According to recent polls, about half of Americans hold favorable views of Israelbecause of the two nations' shared values and shared interests for many decases has been "a strong and steady supporter of the Jewish State."

The American-Israel friendship is rooted in common values:

  • Commitment to democracy and human rights, the rule of law, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly are fundamental values shared by Israel and the United States.
  • Like the United States, Israel has an independent judicial system that safeguards the rights of individuals.
  • Israel has regularly scheduled elections that are free, fair, and open to all its citizens, regardless of religion, race, or sex. The independent group Freedom House has consistently classified Israel as "Free" in its rankings of world nations.
  • American presidents—going back to the founding of the United States—have supported the idea of a Jewish State. Since Israel's establishment in 1947, successive presidential administrations on both sides of the aisle have stood behind the Jewish State. Read what America's Presidents have said about Israel.
  • Israel is a vital ally for America in an unstable Middle East. Israel is a "great partner to the United States, and Israel has no greater friend than the united States." No other country in the Middle East shares America's values and advances its interests like Israel.

America's foreign aid to Israel fosters collaboration between the two countries and their defense industries.

  • Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of US AID.
  • Since Israel's founding in 1948, it has received about $300 billion in economic and military assistance from the United States.
  • US aid to Israel is a "vital and cost-effective expenditure" that enhances America's security.

Additional Resources