United States (US) and Israel

The friendship between the United States (US) and Israel has been one of the most influential international relationships in modern history. The two countries, though thousands of miles apart, have enjoyed a close relationship since Israel’s founding in 1948. This relationship is influenced by strategic, cultural, and political interests. This article will examine the history of the development of the US-Israeli friendship, how these dynamics have changed over time, and the key factors that have strengthened their alliance.

On May 14, 1948, Israel declared its independence, and hours later, President Harry S. Truman became the first world leader to officially recognize the state of Israel. This swift American recognition gave Israel a strong moral boost, especially as neighboring countries in the Middle East opposed the creation of the new state. It also demonstrated US support for the Jewish aspirations for a homeland after the Holocaust.

However, Truman’s decision also faced domestic challenges. There was debate at home about whether supporting Israel would negatively impact US relations with oil-rich Arab states. Regardless of the debate, US recognition strengthened a relationship that would serve as a basis for continued support.

In the early 1960s, the United States began to increase its military support for Israel. One of the most significant events occurred during the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel fought an alliance of Arab states led by Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. In this conflict, Israel demonstrated its military strength by capturing important territories such as the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

Although the United States did not directly participate in this war, it later provided significant military assistance to strengthen Israel's defenses. This policy was driven not only by the need to protect Israel, but also by US concerns about the influence of the Soviet Union in the Middle East. This support was reinforced in 1973, during the Yom Kippur War. In this war, the United States provided massive military assistance to Israel, which ultimately helped the country survive a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria.

In the late 1970s, the United States played a key role as a mediator in achieving peace in the Middle East. President Jimmy Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981, invited Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to Camp David. In 1978, after several days of intensive negotiations, the two leaders signed the Camp David Accords, a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Egypt became the first Arab country to officially recognize Israel, and the agreement was a major milestone in efforts to stabilize the region.

The relationship between the United States and Israel also reflects mutual political and economic interests. Israel, as the only stable democracy in the Middle East, is an important ally for the United States in securing its interests in the region. At the same time, the United States has become one of Israel's largest trading partners, with trade ties involving high technology, cybersecurity, and other innovations. US support has also increased through billions of dollars in military aid each year, making Israel one of the largest recipients of US military aid.

While the relationship between the United States and Israel is strong, it has not always been free from controversy. US support for Israel has often created tensions with Arab and Muslim countries in the Middle East, many of whom support the Palestinians. The decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the most complex issues in international politics.

US governments have faced a dilemma between maintaining close ties with Israel and trying to be a neutral mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Under several presidents, including George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, the US tried to broker a peaceful solution through the two-state solution, namely the creation of two states for Israel and Palestine. However, despite diplomatic efforts and peace talks, the conflict remains unresolved.

In addition to military cooperation, US-Israeli relations have grown rapidly in the areas of technology and security. Israel is known as one of the most advanced countries in terms of defense and cyber technology, which have become important areas of cooperation between the two countries. In the early 21st century, the US and Israel worked together to counter the threat of terrorism, especially after the events of September 11, 2001. This collaboration included the exchange of intelligence, surveillance technology, and counter-terrorism strategies.

One symbol of this cooperation is the Iron Dome missile defense system, which is largely funded by the US. Iron Dome is a system designed to protect Israel from short-range missile attacks, especially from militant groups in Gaza. This system not only symbolizes strong military ties but also shows that technological cooperation between the US and Israel is getting closer.

US-Israel relations have remained strong under various administrations, both Republican and Democratic. However, new challenges have emerged as policies in the Middle East have changed and political differences have grown within the US. For example, Israel's settlement policy in the West Bank has often been a controversial issue in the US, especially among those who support Palestinian rights.

President Joe Biden's administration has demonstrated a commitment to supporting Israel while emphasizing the need for a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In addition, Biden has also expressed a commitment to reviving the Iran nuclear deal, which Israel had previously strongly opposed. In the future, US-Israeli relations may face more tests, especially with the increasing influence of countries such as China and Russia in the Middle East.

The history of the friendship between the United States and Israel is a long one filled with support, challenges, and collaboration. The two countries continue to build a strong alliance through military assistance, technological cooperation, and a commitment to stability in the Middle East. Despite future challenges, the relationship is likely to remain strong because it is based on strategic interests, shared values, and significant influence in global politics.

The United States and Israel have shown that international relations can go beyond political and economic alliances to include cultural and historical ties. With public support in both countries remaining high, the U.S.-Israel friendship will continue to play a significant role on the international stage, even as the world and its political dynamics change.

The United States has consistently supported Israel on a range of policies, particularly those related to defense and security. This support is reflected in massive military aid, technological collaboration, and diplomatic protection in international forums. However, it is important to note that this support is not always absolute or without criticism. Some Israeli policies, such as the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and policies toward the Palestinians, have often drawn criticism from the US, especially among politicians and the public who support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Each US administration has had a different approach. For example, some administrations, such as that of President Barack Obama, have sometimes pressured Israel on settlement policy, while the Donald Trump administration has supported steps such as moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem. Under President Joe Biden, while military and diplomatic support remains strong, there has been an effort to balance the approach by encouraging peace talks and curbing policies that are seen as exacerbating tensions in the Middle East. Overall, the US has a strong commitment to Israel's security, which is often a top priority in its foreign policy in the region.

The idea that the United States and Israel have ambitions for world domination often comes from a conspiracy theory perspective or a skeptical view of their foreign policies. However, in reality, the policies of both countries tend to be more focused on their respective national interests and security.

As a superpower, the United States has broad global interests, especially in terms of trade, security, and the spread of democratic values. Much of US foreign policy is driven by the need to protect its economic interests, secure its allies, and prevent conflicts that could disrupt international stability. The United States often maintains military bases in various countries and forms strategic alliances in many regions, but these moves are usually explained as an effort to maintain its influence rather than to "rule the world."

As a relatively small country in the Middle East, Israel focuses more on its regional security than its global influence. Long-standing conflicts with its neighbors and security threats from certain groups have made Israel heavily dependent on strong alliances, especially with the United States. These alliances are intended to ensure Israel's survival and security amid regional tensions, but rarely involve ambitions to dominate other countries outside its security sphere.

Both countries do have a great influence in various fields, from military to technology, and their collaboration has created significant effects in the Middle East region. However, the claim that their main motivation is more focused on national security and interests than global hegemonic ambitions seems like a lie.