Ethical Dilemmas and Global Consequences: U.S. Military Support for Israel

By Pazooki

 Looking back over more than seventy years, a complex alliance has endured, with the United States extending a total of $124 billion[i]  in military support to Israel since the conclusion of World War II. The most recent agreement, signed in 2016 and spanning a decade, allocates $38 billion in military aid for the period from FY 2019 to FY 2028. Critics highlight that a significant portion of American military assistance to Israel originates from Foreign Military Financing (FMF), encompassing grants for American defense products and services. According to the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the U.S. commits to providing $3.3 billion[ii] annually in FMF to Israel, constituting approximately 16% of the Israeli defense budget. Alongside FMF, the United States collaborates with Israel in procuring missile defense systems. The existing MOU designates $5 billion[iii] for various missile defense programs. Critics argue that the U.S. policy, anchored in preserving Israel's "qualitative military edge" over neighboring nations as part of regional security cooperation, has contributed to sustaining an uneven regional power dynamic. It is worth noting that the U.S. support extends beyond financial aid, encompassing joint efforts in technological and strategic advancements. Additionally, the geopolitical landscape has witnessed ongoing diplomatic discussions and global scrutiny regarding the implications and ramifications of the U.S.-Israel alliance, particularly in light of regional stability and peace initiatives. This complex geopolitical scenario underscores the multifaceted nature of the enduring relationship between the United States and Israel.

A Critical Examination of Israel's Dubious "War on Terror"

The so-called "War on Terror"[iv] by Israel not only echoes historical atrocities but also serves as a troubling example of questionable tactics employed by the Israeli military. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) by the Israeli army in combat, purportedly aimed at "swiftly and accurately identifying reliable targets," remains dubious in light of the significant civilian casualties in Gaza. Israel's self-proclaimed status as a pioneer in AI warfare crumbles in the face of over 17,000 deaths, the vast majority being innocent civilians[v], exposing the fallacy that this technology minimizes harm. Compounding the issue, the Israeli government relentlessly pursues an ethno-nationalist agenda that jeopardizes not only the lives of Palestinians but also suppresses dissenting voices within Israel and globally. Israel's influence as an inspiration for right-wing and extremist movements worldwide is deeply unsettling, forming a loose coalition against immigration, multiculturalism, and fundamental human rights. The narrative spun by Israel, framing the conflict as a clash between "Western values" and "barbarism," only serves to further muddy the waters, contributing to the development of an increasingly destabilized and warlike Israeli state. As Israel plunges into this dark and bloody "War on Terror," its thriving arms industry shamelessly capitalizes on the devastation in Gaza to showcase its military might to a global audience. The ethical dilemma lies in the international community's support for Israel during this tumultuous time, raising serious questions about the prioritization of political alliances over humanitarian considerations. The far-reaching consequences of this conflict extend beyond regional disputes, leaving indelible marks on global political history and a perilous legacy in the arms trade for years to come.

Controversial Moves: White House's Effort to Expand US Arms Pipeline to Israel

The recent White House push to ease restrictions on Israel's access to a crucial U.S. weapons arsenal has sparked criticism, as it aims to create a more streamlined pipeline for delivering high-performance weaponry to Israel. Proposed changes to the War Reserve Stockpile Allies-Israel (WRSA-I) raise concerns that congressional oversight may weaken[vi], potentially escalating the already substantial military aid to Israel, the largest recipient of such assistance from the U.S. Critics argue that if approved, this move could pave the way for an unrestricted flow of weapons, heightening concerns about regional stability and the ethical implications of increased military support.

Established in the 1980s, the WRSA-I currently[vii] serves as a stockpile for smart bombs, rockets, military vehicles, and other ammunition, providing a reserve for the Pentagon during regional conflicts. The White House's request aims to eliminate existing conditions by allowing the transfer of all "defense articles" to Israel without restrictions, abolishing an annual spending limit for replenishing the cache, and reducing the oversight traditionally associated with such transfers. Critics, including former U.S. State Department official Josh Paul, argue that this move essentially creates a "free-flowing pipeline" for the delivery of defense goods to Israel, raising ethical concerns and intensifying the ongoing debate over the appropriateness of the substantial military aid Israel already receives.