While “scared” might not be the right word, the United States often appears extremely hesitant to publicly criticize or exert pressure on Israel. This reluctance isn’t born from fear in a traditional sense, but from a powerful and complex mix of strategic interests, domestic politics, and shared ideologies that make challenging Israel politically risky and complicated.

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that shape this unique and powerful relationship.

Deep Strategic and Military Interdependence

At the highest level, the U.S. and Israel are deeply intertwined military and intelligence partners.¹ For the United States, Israel is a major strategic asset in the volatile Middle East.² It possesses a powerful, technologically advanced military and provides the U.S. with invaluable intelligence on regional threats.³ The two countries collaborate closely on military technology, including missile defense systems, which gives the U.S. a reliable and capable ally on the ground.⁴ This interdependence means that any action that could be seen as weakening Israel is often viewed within Washington as a move that would also harm American security interests in the region.

The Unmatched Power of Domestic Lobbying

One of the most significant factors influencing U.S. policy is the power of pro-Israel lobbying groups, most notably the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).⁵ This organization is widely considered one of the most effective and influential lobbying groups in Washington.⁶ AIPAC and similar groups work to ensure that support for Israel remains a central pillar of American foreign policy.

They do this by building strong relationships with elected officials from both political parties, providing them with significant campaign donations, and organizing trips to Israel for policymakers.⁷ Because of this, many American politicians view strong support for Israel as essential for their political survival. Taking a critical stance can lead to facing a well-funded opponent in the next election, making many lawmakers unwilling to take that risk.

Shared Cultural and Ideological Ties

The bond between the two nations is also reinforced by powerful cultural and ideological connections. For many Americans, especially within the influential Christian Zionist movement, there is a religious and moral conviction to support Israel.⁸ This segment of the population believes in a biblical mandate to protect the Jewish state, creating a strong and motivated voter base that politicians are careful not to alienate. Furthermore, the narrative of Israel as “the only democracy in the Middle East” resonates strongly in American political discourse, framing the two countries as partners with shared values in a world often hostile to democratic principles.⁹

The Fear of Political Consequences

For an American politician, publicly criticizing Israel has long been known as touching the “third rail” of politics—touch it, and you risk your career. Any politician who takes a strong stance against Israeli government policies is often quickly labeled as “anti-Israel” or even antisemitic, regardless of the nuance of their position. This can lead to intense media scrutiny, backlash from constituents, and the loss of crucial political and financial support. This creates a political climate where it is far safer for officials to remain silent or offer unwavering support, even when they might privately disagree with specific Israeli actions.

In conclusion, the United States is not “scared” of Israel in the way a smaller country might fear a larger one. Instead, the American political system is locked in a complex web of shared strategic goals, powerful domestic lobbying, and ideological solidarity. This dynamic creates a situation where there are significant political and strategic consequences for any administration or politician who attempts to fundamentally challenge the relationship or pressure Israel in a meaningful way.