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Source: https://www.jns.org/opinion/richard-kemp/political-warfare-against-israel-led-by-russia-and-china
Israel Is America's Most Important Combat Multiplier
(JNS) Col. (ret.) Richard Kemp - Whether you like Jews and the Jewish state or not, Israel is an indispensable component of U.S. national security. America's adversaries, especially China and Russia, attach great importance to undermining U.S. backing for Israel and make massive efforts to bring this about. Both countries (as well as Iran, Qatar and Turkey) have been running extensive and highly effective political warfare campaigns against Israel. This is a carefully orchestrated foreign state campaign of manipulation and sedition, all built on lies and distortion of the truth. Israel's defensive activities preserve multiple billions of dollars Washington would otherwise be obliged to spend; relieve the U.S. of the burden of having to maintain far greater combat forces and intelligence resources in the Middle East, also at vast expense; and save many American soldiers' lives. The Israeli military battle-tests advanced American weapons systems supplied to it, such as the F-35 combat plane, enabling enhancements and development that improve U.S. global military capabilities. I met several American military commanders and pilots in Israel during the war with Iran this year. All of them explained how much benefit they gained from IDF experience and hard-earned battlefield capability. Add to that the immense advantages to the U.S. economy accrued through foreign-weapons sales as a result of Israeli endorsement of American combat equipment. Israeli intelligence is just as much a multiplier of American capabilities. Jerusalem provides Washington with vital information on enemy weapons and technology capabilities, including nuclear proliferation and cyberwar, enhancing American countermeasures. With unrivaled coverage of international jihadists, Israel also shares vital pre-emptive intelligence that has saved many American lives at home and around the world. Note how Israel's actions have led to the hasty withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria since the fall of Bashar Assad in December 2024. Note also how Israel easily neutralized Chinese and Russian air defenses, ballistic missiles and combat planes in Iran. Israel is America's most important combat multiplier. Those who actively work to harm Israel, including boycotting Israeli companies and sanctioning democratically elected politicians, are indirectly sabotaging U.S. security. The writer, a former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, was chairman of the UK's national crisis management committee, COBRA.