The US-Israel Military Aid Deal: Who Really Benefits?
A chronic complaint against both America and Israel is the approximately US $4 billion in military aid that transfers annually from Washington’s coffers to Jerusalem’s defense budget. Critics charge the US with unfairly favoring the Jewish state and accuse Israel of using the funds to commit atrocities against the Palestinians. Let us explore the issues and accusations by addressing three key questions.
From Hesitant to Helpful
The US was not always so supportive of Israel. Though much-touted as the first nation to recognize the nascent Jewish state in 1948, Washington’s strategic interests lay with the Arab world and its vast oil supplies, not in the struggling, oil-poor Jewish remnant in Zion facing the impending Arab onslaught. The US State Department consistently undermined Zionist alignment in favor of keeping the Arabs appeased and the oil flowing. As a result, the US government had low regard for Israel in the beginning.
The Cold War, with its rising Soviet threat to American interests, altered the equation. As the Soviets armed Egypt, Syria and Iraq, the US needed militarily resilient Israel as a beachhead for regional stability. The Jewish state’s dramatic victory in the 1967 Six Day War sealed the deal, as Israel went from potential liability to strategic asset in the turbulent region. Then, Israel’s near disaster in the 1973 War exposed the extent of advanced Soviet arms used by Arab armies and underscored that tiny Israel had become the front of the superpowers’ arms race, prompting a major increase in US military aid.
The 80s and 90s saw the rise of Evangelical political influence in America. With it came a demonstrated affinity for shared biblical, historical and cultural values. Both the US and Israel championed democratic, free market, and religious principles in their growing spheres of influence. However, most influential was the shared spiritual connection to the reconstituted land and people of Israel, which means that the biblical theology of Zionism espoused by American Christians directly shaped congressional funding decisions.
How Does Israel Use the Aid it Receives?
Where does Israel spend most of the billions it receives? Right back in the US! By agreement, Israel uses US government vouchers to purchase arms almost exclusively from American companies. That means Israeli purchases of precision munitions, aircraft, missiles and technology contribute to the creation of jobs for thousands of Americans.
Another important consideration is that Israel’s billions in arms purchases are exclusively for survival since the Jewish state has faced existential threats since its inception. Moreover, most of Israel’s US-funded arsenal is defensive, with anti-missile systems like the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow comprising the vast majority of Israel’s defense expenditures. And passive measures like radar, early warning technologies, armored protection and troop support equipment simply reflect Israel’s need for vigilance in the face of a jihadist threat of destruction. When Israel reluctantly goes on the offensive, it must be armed for decisive engagement with swift destruction of an Iranian-fueled attempt to wipe Israel off the map.
Israel’s air, land and sea forces employ guided munitions in a concerted effort to minimize noncombatant fatalities. No nation operating in the modern urban battle space has invested more heavily in precision targeting, evacuation warning and creating safe zones for the endangered populace. While the IDF is roundly blamed for civilian casualties, the record shows that the world owes a debt of honor to a military that so esteems human life it sacrifices its own to spare those of its foe.
What Does the US Get Out of the Deal?
Outsiders often weigh American support for Israel by what the US President says or does. While the administration in office is crucial, the real measure of American resolve is how the 535 representatives of the people, the US Congress, votes on Israel. Responding to what their constituents from every state and district demand, congressional members have historically offered bipartisan support to Israel. By their votes, US lawmakers have repeatedly affirmed Israel’s security as a core national interest.
Since the 1967 Six Day War, US strategists have recognized the Jewish state as a stabilizing force in a volatile region marked by political coups and Islamist extremism. A strong Israel keeps the US from having to deploy its own troops like it has, at a very high price. In 1981, US Secretary of State Alexander Hague famously characterized Israel as “America’s largest aircraft carrier that doesn’t require a single US soldier on board.” At a cost of 0.05% of the total federal budget, it turns out that letting Israel handle Middle East security is a very good deal for America and the West.
The US and its allies benefit tremendously from Israel’s world class intelligence sharing, technological developments and operational experience. US ability to know what trouble Iran, the world’s chief terror-sponsor is fomenting is directly attributable to Israel’s stellar intelligence services. The US has also authorized the Israel defense industry to make modifications to F-35 fighters, missile defenses and other systems conveniently combat-tested by Israeli forces, mind-blowing improvements they share with the US. Just another windfall for the savvy superpower.
An Armed Israel of the Future
As the Hamas-generated Gazan body count mounted, former President Joe Biden began pressuring Israel into a ceasefire by withholding specific bomb sales. Since then, Israeli voices are increasingly calling for arms independence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s goal is to see Israel free of US dependency within a decade. With one of the most advanced arms industries in the world, Israel is now within reach of making its own fighter jets, precision bombs and anti-missile defenses. Case in point: the Iron Beam laser is currently being fielded to replace anti-missile systems that represent American dependence.
As steady as US Congressional support has been, there are signs that it is flagging. Israel realizes that next-generation Americans may not have their back. Though disconcerting for all who love Israel, could this be the hand of God moving His regathered people to be more dependent on Him? If the Lord of Hosts has given the Jewish state the resolve, know-how and resources to be the regional leader, should it not rise to its responsibility? These are weighty matters to ponder for both Israel and those who claim to stand with her.
Related Resources
Discover Your Purpose and God’s Heart For You
In today's divided, turbulent world, it's essential for the Church to rediscover God's heart. Our free e-book, authored by a seasoned expert with three decades of experience in Israel, delves deep into the teachings of Jesus (Yeshua) to reveal God’s principles of love and purpose. Learn how embracing these truths can bring significance and impact to your life, even amidst chaos. Subscribe now to receive your free copy and embark on a journey of transformation.