Joel Martin Rubin for Newsmax Balkans: The U.S. - Israel Alliance Is an Investment in American Security

American security analyst Joel Martin Rubin spoke to Newsmax Balkans about these issues.

According to him, the U.S.–Israel relationship goes far beyond a traditional military alliance.

"It’s not just a security partnership. It’s cultural, based on shared values, and strategic when it comes to security issues in a region important to the United States", said Rubin.

He reminded that since its founding in 1948, Israel has built close ties with American society, the business community, and political institutions, including Congress and the White House.

Rubin emphasized the importance of technological cooperation between the two countries. Israel is today one of the leading centers for software, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence.

"There is a very dynamic trade and investment relationship between the U.S. and Israel, with significant American investments in Israel’s tech sector", said Rubin, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State during the Obama administration.

Military Aid to Israel as an "Investment"

The U.S. provides Israel with substantial military aid every year, which has increasingly become a subject of political debate. Rubin noted that the basic annual aid amounts to nearly $4 billion. In recent years, due to conflicts in Gaza, with Hezbollah, and now with Iran, additional aid has exceeded about $20 billion.

Although he acknowledged that this policy is controversial across both Democratic and Republican circles, Rubin argued that American support for Israel is a strategic investment.

"Much of that money actually returns to the American economy, because it is spent in the U.S. defense industry and creates jobs in the United States", he explained.

He stressed that cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli militaries and intelligence services proves its value in current security crises.

"Israel’s air force, military, and intelligence apparatus are extremely capable of identifying targets and coordinating operations with the U.S. military, which directly contributes to American national security", Rubin said.

Differences Between the U.S. and European Allies

Rubin observed that some European states’ reactions to Israel’s actions in the current crisis are often more cautious or critical than Washington’s.

"It’s disappointing to see some European reactions toward Israel. Europe still has a historical debt to the Jewish people because of the Holocaust, and support for Israel should be clear", he argued.

He added that the U.S. has a special role in supporting Israel and that Washington openly stands by its ally. This is a moment, Rubin said, when countries must show clearly which side they are on, whether with democratic nations like the U.S. and Israel or with authoritarian regimes like Iran.

Israel as a Key Partner in the Region

Rubin highlighted Israel’s strategic role as a vital source of intelligence and military innovation for America. Israel shares with the U.S. crucial information about terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, as well as other security threats in the region. He pointed to joint projects like the Iron Dome missile defense system as examples of successful cooperation.

"Such projects have saved countless lives in Israel, while also contributing to the development of missile defense technologies used by other partners, including Ukraine", Rubin noted.

Turkey’s Role in the Middle East

Attention is also focused on Turkey’s role in the increasingly complex Middle East. As a NATO member with strong political and military influence, Ankara has pursued a foreign policy balancing between the West, the Middle East, and its own regional interests.

Asked about Turkey’s role in the current conflict, Rubin said Washington expects greater responsibility from Ankara as a NATO ally.

"Turkey is an ally of the United States and sits at the crossroads of many regional issues. Therefore, it should be held to higher standards", he said.

Foto: Tanjug/Strahinja Aćimović

However, relations between Ankara and Jerusalem are currently tense, mainly due to the war in Gaza and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s support for Hamas.

"The rhetoric between Erdoğan and Israel’s prime minister is very sharp right now", Rubin noted.

Still, Rubin added that Washington sees room for Turkey to play a constructive role in the region. Turkey is involved in efforts by the Trump administration to stabilize Gaza and could also play an important role in Syria and in finding solutions regarding Iran. Yet skepticism remains in Congress and political circles.

"In Washington, there is often a sense that it’s not always clear which side Turkey wants to be on, which makes it a less reliable ally than many would like", Rubin concluded.

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