The Unseen Cost of Anti-Israel Sentiment: Why America's Security Depends on the U.S.-Israel Alliance

The Consequences of a Shattered Alliance

When I first stepped into the FBI's Tel Aviv office in 2020, I was not just reporting to a foreign jurisdiction; I was becoming part of an unprecedented partnership. The United States and Israel have maintained a strategic alliance that goes far beyond political solidarity—it is the cornerstone of national security for both countries.

"In the 1990s, the two countries developed a deep strategic cooperation and intelligence sharing relationship that continues today."

This bond was forged not by chance but by necessity. In a volatile region where authoritarian regimes seek nuclear weapons and terror groups operate with impunity, America's only reliable ally in the Middle East is Israel. The intelligence shared between our agencies, from counterterrorism operations to missile defense systems, has been invaluable.

What Happened After October 7?

The Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, changed everything. The world watched in horror as over 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage. What followed was not justice or outrage—it was a wave of anti-Israel sentiment that spread like wildfire through American campuses and political circles.

This phenomenon is not merely about sympathy for the victims of Hamas; it's about redefining what constitutes a legitimate partner in global security. As Democrats increasingly align themselves with radical organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which has adopted policies that make supporting Israel a disqualifying offense, we see the seeds of a dangerous ideological shift.

Is This Just Politics?

No. It's about perception, and perceptions can be manipulated. In a climate where social media lies are rampant and mainstream media coverage is often selective, many Americans have lost sight of reality. They don't understand that Israel isn't just another nation in the Middle East—it's our closest ally, our most reliable source of intelligence, and our strongest bulwark against hostile forces.

A 2026 Pew Research Center poll found that 60% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Israel. That number is staggering—and troubling—because it reflects a public that has lost touch with the very foundation of U.S. national security policy.

The Strategic Value of the U.S.-Israel Partnership

Let's examine what we get from our investment in Israel. For years, we've provided billions in aid and military support—$3.8 billion annually for ten years. But as the Federal Newswire noted, the return on this investment far exceeds the cost.

• Intelligence Exchange: Israel provides real-time data on threats from Iran and its proxies, which directly impacts U.S. national security.
• Technology Sharing: Israel tests U.S. weapons systems in combat scenarios, ensuring their effectiveness when deployed in actual conflict zones.
• Missile Defense Systems: The joint development and deployment of advanced missile defense technologies protect American bases and allies across the globe.

These aren't abstract benefits—they are tangible assets that keep Americans safe. When Israeli forces conduct operations against Iranian targets, they do so in coordination with U.S. military units, often using American technology and intelligence to ensure success.

The FBI's Role in the Alliance

I spent over four years working directly with Israeli security services on counterterrorism matters. During those crucial months following October 7th, I personally led efforts to locate and secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas. We worked side-by-side with Israeli police, Shin Bet, and other intelligence agencies—coordinating operations, sharing data, and pursuing justice together.

"Israel's experience with terrorism is often a preview of what the West can expect to see within its borders."

This cooperation isn't just procedural—it's strategic. Israel has been the 'canary in the coal mine' for global terrorist threats, giving America advance warning of attacks that might otherwise catch us off guard.

A Historical Perspective on the Alliance

The U.S.-Israel relationship wasn't born out of a fleeting moment of solidarity—it was built over decades. After the United Nations voted to create a Jewish state in 1947, America was the first nation to officially recognize Israel. This decision has proven prophetic: Israel became the only democracy in the region and the most stable ally in an increasingly hostile environment.

In 1968, Eric Hoffer wrote in the Los Angeles Times, "At this moment, Israel is our only reliable and unconditional ally. We can rely more on Israel than Israel can rely on us." That statement remains as true today as it was over half a century ago.

What If This Alliance Fails?

Let's not ignore the implications of the DSA's anti-Israel stance or the rise of political figures who see Israel not as a strategic asset but as a liability. As Hoffer warned decades ago, "Should Israel perish, the Holocaust will be upon us all." This is not hyperbole—it's a sobering truth based on historical precedent.

Israel isn't just another country; it's the frontline defender of Western values and security. If we abandon this relationship, we do so at our own peril. Our national security apparatus is built on the assumption that Israel will remain strong and resilient. If that partnership erodes, the entire structure becomes vulnerable.

Conclusion: A Call for Clarity

The debate over America's relationship with Israel is not merely a political argument—it's a matter of survival. As we face increasingly complex security challenges from rogue states and non-state actors, our alliance with Israel provides the essential intelligence, technology, and strategic insight that keep our nation safe.

When politicians begin vilifying Israel, they aren't just attacking a foreign policy position—they're undermining America's own defenses. We must remember that the U.S.-Israel partnership isn't about politics or ideology; it's about the fundamental principles of democracy, security, and shared responsibility for global stability.