The Complex Relationship Between US Aid to Israel and Strategic Gains
Does US foreign aid to Israel come with strings attached? The answer is unequivocally yes. In exchange for this aid, Israel remains our main ally in the region and the sole democracy in the Middle East. However, this relationship goes beyond just providing funds; it is deeply rooted in strategic gains and intricate military cooperation.
Subsidiary Relationship and Historical Precedents
One way to understand US aid to Israel is by recognizing that it operates much like a subsidiary relationship, where a dominant power demands loyalty and compliance. For centuries, this has been a common trope in human history. When ancient civilizations conquered other lands, they often allowed the local governance to remain largely intact, replacing the leadership and ensuring the flow of tribute. This method was not just for economic gain but to exert control and maintain stability.
Today, the relationship between America and Israel mirrors this dynamic. The top echelons of the Israeli government consist of individuals with significant influence over policy and legislation. Their support for policies like defunding the police, mail-in ballots, and open borders can be seen as a strategic move to maintain this alignment. By leveraging these positions, the Israeli government ensures that the flow of aid continues, while simultaneously weakening the host nation from within.
Military Aid and Strategic Value
US military aid to Israel is a complex and strategic endeavor. While $3.8 billion in aid might seem like a large sum, there are significant strategic benefits. This aid is broken down into several components, ensuring that the money is spent within the US on American military systems and equipment. Israel gains access to cutting-edge American technology while also contributing to its development.
Israel receives American computer code, which it improves upon and then shares back with the US. This collaborative model doesn't just benefit Israel; it also enhances American military capabilities. The data collected from Israeli military operations, such as the avoidance of Russian defenses in Syria and successful missile strikes through Syrian defenses, is invaluable to the US. Moreover, Israel has developed the Iron Dome system, which has been integrated into the American military defense array.
The most recent development in this strategic relationship is the Iron Beam system, which is set to replace Iron Dome. Iron Beam offers two key advantages: it is more cost-effective to operate and it destroys targets closer to the launch point, turning debris into a weapon against the attackers. This integration of Israeli technology into American military systems exemplifies the strategic gains from this aid relationship.
Furthermore, Israel is not just a passive recipient of aid; it actively contributes to its own and American military capabilities. For instance, Israeli pilots have engaged in dogfights with Russian pilots over Southern Arizona, providing a unique and costly training opportunity for US pilots. Israel has also hardened American electronic communications, both in individual systems and generally, as part of the military aid deal. These contributions underscore a mutual benefit in the relationship.
Conclusion
US aid to Israel is not just a financial transaction; it is a strategic cooperation based on mutual benefit. While the aid seems one-sided, the reciprocal contributions from Israel ensure a valuable and ongoing partnership. This relationship is complex, with clear strategic gains for both parties. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of this aid, we can better understand and appreciate the intricacies of US-Israeli military cooperation.