Introduction
Despite leaders from both countries reiterating their commitment to the special relationship that has defined U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East for decades, the security partnership between the U.S. and Israel is being tested by three major foreign policy issues: the situation in the West Bank and Gaza, the development of Iran’s nuclear program, and the regional upheaval in the wake of the Arab uprisings (Davydov & Samarskaia, 2020). When comparing the American and Israeli stances on these problems, it becomes clear that there are commonalities and differences in terms of interests and views on the threat level posed by the other side (Bard et al., 1997). This report analyzes the security relationship between U.S. and Israel and foreign challenges affecting the relationship.
The U.S.-Israeli Relationship
The U.S.-Israeli relationship is unique because of the extensive nature of their diplomatic, military, and economic links. The closeness of their links makes the United States and Israel’s relationship “unique” and the mutual respect, assistance, and understanding they show one another. According to the U.S.-Israel relations under Trump (2017), both nations cooperate to harmonize their international affairs and assist each other. The U.S.-Israel relationship is unique due to their long-term cooperation and coordination in many security areas. The commitment between these two states has provided a strong bond of safety links.
To help enhance the relationship between the United States and Israel, the United States has given Israel exceptional political and financial assistance. Israel is given around $3 billion in direct military and economic help each year, with the proportion of funds allocated to military aid and the proportion of funds allocated to economic aid varying from year to year (Zanotti, 2021). Israel gets this money at the beginning of the fiscal year, in contrast to the foreign assistance that the United States distributes to other nations. Furthermore, there are very few conditions linked to this money.
Foreign assistance is primarily provided to Israel by the United States through Foreign Military Support (F.M.S.). This assistance comes in the form of ‘coupons,’ which allow Israel to purchase an amount of U.S. military equipment equal to the value of the assistance. The allocated resources are used to purchase necessary items, such as jet fuel, and less critical items, such as virtual defense platforms. In recent years, Israel has increased its military spending by converting around 25 percent of the F.M.S. into Israeli currency (Zanotti, 2021). The United States offers Specific Military Support in addition to Regular Military Support and the interest that Regular Military Support receives from being pre-deposited in special funds inside the United States (Holt, 2014). Special Defense Operations Support, Special Army Gifts, which generally consist of surplus goods from the United States Army and Special Military Support are all included in this category.
Some social factors have also strengthened the relationship between U.S. and Israel. Christian religious commitment to the Jewish state and homeland; widespread public sympathy for Jewish suffering in the Holocaust and, more recently, Israeli suffering from Palestinian terrorist attacks; the presumption that Israel can assist serve U.S. business strategy interests in the region or beyond (Rotenberg, 2021). The belief of Israel as the only electoral nation in the region identifies Israel and the United States as similar nations (Neumann, 2008). Whether or not you share these perspectives, you cannot ignore them while trying to understand why the United States has such a unique and special relationship with the Jewish state of Israel.
The results of American military aid and funding Israel’s government spending, revenues from the defense industry, and net defense expenses have been reduced (Lipson, 1996). The defense industries of the United States and Western Europe compete in an international market for cutting-edge weaponry. However, their continued existence is not predicated on sales in that market (Grossman & Shafer Raviv, 2022). Aside from that, Israeli military industries also employ advanced technology but are significantly less comprehensive than their American and European counterparts (Gilboa, 2008). Israel benefits from a military-industrial merger similar to the one in the United States and Western Europe in the 1990s. Maintaining order in a monopolized defense industry is no simple task.
Challenges Facing U.S.- Israel Relationship
The U.S. and Israel partnership has undergone some severe foreign problems. According to Berrigan (2009), the West Bank and Gaza’s position concerning the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iranian nuclear development, the ramifications of a potential deal between the United States and Iran, and the Middle East’s regional unrest following the 2011 Arab uprisings are all current issues (Gold, 2019). The conflict between Palestine and Israel has continued to challenge the relationship between U.S. and Israel (Brown, 1948). Due to the strained relationship, the two states are having internal debates about what policies to implement regarding the West Bank and Gaza.
Despite the Obama administration’s best efforts, a nuclear agreement with Iran has not been reached (Thomas, 2007). The Republican Party and the current Israeli government have publicly stated their opposition to the deal, seeing it as dangerous to regional security and stability (Budke, 2018). If Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, it would pose an existential threat, as both Netanyahu and his domestic opponents in Israel agree. According to Waxman (2007), however, the opposition is worried that Netanyahu’s stubborn stance could risk the broader security partnership with the United States (Brown, 1948). Iran’s nuclear issue has continued to threaten the U.S. and Israel relationship.
The United States’ approach to Middle Eastern foreign policy is driven by competing interests, including the fight against terrorism and the advancement of democracy, and respect for human rights (Al-Arab & Fischman, 2015). The United States formerly supported Sunni authoritarian governments that failed to address the needs of their expanding populations for the sake of regional security and stability. An unusual escalation of violence and the formation of extremist groups have caused concern in the United States as instability spreads across the region (Lieberman, 2009). The significant incentives for the U.S. and Israel to match their responses to security concerns arising from the region will be affected by their different viewpoints on the sustainability of democracy promotion.
Conclusion
As a conclusion to the connection between the United States of America and Israel, it is essential to note that the United States has offered both military and financial assistance to Israel to guarantee that the relationship continues to grow stronger. Because they are receiving complete funding from the government of other countries, Israel has been able to cut down on their spending thanks to the support they have been receiving. The societal attitudes about Jewish people and their contributions to society have also significantly improved ties between the United States and Israel. Despite these benefits of the special relationship, they have experienced some challenges that affect their security issues. The current Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iranian nuclear development, the ramifications of a potential deal between the United States and Iran, and the Middle East’s regional unrest following the 2011 Arab uprisings are some foreign issues that affect the U.S.- Israel relationship.
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