In last week’s US Senate vote, a majority of Senate Democrats voted against military sales and support to Israel, signaling a shift that goes beyond mere policy disagreement. This isn’t just politics as usual; it reflects a deeper undercurrent of attitudes toward Israel that cannot be ignored, and marked a striking moment in the evolving American stance on Israel, one that demands closer examination and concern.
The US-Israel alliance has long been a pillar of American foreign policy. For decades, bipartisan support for Israel has been rooted not just in shared democratic values but in the recognition of Israel as a vital ally in a volatile region. This alliance has endured through the Cold War, the rise of radical Islamist movements, and the ever-present threat of Iran’s ambitions.
But that historic consensus has seemed to fray, as last week’s vote indicated. Some members of the Democratic Party openly connect their opposition to military support for Israel with political animosity toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of pushing the Trump administration into confrontations, particularly with Iran. Others, drawing from far Left narratives, label Israel as a colonial oppressor, echoing language that denies Israel’s legitimacy.
Debate is healthy; abandonment of allies is not
While reasonable debate over policy and military strategy is healthy in any democracy, this vote feels different. It feels less like a strategic disagreement and more like bias. The pattern of singling out Israel while ignoring or downplaying threats from other regional flashpoints suggests a disturbing double standard.
Consider the grave threat Iran continues to pose. The current conflict with Iran has only heightened tensions in the region. Iran and its partners continue coordinated attacks aimed at destabilizing Israel and its allies, including missile strikes targeting Israeli civilian areas and Gulf energy infrastructure. To counter these threats, the US has mounted its largest military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Meanwhile, Israel’s military intercepts frequent Iranian missile attacks, underscoring the existential danger Iran represents.
This threat is not lost on key Arab states either. Saudi Arabia, which has faced repeated Iranian missile strikes on its territory and oil infrastructure since the conflict began, has urged the US to intensify actions against Iran. While Riyadh initially hoped to avoid war, it now braces for prolonged conflict with a deeply distrustful Tehran. The Saudi leadership has warned Iran against further attacks, signaling a tacit alignment of interests with Israel against Iranian aggression.
At the same time, the Middle East remains a tinderbox beyond Iran and Israel. The still-ongoing issues in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, and the war in Ukraine all demand attention. Yet, the Senate’s vote to block military aid to Israel comes amid a backdrop where support for Israel’s defense is arguably more critical than ever. The disproportionate focus on Israel, while other crises rage, suggests a troubling misalignment of priorities.
This selective blindness is reminiscent of a painful historical pattern. Jews and Israel have often been singled out unfairly, bearing the brunt of disproportionate blame for complex geopolitical problems. The antisemitic undertones of this selective scrutiny cannot be dismissed lightly.
Stopping Iran was never just about protecting Israel
Iran’s regime not only harbors genocidal intentions toward Israel but also pursues a broader vision to destabilize the West through an international caliphate. Their religious doctrine permits deceit and violence to achieve these aims. Ignoring or weakening Israel’s defense capabilities in this context is not just a tactical error but a strategic gamble with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Yesterday’s vote reflects more than policy disagreement; it reveals a fading grasp of Israel’s strategic role and a resurgence of old prejudices disguised as political critique. The Western world risks losing the narrative that has long guided its alliances and values.
If this erosion of support continues, it could pave the way for more dangerous times. Israel stands at the front line of some of the most volatile and existential conflicts today. It deserves clear-eyed, unwavering support – not politicized retreat fueled by bias.
The stakes are high, not just for Israel but for the West. To our friends in the United States Senate, we say that it’s time to recognize this shift for what it is and re-engage with the realities on the ground before it is too late.
Dr. Michael J. Salamon is a psychologist specializing in behavioral analysis, trauma, and abuse, and is the director of ADC Psychological Services in Netanya and Hewlett, NY.
Louis Libin is an expert in military strategies, wireless innovation, emergency communications, and cybersecurity.