Why America Should Support Israel

In light of the past month's crisis in Gaza, there has been a great deal of argument about how America should view the nation of Israel. Some feel that they are guilty of human rights abuses against their Palestinian neighbors, some feel they are attempting to capture more of Gaza, and still others believe they are simply responding to terrorism from the Hamas leadership in Gaza.

A while ago, I wrote an entry with my own perspective, looking at the history of Palestine and how Jewish-Arab relations have evolved, and why I feel Palestine and specifically Hamas is actually the instigator in this crisis. I stand by this conviction (though I am open to debate in the comments section). 

This time, however, I would like to dodge the entire question of "who's right" and simply explain why I believe US support of Israel is so critical to American foreign policy.

1. We have a longstanding relationship with Israel 

Ever since the UN plan was drawn in 1947, the United States has stood behind Israel, despite an incredibly controversial start for the small nation. Risking damage to our own reputation, we have supported the nation of Israel from aggression around the world and provided funding for a great deal of their infrastructure (including the Iron Dome). Withdrawing our support from Israel would send a message to the world that America can be pressured to break alliances, if enough of the world disapproves. Our stance should be that of John F. Kennedy: 

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

2. They're our one Democratic Ally in the Middle East

This one follows from the last, but it simply cannot be overstated. Regardless of what your views are about Israel specifically and their policies, it is undeniable that they are a stable democracy in one of the most unstable and hostile regions in the world. Any attempts to replicate this success by other nations in the region (think Egypt), have failed miserably. Whether you like them or not, Israel is a strong ally of the Western World in a region that has radical contempt for the West and what we represent.

 

3. The Leadership in Gaza is a known Terrorist group

While it is true that a great deal of innocent life has been lost during Israel's Operation Protective Edge, much of this is due to the nature of their enemy. The leadership in Gaza, and the ones responsible for bombing Israel and digging an extensive, tactical tunnel system into Israel is an internationally known terrorist group (Hamas) that declares their unwavering desire to destroy Israel, the Jews, and everything that opposes the spread of Islamic Sharia law and a Muslim Caliphate. 

The United States has a longstanding tradition of not negotiating with terrorists. This doctrine was established to ensure the international and domestic respect for the rule of law and legitimate authority. Israel is a sovereign state. Gaza, and particularly its current leaders, is not.

4. Israel is showing respect for civilian life, Hamas is not

Hamas is using their own people (Palestinians) to protect their weapons. They use civilians, public places, and tunnels to hide their weapons and command stations, to ensure a high body count when the IDF advances. Israel, on the other hand, has repeatedly called and dropped fliers to Palestinians to inform them of incoming attacks, to allow for evacuation. 

America, as a beacon of liberty and justice in the world, should support nations that uphold the value and sacredness of human life. In this situation, it is certainly not the leadership in Gaza. 

5. The spread of Radical Islam is a Threat to Freedom

The spread of Sharia law in the world is diametrically opposed to the spread of democracy. As the leader of the free world, the United States must stand up in support of freedom of religion (for all faiths), human rights, and right to freely choose one's elected representatives. Hamas does not believe in freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, or freedom of assembly. They radically mistreat and abuse women and they kill those they despise. Palestine, and the world, deserves better than this. 

If America really seeks to establish peaceful relations between Israel and Palestine, then we must support Israel's efforts to defeat Hamas and free Palestinians from their leadership and violence.