The strategic alliance between the United States and Israel is mutually beneficial and crucial to American security, according to former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren. Oren argues that anti-Israel sentiment, which has gained momentum since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, is nationally self-sabotaging.
Oren, speaking on 'America Reports,' highlighted that the relationship has provided tangible benefits to the U.S., including intelligence sharing and the testing of American weapons systems in combat. He noted that Israel often serves as an early warning system for terrorism, with its experiences previewing potential threats to the West.
"The return on investment far exceeds the cost," Oren stated, referencing the U.S. foreign aid provided to Israel. Analysis suggests that for the approximately $3.8 billion in annual aid agreed upon in 2016, the U.S. receives an estimated $48 billion in annual benefits.
These benefits include Israel providing intelligence on threats from Iran and its proxies, as well as aiding in the development of defensive missile systems. Such systems have been utilized to protect American bases and allies in current conflicts.
The partnership extends to deep strategic cooperation and intelligence sharing, a relationship that solidified in the 1990s and continues today. The FBI established an overseas post in Tel Aviv in the mid-1990s, maintaining a presence there to focus on counterterrorism matters with Israeli security partners. David Zimmermann, a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent who served in Tel Aviv from 2020 to 2024, personally experienced this two-way intelligence exchange on threats affecting both nations.
Zimmermann was in Israel during the Oct. 7 attacks and worked with U.S. and Israeli counterparts to gather intelligence on victims, seek justice against Hamas perpetrators, and support victims' families. He asserted that the cooperation between the two countries is exceptionally strong.
Recent joint strikes on Iranian military targets aimed at preventing the regime from acquiring nuclear weapons underscore the collaborative security efforts. Oren pointed to the historical context of the relationship, noting that the U.S. was the first country to recognize Israel after its proclamation of independence in May 1948. Over the decades, Israel has been viewed as a vital strategic asset in the Middle East, particularly during periods of Soviet influence.
Social philosopher Eric Hoffer wrote in a 1968 Los Angeles Times article that "at this moment, Israel is our only reliable and unconditional ally." He further warned, "I have a premonition that will not leave me; as it goes with Israel so will it go with all of us. Should Israel perish, the Holocaust will be upon us all."
Oren observed a growing trend of anti-Israel sentiment among some American politicians and voters. He cited a 2026 Pew Research Center poll indicating that "60% of U.S. adults have an unfavorable view of Israel." He attributed this sentiment partly to antisemitism but also to misinformation disseminated through social media and legacy news outlets, leaving many Americans unsure of the truth.
He criticized the alignment of some left-wing politicians with organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), whose core values include being anti-Israel. Oren noted that the DSA adopted a resolution making support for Israel's right to self-defense an expellable offense and opposition to Zionism an organizational principle. This stance, he argued, contrasts with their support for sanctions against oppressive regimes like Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Venezuela, while opposing sanctions on America's key ally.
"Americans need to realize the true quid pro quo of the U.S.- Israeli alliance before concluding Israel is a bad actor," Oren concluded. "U.S. politicians and voters should recognize that Americans are safer on our shores because of Israel."