But again the point is you said we need Israel because of the oil in the middle east...
Here's a list of benefits of having Israel as an ally (from
Answers.com):
Israel provides several military advantages to the United States, which can be summarized as follows:
1. Strategic Location
Geographic Position: Israel's location in the Middle East allows the U.S. to project power and influence throughout the region. It serves as a critical staging ground for U.S. operations and a base for intelligence collection.
2. Intelligence Sharing
High-Quality Intelligence: Israel is known for its advanced intelligence capabilities, particularly in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and human intelligence (HUMINT). The U.S. benefits from this intelligence, especially regarding threats from countries like Iran and terrorist groups in the region.
3. Military Technology and Innovation
Defense Technology Collaboration: The U.S. and Israel collaborate on various defense technologies, including missile defense systems (e.g., Iron Dome, Arrow). This partnership leads to advancements that benefit both nations and enhance U.S. military capabilities.
4. Joint Military Exercises
Training and Preparedness: The U.S. and Israeli armed forces frequently conduct joint military exercises, which help improve interoperability between the two militaries. This readiness enhances U.S. capabilities in joint operations with allied forces.
5. Stability in the Region
Counterbalance to Adversaries: Israel acts as a counterbalance to hostile forces in the Middle East, including Iran and various militant groups. A strong Israeli military contributes to regional stability and supports U.S. interests.
6. Access to Military Bases
Logistical Support: While Israel itself is not a U.S. military base, it provides logistical support and access to facilities for U.S. operations in the region, which can be crucial during times of conflict.
7. Political and Diplomatic Leverage
Influence in International Relations: U.S. support for Israel strengthens its diplomatic ties in the Middle East, allowing for greater influence in negotiations and efforts to stabilize the region.
Conclusion
The military advantage Israel provides to the U.S. is multifaceted, encompassing strategic positioning, intelligence sharing, technological cooperation, and regional stability. This partnership enhances U.S. military readiness and effectiveness in the Middle East and beyond.
As far as weapons:
The United States provides Israel with about 69% of ALL its weapons and defense...
"U.S. aid reportedly accounts for some 15 percent of Israel’s defense budget." (
source
