By Keith Beardslee
When Congress reconvenes this fall, one of the most important tasks at hand will be passing a government funding bill to keep the government open. Like a morning alarm clock set to go off at a specific time, we will hear cries from both the far left and the far right: that foreign aid is a waste of money, that America should not be footing the bill for other nations, and that Israel should fend for itself. Among those voices are Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Thomas Massie on the right, and The Squad on the left. They may disagree on nearly everything else but find common cause in pushing to weaken America’s support for Israel.
A strong U.S.–Israel relationship is not charity. It is a strategic partnership that pays dividends to the American people, strengthens our national security, boosts our economy, and helps keep our troops safe abroad. Simply put, supporting Israel is in our national interest.
Opponents of foreign aid like to frame it as money being shipped overseas, never to return. In reality, military assistance to Israel is spent right here at home, with American workers building the equipment, systems, and technology that Israel purchases. Every dollar in military aid is essentially a jobs program for American companies and their manufacturing supply chains in states across the United States.
When Israel upgrades its air defenses or acquires advanced aircraft, those contracts support American factories, American jobs, and American families. At a time when our foreign competitors, like China, are racing to dominate high-tech industries, maintaining this mutually beneficial relationship ensures the United States stays ahead of the curve when it comes to military hardware and intelligence.
Support for Israel also keeps our Armed Forces safe. Israel has long been at the forefront of defense technology, testing innovations in real combat situations. Consider the Iron Dome missile defense system. Israel perfected it to intercept incoming rockets, technology that the United States military now benefits from in protecting our bases and assets worldwide.
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Other examples abound: the Trophy Active Protection System, which protects tanks from incoming missiles, and advanced pilot helmets used in America’s F-35 fighters. These are not theoretical advantages. They save lives. By investing in Israel, we are investing in tools that directly enhance the safety and well-being of our troops.
In addition, Israel provides intelligence and real-world combat experience that is unmatched by any other ally. Israel was the first nation to fly F-35s in combat against Iranian-operated Russian air defenses, and the lessons learned there have been shared with the United States. In an increasingly dangerous world, where threats come from Iran, China, Russia, and terrorist networks, having a trusted partner sharing battlefield-tested knowledge gives the United States an undeniable edge.
This foreign aid has also given Israel the breathing room to pursue historic diplomatic achievements, most notably the Abraham Accords. These agreements brokered by the United States between Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco have reshaped the Middle East, creating new economic and security partnerships that benefit the United States as well as Israel. Like increased commitments from NATO allies, these agreements bring our regional allies together, strengthening the United States in the region.
Importantly, the Abraham Accords have held firm even after Hamas’s brutal terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This stability proves that a secure Israel is not an obstacle to peace; it is the foundation for it. A weak Israel would embolden Iran and its terrorist armies, making the region more volatile and more dangerous for America.
Why not focus exclusively on America’s problems? The answer is our enemies do not make that distinction. Radical Islamist groups and regimes hostile to the West have long declared their intention: First, destroy “the Little Satan,” Israel, and then come for “the Great Satan,” the United States. Supporting Israel means ensuring that that line of defense holds strong.
The United States and Israel are bound by shared values of freedom and democracy. In a region dominated by extremism, Israel stands as a beacon of liberty. As a Catholic, the Holy Land holds a special place in my heart. But beyond the spiritual ties, Israel is a partner we can trust, one that shares intelligence with us and fights alongside us against common enemies.
Foreign aid may be an easy target for scoring cheap political points, but when it comes to Israel, it is one of the smartest investments the United States can make. It bolsters our economy, protects our troops, advances our security, and strengthens our standing in the world.
At a time when both extremes in Congress would have us turn inward and abandon allies, conservatives should remember: America is safer, stronger, and more prosperous when Israel is secure. Supporting Israel is in our nation’s best interest.
Keith Beardslee is vice president of Seen Read Heard. He specializes in managing the public profiles of CEOs, major corporations, national trade associations, candidates, and public policy campaigns.
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