Israel: America’s Most Crucial Ally Amid Global Turmoil
Israel is highlighted as America’s most crucial ally among democracies, owing to its nuclear capabilities, democratic values, and unwavering partnership in the volatile Middle East. The United States relies on various allies, including the United Arab Emirates, Australia, India, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea, to sustain freedom of the seas and counterbalance China’s ambitions in the Pacific. However, Israel’s unique position as a democratic nuclear superpower with global military reach, coupled with its reliability in regional security, underscores its importance to U.S. strategic interests.
While European allies like the UK and France have supported Israel’s defense against Iran, they have not consistently demonstrated the same level of military commitment as the U.S. and its Gulf allies during critical operations. The article also criticizes the decline in defense spending by nations like South Korea, which lags behind Israel’s substantial investment in its armed forces. Despite these dynamics, Israel is described as ‘first among equals’ in America’s global alliance network, reflecting its unmatched role in ensuring regional stability and U.S. strategic objectives.
Author Hugh Hewitt, a conservative political commentator, argues that Israel’s defense spending and technological prowess are vital to the free world’s security. He suggests that nations like India, Japan, and Australia could strengthen their ties and defense budgets to match Israel’s level of commitment. While Europe has shifted toward a more anti-Israel stance, the U.S. continues to rely on its most reliable partner for strategic balance, emphasizing Israel’s critical role in global affairs.