The United States has consistently backed Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians and other Arab states, and has often vetoed UN resolutions that were critical of Israel or supportive of the Palestinian cause. There are many reasons for this strong alliance, which has lasted for more than seven decades. Some of the possible factors are:
• Historical and moral ties: The US was the first country to recognize Israel as a state in 1948, and has supported its right to exist and defend itself ever since. Many Americans, especially Christians, feel a religious and cultural affinity with the Jewish people and their homeland. The US also feels a responsibility to protect Israel from another Holocaust, and to uphold its democratic values in a region dominated by authoritarian regimes.
• Strategic interests: The US sees Israel as a reliable ally and a key partner in the Middle East, where it faces threats from Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other radical groups. Israel shares intelligence and military technology with the US, and helps counter the influence of Russia and China in the region. The US also benefits from Israel’s cooperation on issues such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, energy, and innovation.
• Domestic politics: The US has a large and influential Jewish community, which is mostly supportive of Israel and its security needs. Many Jewish Americans are active in political and civic life, and donate to candidates and causes that are pro-Israel. The US also has a powerful pro-Israel lobby, most notably AIPAC, which advocates for strong US-Israel relations and influences Congress and the White House on foreign policy matters. In addition, many evangelical Christians, who are a significant voting bloc for the Republican Party, strongly support Israel based on their biblical beliefs.
Some real-time examples of the US vetoing UN resolutions against Israel are:
On October 18, 2023, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have called for “humanitarian pauses” to deliver lifesaving aid to millions in Gaza, where Israel has been conducting a military offensive since October 9. The resolution, drafted by Brazil, was supported by 12 of the 15 members of the Council, but the US said it was too early to craft an appropriate response to the crisis. Russia and the UK abstained from the vote12.
On June 1, 2018, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that expressed grave concern at the escalation of violence and tensions in Gaza since March 2018, when Palestinians began protesting at the Israeli border fence for their right of return. The resolution, drafted by Kuwait, condemned the use of excessive force by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians, and called for an international protection mechanism for the occupied Palestinian territory. The resolution was supported by 10 of the 15 members of the Council, but the US said it presented a grossly one-sided view of what had taken place in Gaza. Four countries abstained from the vote3.
On December 18, 2017, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that reaffirmed that any decisions and actions that purport to have altered the status of Jerusalem have no legal effect and must be rescinded. The resolution, drafted by Egypt, was a response to the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital on December 6, 2017, which sparked protests and violence across the region. The resolution was supported by all the other 14 members of the Council, but the US said it was an insult and an obstacle to peace.
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