Is it in U.S. Interests to Support Israel?

Hi. I’m Lone Candle.

Is it in the interests of the Untied States to support Israel? The U.S. doesn’t simply sell Israel some weapons like it does to Egypt or Saudi Araba. The U.S. has a special relationship and quasi alliance with Israel where the U.S. promises to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge compared to others in the region and gives Israel more military aid than any other country while also giving them diplomatic cover in the U.N.. The U.S. isn’t just a friend or supporter of Israel, it has made a moral commitment to defend Israel’s right to exist.

Does it make sense for the U.S. to continue doing this, or, should the U.S. start treating Israel like a normal country? Which option would be best for the United States?

COSTS

There are several downsides to the U.S. supporting Israel.

Financial Costs

Although the direct cost of helping Israel is large, it pales in comparison to some of the historical knock-on effects.

The United States subsidizes Israeli purchases of U.S. weapons and subsidizes Israeli research and development. The U.S. has given three billion dollars every year, adjusted for inflation, for the last fifty years. Israel is the number one receiver of U.S. security aid. This is tax payer money that could be spent elsewhere or given back to the American people.