

Political Influence and Lobbying Efforts

While strategic interests and shared values are often cited as the backbone of US-Israel relations, it is impossible to understand the depth and durability of this alliance without examining the domestic political forces at play. Chief among these are influential lobbying organizations, powerful interest groups, and the electoral incentives that push American politicians—across the political spectrum—to adopt consistently pro-Israel positions.

Role of Advocacy Groups: AIPAC and the Pro-Israel Lobby

At the forefront of this domestic machinery is the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in Washington. AIPAC’s influence extends far beyond financial donations; it plays a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy discourse, organizing annual conferences attended by top lawmakers and presidents, and promoting legislation that aligns with Israeli interests.

Through its vast network of donors, grassroots mobilization, and strategic relationships with both Democratic and Republican leaders, AIPAC has successfully maintained overwhelming bipartisan support for Israel in Congress. From securing billions in military aid to opposing UN resolutions critical of Israel, its lobbying has ensured that support for Israel remains a political constant, regardless of administration or global opinion.

Beyond AIPAC, a range of other pro-Israel organizations, including Christian Zionist groups, think tanks, and political action committees, contribute to the ecosystem that pressures U.S. lawmakers to adopt and maintain pro-Israel stances. These groups not only shape legislative agendas but also influence media narratives and public framing of the Israel-Palestine conflict, often reinforcing pro-Israel perspectives and marginalizing dissent.

Public Opinion and Electoral Considerations

Equally important is the favorable perception of Israel among large segments of the American public, particularly among older generations, evangelical Christians, and center-right voters. Decades of cultural affinity, religious narratives, and geopolitical alignment have cultivated a belief—especially in conservative circles—that supporting Israel is synonymous with patriotism, moral duty, and defending democracy.

This public sentiment has clear electoral implications. Politicians who express strong support for Israel often gain favor with influential voting blocs and campaign donors. Conversely, those who question or criticize Israeli policies—even in the face of civilian casualties or international condemnation—risk being labeled as anti-Israel or even antisemitic, a politically damaging accusation in many districts.

For presidential candidates and members of Congress alike, appearing at AIPAC’s annual policy conference has become a rite of passage, signaling their commitment to Israel and solidifying support among politically active and well-funded constituencies. Some candidates have even framed their unwavering support for Israel as a moral red line, thus reinforcing its sacrosanct place in American political culture.

Even when public opinion begins to shift—especially among younger, more progressive Americans—the structural power of lobbying, donor influence, and political inertia ensures that official U.S. policy remains overwhelmingly pro-Israel. This dynamic contributes to the perception that U.S. support for Israel is driven less by ethical evaluation and more by political calculus.

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So, Why does the US support Israel, even though much of the world condemns its actions in Gaza?

The answer lies in a complex blend of strategic interests, shared democratic values, and domestic political influence. Decades of US-Israel military cooperation, joint defense projects like the Iron Dome, and strong economic ties have made Israel a key ally in the Middle East.

At home, groups like AIPAC and the broader pro-Israel lobby in the US shape policy through lobbying and electoral pressure, reinforcing unwavering support across party lines. For many American leaders, backing Israel reflects both geopolitical strategy and alignment with Judeo-Christian values.

Yet as global outrage grows over civilian casualties, the U.S. faces increasing scrutiny. This enduring alliance now sits at a moral crossroads—where Cold War loyalties and domestic politics collide with international calls for accountability.