‘As a US representative, I represent the American people. My full focus is on fixing America’s problems... Most importantly, I demand the federal government serve the American people, who pay your salaries.”
This was the justification offered by Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene for introducing a measure to cancel $500 million in funding for Israel’s missile defense system, citing the cost of foreign aid amid growing national debt.
In her statement, Rep. Greene pitted “America First” priorities against support for Israel, assuming that they are mutually exclusive. For decades, Americans and their elected officials supported a strong US-Israel relationship. On a bipartisan basis, US House members, senators, and presidents understood that a strong US-Israel relationship led to a more secure America.
President Ronald Reagan said, “We know what Israel is. We know what Israel means. When it comes to Israel, the United States is a friend and an ally. And that’s why one of the things I’m proudest of is the steps we’ve been able to take during this administration to build a stronger foundation of enduring friendship and cooperation.
“For example, strategic cooperation – something other administrations shied away from – is now a commitment our two governments have made to each other. It responds to our mutual needs and is a reminder to all that no wedge will be driven between the United States and Israel.”
Although on the other side of the political spectrum, president Barack Obama expressed similar sentiments: “The source of our friendship extends beyond mere interests, just as it has transcended political parties and individual leaders. America is a nation of immigrants. America is strengthened by diversity. America is enriched by faith.
“We are governed not simply by men and women but by laws. We’re fueled by entrepreneurship and innovation, and we are defined by a democratic discourse that allows each generation to reimagine and renew our union once more. So in Israel, we see values that we share, even as we recognize what makes us different. That is an essential part of our bond.”
Greene and others like her on America’s Right and Left have begun to undermine the decades-old strong US-Israel relationship. It is the responsibility of every American who loves, cares, and is concerned for America’s security to rebut their claims and point out the erroneous arguments that assert that “America First” and support for Israel are conflicting interests.
Jerusalem is one of Washington’s most dependable partners
AMERICA AND Israel have a traditionally strong relationship because of their shared values and interests. In addition to these interests, America gains from its relationship with Israel in very tangible ways.
Jerusalem is one of Washington’s most dependable military partners in an unstable region full of American enemies. The US and Israel collaborate on defense technology and equipment, making it easier for their militaries to work side-by-side when faced with threats from these enemies.
The Jewish state shares highly valuable intelligence with the United States, offering insight into regional security threats, extremist groups, and new forms of technology used by hostile actors. The partnership also extends to protecting critical infrastructure and private-sector networks, strengthening national security at home.
Israel’s normalization agreements with Arab states, the Abraham Accords, have created new diplomatic channels that benefit US regional strategy. These agreements strengthen Washington’s influence and create a more stable Middle East aligned with US interests. Trade between the United States and Israel directly supports American jobs, especially in sectors like technology, pharmaceuticals, and defense.
When Israel buys US products, it brings in meaningful export revenue and strengthens American industries. Thanks to the long-standing Free Trade Agreement, businesses in both countries benefit from stable and predictable economic ties.
US and Israeli cyber teams don’t just share technology; they train together and run large-scale cyber defense simulations that involve government, military, and private-sector experts. This cooperation gives organizations important tools to fight and to protect important infrastructure and stop financial cybercrime.
Israel is known for having one of the most advanced trauma and emergency medical systems in the world, and this directly benefits American military doctors and first responders. Through joint research and shared medical experience, the two countries have improved battlefield treatment, tourniquet design, blood-plasma methods, and emergency protocols for mass-casualty events.
Beyond water technology, the partnership drives breakthroughs in sustainable agriculture and food science. American companies collaborate with Israeli firms on vertical farming, precision fertilization, drought-resistant crops, and alternative-protein production.
Washington and Jerusalem also work closely together in the area of space and defense technology. This includes cooperation on missile-warning satellites, military communication systems, and early-detection tools that help identify threats like drone attacks or missile launches.
US homeland security agencies use Israeli maritime-defense technology to help secure American ports, coastal areas, and shipping routes. This cooperation protects American trade, strengthens border security, and keeps critical shipping lanes safe.
Besides working together on traditional energy projects like gas pipelines, the US and Israel now team up on new clean-energy technologies. Through this cooperation, America is better positioned to lead in next-generation energy innovation and protect its supply chains while moving toward greater energy independence.
ISRAEL HAS developed unique expertise in afforestation, soil protection, and farming techniques suited for dry, desert climates. The US applies many of these lessons to better manage land in its own regions, especially in the southwest. This collaboration helps US land-management agencies improve environmental resilience and long-term sustainability in fragile ecosystems.
Jerusalem works closely with Washington to fight fraud, illegal financing, and international smuggling networks. The partnership strengthens law enforcement cooperation and supports the rule of law on a global scale.
Israeli scientists are leaders in developing advanced medical technologies, including robotic surgery tools, cancer-detection systems, and emergency trauma treatments. This partnership helps accelerate progress in the American healthcare system and supports better outcomes for patients nationwide.
David’s Sling is jointly developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and America’s Raytheon and is designed to intercept medium-to-long-range rockets and tactical ballistic missiles. This creates valuable data flow, which supports vital US missile defense technology development.
The US and Israel work together on cutting-edge AI that powers defense systems, medical tools, and automation. Israeli start-ups and academic labs contribute new models and algorithms that the American technology ecosystem can build on. This collaboration ensures the United States remains at the forefront of global artificial intelligence innovation.
It is a shame that some Americans have begun undermining the relationship. They are victims of their own ignorance, bias, or gullibility. There are countless examples of how the US-Israel relationship benefits America. The above examples are just the tip of the iceberg of the United States’ return on its investment in Israel. Americans who put America first value the US-Israel relationship and constantly work to strengthen it.
The writer is a Zionist educator at institutions around the world and the author of Zionism Today.