Faithful Allies: The Religious Roots of America’s Unwavering Support for Israel
The story of the U.S.-Israel relationship is one of converging interests, shared values, and deep-rooted historical and religious connections. While its genesis can be found in the immediate recognition of Israel by the United States in 1948, the bond between the two nations evolved through the Cold War dynamics, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and the persistent efforts of diplomatic and community leaders.
Immediate Recognition
Within minutes after David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, the United States, under President Harry S. Truman, granted de facto recognition to the new state. Truman’s decision was shaped by a mix of factors: humanitarian concerns for the Jewish survivors of the Holocaust, the advocacy of Zionist leaders in the U.S., and his own Christian beliefs which resonated with the biblical notion of Jews returning to their homeland.
The Cold War and Strategic Alignment
The onset of the Cold War saw the U.S. seeking allies in the Middle East, a region growing in importance due to its vast oil reserves and its geostrategic location. Initially, the U.S. tried to maintain a balanced approach between Israel and the Arab states. However, the refusal of many Arab nations to recognize Israel, coupled with their tilt towards the Soviet Union, gradually brought the U.S. and Israel closer. The shared democratic values and the mutual concern over Soviet expansionism in the region solidified their partnership.
Jewish Advocacy and American Sympathy
The strong Jewish diaspora in the U.S. played a pivotal role in bolstering the U.S.-Israel relationship. Influential Jewish-American leaders and organizations actively advocated for Israel, ensuring that its concerns were heard in the corridors of American power. The broader American public, informed by the horrors of the Holocaust and inspired by Israel’s narrative as a fledgling democracy surrounded by hostile neighbors, generally viewed Israel with sympathy.
Major Milestones in Bilateral Ties
Several key events marked the deepening relationship between the two nations:
- The 1967 Six-Day War: Israel’s victory over combined Arab armies and its capture of strategic territories impressed upon American policymakers the country’s military prowess and its potential as a regional ally against Soviet-backed states.
- The Yom Kippur War of 1973: U.S. military resupply to Israel, in the face of a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria, underscored the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security.
- Camp David Accords (1978): The U.S., under President Jimmy Carter, facilitated peace talks between Israel and Egypt, leading to the first-ever peace treaty between Israel and an Arab state.
Challenges and Resilience
The relationship wasn’t devoid of challenges. Differences over Israeli settlements, clashes like the USS Liberty incident in 1967, and periodic disagreements on peace process approaches tested the alliance. However, the foundational shared values, mutual interests, and strong interpersonal connections between leaders ensured the relationship’s resilience.
In Conclusion
The birth and evolution of the U.S.-Israel relationship stand as a testament to the intricate interplay of geopolitics, shared democratic values, and deep-rooted historical connections. From the immediate post-World War II period to the complex dynamics of the Cold War and beyond, the ties between the U.S. and Israel have proven to be adaptable, multifaceted, and enduring. This relationship serves as a cornerstone of U.S. policy in the Middle East and remains pivotal in the region’s unfolding future.