US-Israel Relations

Israel–United States relations refer to the bilateral relationship between Israel and the United States. Since the 1960s, the United States has been a very strong supporter of Israel. It has played a key role in the promotion of good relations between Israel and its neighboring Arab states, namely Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt, while also holding off hostilities from other Middle Eastern nations such as Syria and Iran. Relations with Israel are a very important factor in the U.S. government’s overall foreign policy in the Middle East, and Congress has likewise placed considerable importance on the maintenance of a close and supportive relationship.

Bilateral relations have evolved from an initial American policy of sympathy and support for the creation of a Jewish homeland in 1948 to a partnership that links a small but powerful Israeli state with an American superpower attempting to balance influence against other competing interests in the region.

Aside from the defense agreements between the two countries, the two nations are considered by many to have been founded on the principles of the Bible. This concept has been highlighted by many of the two country’s leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

I will bless those who bless you And curse him that curses you; And all the families of the earth Shall bless themselves by you.”  Genesis 12:3