The US has long and often been an ally to Israel. We have poured billions of dollars of American taxpayers’ money into Israel. Our support for Israel has cost us a good deal more than money, also. And what American politician has not touted his support for Israel? But when has Israel been an ally to the US? When has Israel sacrificed its interests or desires or resources in order to help or serve US interests? Hasn’t Israel always taken from the US but rarely given anything in return? Has Israel the same values as the US? Political and legal equality for all citizens, separation of church and state, respect for minority rights as well as for majority rule? Compared to most of it neighbors Israel and the US are much alike, but not nearly as much alike a the US and western Europe, and one doesn’t see the unqualified support for Europe here that one sees for Israel. If Israel were admitted as a state into the US, it would have less influence over our national affairs than it does now. (Not that I think that would be a good idea.) In short, the US-Israel alliance is neither about mutual support, nor friendship, nor shared values. It has a lot more to do with history, American political reality, and strategic necessity. Like more alliances.
The US has long and often been an ally to Israel. We have poured billions of dollars of American taxpayers’ money into Israel. Our support for Israel has cost us a good deal more than money, also. And what American politician has not touted his support for Israel? But when has Israel been an ally to the US? When has Israel sacrificed its interests or desires or resources in order to help or serve US interests? Hasn’t Israel always taken from the US but rarely given anything in return? Has Israel the same values as the US? Political and legal equality for all citizens, separation of church and state, respect for minority rights as well as for majority rule? Compared to most of it neighbors Israel and the US are much alike, but not nearly as much alike a the US and western Europe, and one doesn’t see the unqualified support for Europe here that one sees for Israel. If Israel were admitted as a state into the US, it would have less influence over our national affairs than it does now. (Not that I think that would be a good idea.) In short, the US-Israel alliance is neither about mutual support, nor friendship, nor shared values. It has a lot more to do with history, American political reality, and strategic necessity. Like more alliances.