The U.S.–Israel Alliance Is a Strategic Bargain

Aid to Israel is not charity. It is one of the most profitable strategic investments the United States has ever made — and a prototype of Trump's vision for the rest of our alliances.

Normally, our Deep Dives are for Premium Members only, but this one is so important — and so controversial — that we’re making it free for everyone.

by Rod D. Martin
March 23, 2026

There is a small but vocal strain of “America Only” commentary that endlessly repeats a falsehood: “we get nothing from our aid to Israel.”

Au contraire, mon frère.

The truth is, America’s alliance with Israel is not a favor or a handout. It is a major pillar of American strength. It’s a strategic investment, an extraordinarily inexpensive way for the United States to buy intelligence, military innovation, strategic reach, regional leverage, and a reliable democratic ally in the most dangerous and unstable region on earth.

Even if you strip away every moral, cultural, religious, historical, and civilizational consideration — and there are many — the U.S.-Israeli alliance would make overwhelming sense on the coldest possible national-interest grounds.

Israel is not merely an ally. It is a force multiplier. It make…