Why supporting Israel is in America’s best interest

America’s bond with Israel is rooted not only in history and values, but also in shared security, economic partnership, and humanitarian innovation. At a time when the Middle East remains volatile, supporting Israel is not simply a matter of foreign policy—it is a matter of national interest.

Shared Democratic Values

Israel is the only liberal democracy in the Middle East. Its citizens enjoy freedoms of speech, worship, and human rights that mirror America’s own constitutional foundations. In a region dominated by authoritarian regimes, Israel is the lone stable and pro-American nation. Preserving this alliance ensures the United States has a steadfast partner advancing freedom in one of the world’s most strategically critical areas.

Security and Counterterrorism

Israel is an indispensable ally in the global fight against terrorism. Its advanced intelligence, innovative technology, and proven military capabilities provide the United States with crucial advantages. American and Israeli militaries conduct joint training exercises, and US defense has directly benefited from Israeli ingenuity. For example, Israel developed reactive armor that has saved countless American soldiers from IED attacks. Its breakthroughs in combat medicine and post-trauma treatment continue to strengthen US forces.

The security partnership also extends to civilian life. Cooperation with Israeli experts has dramatically improved US airline and airport security. Police commissioners and sheriffs nationwide partner with Israeli counterparts on best practices for counterterrorism and public safety. Without Israel, the United States would be forced to deploy tens of thousands of troops and multiple aircraft carriers in the Middle East at staggering costs. Instead, our partnership allows America to project strength while limiting unnecessary entanglements.

Economic Partnership

Israel is also one of America’s strongest economic allies. In 1985, the United States signed its first free-trade agreement with Israel. Today, that trade exceeds $40 billion annually. Thirty US states have cooperative agreements with Israel in technology, agriculture, energy, business and homeland security. Of the 250 multinational companies operating in Israel, two-thirds are American—Apple, Intel, Microsoft, IBM and Cisco among them.

This collaboration fuels innovation on both sides. U.S. firms benefit from Israel’s entrepreneurial culture, while American consumers gain access to cutting-edge products and services born from joint ventures.

Medical Innovation

Perhaps nowhere is Israel’s contribution more visible than in health care. Home to nearly 1,000 medical device companies, Israel is a world leader in patents per capita and in total medical patents. Its pioneering work in mobile health, AI-powered diagnostics and novel therapies is improving access, quality and precision of care worldwide.

Israeli companies are also advancing cybersecurity for health infrastructure and supply chains, protecting sensitive data and ensuring reliability in an increasingly digital age. Hospitals across the United States rely on Israeli technology that saves lives and creates jobs.

Energy and Water Solutions

Israel’s expertise in energy and water technology is shaping the future of sustainability. From solar power and natural gas development to desalination and drip irrigation, Israeli innovation provides models for drought-stricken U.S. states. These advances bolster global energy security and promote responsible water management—an issue of growing urgency at home and abroad.

Humanitarian Aid and Volunteerism

Despite its small size, Israel has an outsized impact in global humanitarian relief. Since 1957, Israel’s official aid division, MASHAV, has trained more than 270,000 participants from 132 nations, improving agriculture, medicine and water systems in developing countries.

Non-governmental groups like IsraAID extend this mission. Their teams—often the first to arrive after disasters—have assisted in more than 140 countries. In the United States, they supported recovery after Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey, California wildfires and the Surfside condominium collapse in Florida. These efforts reflect a national culture of volunteerism and compassion that benefits the world.

A Tradition of Repairing the World

The drive to help others and make the world a better place is nothing new. It is simply part of the Jewish DNA. Generations of Jewish people have prayed daily for Tikkun Olam, or the repair of the world. The biblical foundation of this concept is found in Isaiah 1:17, where the people of Israel are instructed to “Seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” This value permeates Israeli society, which carries out Tikkun Olam in times of need.

Israel has certainly made our world a better place in ways that far outweigh its size in population or land mass. The world—and particularly Americans—should be grateful and support Israel’s efforts to win this war so the Jewish State can get back to the mission of Tikkun Olam.

Conclusion

Israel’s impact far exceeds its size. It strengthens American security, drives economic growth, advances medical and technological innovation, and offers humanitarian aid across the globe. Supporting Israel is not charity; it is an investment in democracy, stability, and shared progress.

At a moment when Israel faces existential threats, America must stand firm in its alliance. Doing so protects U.S. interests, upholds our values, and ensures that Israel can continue its vital mission of making the world a better place.