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Source: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/StrategicReport7.pdf
How the United States Benefits from Its Alliance with Israel
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Michael Eisenstadt and David Pollock - Many of the considerations that provided the rationale for the U.S.-Israel security relationship during the Cold War remain valid today. Israel is a bulwark against radical Islamism as embodied by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and a quiet but effective ally of Jordan. U.S. military equipment pre-positioned in Israel, valued at nearly $1.2 billion, is available to support U.S. contingencies in the eastern Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. Israel continues to serve as a testing ground for advanced weapons and war-fighting concepts, many of which are eventually employed by the U.S. Today, Israeli intelligence remains a major source of information regarding Iran's nuclear program, Hizbullah's global activities, and the activities of al-Qaeda affiliates - and Israeli intelligence operations have helped delay Iran's nuclear program. Israel's comparative advantages include a sustained focus on key hard targets, the cultivation of unique sources and innovative methods, and a willingness to incur risk. There needs to be greater recognition that Israel not only benefits immensely from U.S. support, but also contributes significantly to U.S. interests. Israel's own strength and stability, along with its military, technological, and scientific achievements, enhance the U.S. ability to meet the security, economic, and development requirements (at home and abroad) that are increasingly essential to preserving American prosperity and leadership.