Why Does the U.S. Support Israel

Why Does the U.S. Support and Fund Israel So Much?

In this complex and deeply consequential moment in world affairs, one question echoes across universities, communities, and Congressional halls alike: Why does the United States support and fund Israel so much? This isn’t merely a question of foreign policy—it’s a window into the past, present, and future of American global strategy, moral responsibility, and political identity.

To understand U.S. support for Israel, we must travel back to 1948, when the United States became the first country to recognize the new State of Israel. This came in the aftermath of World War II and the Holocaust, when global sympathy for the Jewish people was understandably high. At that time, U.S. aid to Israel was modest—mostly loans and humanitarian assistance.

However, the nature of that relationship changed dramatically in the 1970s, particularly after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Facing attacks from Soviet-backed Egypt and Syria, Israel received an urgent influx of U.S. military support. This was a turning point. It wasn’t just about protecting an ally anymore—it was about Cold War strategy, asserting influence in the Middle East, and countering Soviet presence in the region.

Then came the Camp David Accords in 1978, where American diplomacy helped forge peace between Egypt and Israel. In exchange, the U.S. committed to long-term military and economic support for both countries. This ushered in an era of deep military partnership that continues to this day.

Today, the U.S. provides Israel with approximately $3.8 billion annually, mostly in the form of military financing. This represents about 16% of Israel’s total defense budget, and includes advanced weapons, joint technology development, and first access to American defense systems.

This military support ensures Israel's qualitative military edge over its neighbors—a concept rooted in U.S. law, which ensures Israel always has superior technology compared to its adversaries. It also gives the U.S. a foothold in one of the most volatile but strategically critical regions of the world.

But let us be clear: this aid is not only about regional strategy. It’s about shared intelligence, joint military drills, defense innovation, and influence over Israel’s security decisions.

However, in the wake of Hamas' October 7th attacks and Israel’s response in Gaza, U.S. aid has come under increasing scrutiny—especially from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.

Senator Bernie Sanders, for example, introduced a resolution on January 16th demanding that U.S. aid be contingent on a human rights review. He questioned whether American-made 2,000-pound bombs were being used to level entire neighborhoods. Though his resolution was overwhelmingly defeated in the Senate by a 72 to 11 vote, it marked a historic shift—the fact that such a resolution made it to the floor indicates growing unease within Congress.

Increasingly, activists and young voters are asking: Are we complicit? Are American tax dollars being used in ways that violate human rights?

So why does the United States continue its unwavering support for Israel? At its core, this relationship is driven by a blend of strategic, ideological, and political motivations. Maintaining strategic dominance in the Middle East remains a central pillar of American foreign policy, and Israel serves as a key military and intelligence partner in that effort. The two nations also share a foundation of democratic governance and technological innovation, facilitating close cooperation on intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and defense systems. This partnership has been further solidified by decades of bipartisan political support within the U.S., making aid to Israel a longstanding tradition in Washington’s foreign policy agenda.

However, the future of this alliance may not remain as unquestioned as it once was. With the ongoing conflict in Gaza and rising global concern over civilian casualties, there is increasing pressure—particularly from younger and progressive voices within the Democratic Party—for greater transparency and accountability. Questions are being raised about whether U.S. military aid should come with conditions, especially in cases where human rights violations may be involved. As public discourse shifts, debates surrounding the ethical use of American taxpayer dollars, the proportionality of military responses, and the moral responsibilities embedded in U.S. foreign aid are likely to intensify.

The U.S. aid to Israel is not simply a matter of financial transactions—it is a reflection of a deeper historical alliance, strategic calculations, and shared ideological narratives. Since Israel’s founding in 1948, American support has evolved from post-Holocaust humanitarian assistance to a robust military and political partnership that has shaped the balance of power in the Middle East. Over time, this alliance has been framed as a mutual commitment to democratic values and regional stability. Yet, as the world changes and the costs of conflict become increasingly visible, particularly in the wake of devastating civilian casualties in Gaza, Americans are beginning to reevaluate the foundations and future of this relationship.

Public opinion is shifting, especially among younger generations who are calling for a more values-based foreign policy. The rise of vocal dissent, even within the U.S. Congress, suggests that the era of unconditional support may be giving way to one where accountability, human rights, and international law become central considerations. The choices the United States makes now—whether to continue, condition, or reconsider this aid—will not only influence U.S.-Israel relations but will also redefine America's identity on the global stage. Let us remain vigilant, informed, and committed to a foreign policy that mirrors our highest ideals.

References

Katzman, K. (2023). U.S.-Israel Relations: Background and U.S. Foreign Assistance. Congressional Research Service. https://crsreports.congress.gov

Quandt, W. B. (2005). Peace Process: American Diplomacy and the Arab-Israeli Conflict since 1967 (3rd ed.). University of California Press.

Sanders, B. (2024, January 16). Senate Resolution on U.S. Aid and Human Rights in Gaza. Congressional Record.

Sharp, J. M. (2023). U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel. Congressional Research Service. https://crsreports.congress.gov

Telhami, S. (2002). The Stakes: America and the Middle East. Westview Press.