United States–Israel Strategic Relations

The United States-Israel strategic relationship is a long-term partnership built around security cooperation, regional influence and political support. Its durability reflects both shared strategic interests in West Asia and strong domestic support within the United States, although the two countries do not always agree on regional policy.

Historical evolution and Cold War alignment

The United States recognised Israel in 1948, but the close security partnership developed gradually rather than emerging fully formed at Israel's creation.

• During the Cold War, Israel's military strength made it a valuable partner in a region where the Soviet Union supported several Arab governments.
• The wars of 1967 and 1973 helped deepen American assessments of Israel's strategic importance and reinforced bilateral military ties.
• Supporting Israel also formed part of a broader American regional strategy that included maintaining relations with Arab states and limiting Soviet influence.

Regional security and balance of power

Israel's military capabilities and alignment with Washington have supported American efforts to influence the regional balance of power.

• Over time, shared concerns about Iran, its nuclear programme and its support for armed groups became important drivers of cooperation.
• Counterterrorism and intelligence exchanges help both countries assess threats from hostile states and non-state actors.
• American support for Arab-Israeli peace agreements seeks to strengthen Israel's security while reducing regional conflict and preserving partnerships with Arab governments.

Institutionalised defence and technological cooperation

The relationship is sustained by continuing military assistance, defence exchanges and technological cooperation, not simply by agreement between individual leaders.

• Israel's designation as a major non-NATO ally provides a framework for enhanced defence cooperation; it does not make Israel a NATO member.
• American policy seeks to preserve Israel's qualitative military edge, meaning its ability to counter military threats through superior capabilities rather than numerical strength alone.
• Cooperation in missile defence, including joint development of the Arrow system, links Israeli security requirements with American defence research and capabilities.

Political foundations and limits

Strategic cooperation is reinforced by shared democratic identification, historical sympathy for Jewish security after the Holocaust, and sustained support within American politics.

• Congressional backing and organised domestic constituencies help sustain assistance and diplomatic support across administrations.
• The partnership does not eliminate differences over Israeli settlements, Palestinian statehood or the means of addressing regional threats.
• Washington must balance support for Israel with relations with Arab partners and wider regional stability.