Why is the US providing funds to Israel?

Part 4: Earlier this week, CNN asked followers on social media if they have questions about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. From your responses, we picked some of the most-asked topics and put the key question to CNN’s Diplomatic Editor, Nic Robertson. Here, we ask about the relationship between the US and Israel. #cnn #news

[Bunnahabhain]

Since the Nixon Administration, the US taxpayer gifts the State of Israel around $4 billion (real USD) per year, every year, as well as rolling no-interest loans. The total amount gifted is roughly $500 billion dollars (applying conservative 4-5% compound interest). Israel has never paid back any money owing on the loans. Israeli citizens enjoy free healthcare, old age pensions and retirement insurance, children's allowances, long term care, paid maternity leave, essentially free education through the graduate college level, and countless other social welfare programs.

Why does Congress subsidize a lifetime social safety net for all Israelis that it refuses to subsidize for Americans?

[yagga]

That’s no excuse to enable and fund genocide, human rights violations and invasions of sovereign states/territories. How different are we from the countries we like to criticize? Also, the U.S. and Israeli governments share this unwavering solidarity, not their citizens. That distinction is important.

[DansChan]

Allies do not actively silence any dissent and demand total compliance in their other "friend" nations. That is the demand made of a servant, not an ally.

[FelipeCoelhoGuitar]

If the US believed there should be a safe place for Jews, why not take them and make an Israel in Kentuchy, instead of pushing the indigenous people who call themselves Palestinians, out of the land of Palestine.

[russelltaylor]

He left out the fact that in 1948, the US was concerned about the spread of communism. Because of the fear that Arab nations in the region would fall under Russian influence, the United States, as well as Great Britain, propped up Israel militarily to stave off communism.
For that reason Netanyahu knows the US cannot afford to back away from fully supporting Israel.
Politically, the Biden Administration has had little affect on curbing Netanyahu and his plans.
The genocide being committed in Gaza is of little concern to Netanyahu.

[njanja]

What do you think happens when you steal someone’s land and give it to someone else? Happens exactly what we are seeing unfolding now. Shameless people end the occupation and let there be peace

[swak]

Sure, help other countries after you take care of your own first! Giving the people of North Carolina and other States affected by Hurricane Helene $750 each is a slap in the face to America's taxpayers, take care of America first dammit!!!

[Puff_Chady]

The American people do not share that interest. We do not want our tax dollars going over there.

[Bunnahabhain]

"Especially today with the US. I know how they are. "America is something that you can easily maneuver, and move in the right direction. And even if they say something. So then they say something, so what? Eighty percent of Americans support us. It's absurd."
-- Benjamin Netanyahu

[justanobserver]

I understand why the US supports Israel. What I don't understand is why we're supporting both sides

[baoshanshen]

Our position is to implement a 2-state solution and have a peaceful region. Israel is pulling us into a direct conflict which we're doomed to fail. So no, our interests do not align at all.

[miketurcotte]

let’s see, we provided them with $17 billion and they turn around and buy our weapons with that $17 billion and then they go out and use those weapons for offensive purposes not defensive. No matter how you interpret Israel’s right to exist, the United States should not participate in any way Israel’s action’s beyond its border.

[JonathonShell]

Good portion of the American people's seek for it ending and the occupation.

[clarencethierry]

The nature of any relationship changes of time. Those who who are in the relationship change over time. This Netanyahu government right now more like the Nazi of World War 2. Maybe it's about time the US government reassess this relationship.

[brianbell]

Does the US have shared interest with the hurricane victims???

[jtb]

Ireland supports Palestine … We know what it is like to be bullied … 🇮🇪❤️🇵🇸

[thomthom]

in 2024, you can support Israel as a Jewish state, and be antiBenji both. But with razor thin margins in congress in both directions, that's legally and diplomatically impossible. Benji is in Tfg's quandary: lose an election & go to jail. my solution is support defense while cutting offense. support iron dome and defense only. and maybe subtract nondefense related funding. but Congress has to pass that.

[sherenspilker]

What about the effect AIPAC has on elections?

[Bunnahabhain]

"USA has granted over $3.75 trillion in total foreign aid since the end of World War II. US foreign aid totaled nearly $100 billion in 1949 and hit a low of just under $25 billion in 1997. (All numbers are adjusted for inflation.) — USA Facts, August 28, 2023

[blakekeithley]

Yes but, they have not always been our best friend. The attack on the Liberty, Lavi tech to China and the J-10, refusal to send missiles to Ukraine other issues etc