OPINION
Israel Is the Kind of Ally America Always Wanted
As Washington debates the role of alliances in U.S. strategy, Israel is offering a case study in what the right alliance looks like: a partner that defends itself, advances shared interests, and stands firm in the face of common threats.
While Iran sprinted to nuclear weapons that would threaten Israelis and Americans, Israel acted. We dismantled missile launchers, struck nuclear sites, disrupted command structures, and set back years of Iranian military buildup.
And we did it not just for our own survival — but in direct confrontation with the regime that threatens global energy routes, arms terrorist proxies across four countries, and has already killed American soldiers.
This war is ours. But the threat is mutual.
Iran tried to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump.
It funds militias that target U.S. bases. It supplies drones to Russia.
It sponsors attacks from Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen.
Its goal is not just to erase Israel — it's to dominate globally through force and terror.
When Israel strikes Iran, it does so with precision, restraint, and clarity of purpose.
And in doing so, we neutralize threats that others, including the United States, would otherwise face down the line — on worse terms.
We are not asking the United States to enter this fight.
But the truth is simple: if Washington now chooses to act against Iran, it will be engaging a crippled adversary rather than a rising one.
That's what strong alliances deliver — not burdens, but options.
That door is open. And it’s open because Israel kicked it wide.
In the meantime, there’s one clear way for the United States to protect its interests: continue backing Israel. Not because we ask. But because it works.
Support for Israel is strategic investment. Few allies offer more for less.
Israel and the United States don’t just share enemies.
We share values.
A belief in liberty.
In life.
In the basic right of nations to defend themselves.
These values are under assault, and Israel is holding the line — firmly, effectively, independently.
To those in Congress who say allies must carry their own weight — this is what it looks like.
If the U.S. wants strong, self-reliant allies who stand on principle and act with strength —this defines Israel, and you won’t find a better one.
Dan Illouz is a Member of the Knesset for the Likud Party and Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus.