The Lie:
- Tucker Carlson claims the Republican Party has “betrayed its voters” by “obsessing over Israel” a small country with “no resources” and “no strategic value” to the United States.
The Truth:
- U.S. support for Israel is not a burden — it’s a force multiplier. This alliance enhances American defense, drives technological breakthroughs, and strengthens the U.S. economy. Standing with Israel makes America stronger.
Background:
- Tucker Carlson has consistently uses his show to question America’s alliance with Israel, describing it as a distraction or a “foreign obsession.” He regularly features guests who are critical of U.S. support for Israel, providing a platform for voices that challenge the benefit of the US – Israel relationship.
- His view reflects a growing isolationist strain within the “America First” movement that views allied nations as liabilities.
Truth Explained:
- In reality, Israel is an America First ally: it fights America’s enemies, builds American technology, and fuels American prosperity.
- Israel protects U.S. lives and interests: In July 2025, Israel’s long-range strike on Iranian air-defense systems using American F-15 and F-35 jets degraded Tehran’s missile capacity — advancing U.S. security objectives without risking a single American soldier. A nuclear-armed Iran would threaten global energy supplies, destabilize U.S. allies, and endanger American forces across the Middle East. By confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel shields not only itself but also America’s strategic and economic interests.. Foundation for Defense of Democracies
- Joint defense programs strengthen the U.S. military: The United States and Israel co-develop missile-defense systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow. Each is built in partnership with U.S. firms like Lockheed Martin, creating jobs and enhancing America’s global defense edge. Council on Foreign Relations
- Israel powers the U.S. economy: Trade between the two nations has grown tenfold since 1985, and Israeli-founded companies have become a cornerstone of U.S. innovation. Journalist Amit Segal noted, “Israeli-founded companies have created nearly 30,000 jobs in New York and added $12.4 billion to the city’s economy… Israeli innovation is indispensable to New York — and, I’d add, to the world.” According to the United States–Israel Business Alliance, those 590 companies have indirectly supported over 50,000 additional jobs, generated $8 billion in total earnings, and contributed nearly $20 billion to New York’s gross economic output — with an average salary above $160,000. Amit Segal / X (Twitter) | U.S. Embassy Jerusalem | USIBA Report via Kenya Times
- Israel drives American innovation: Intel, Google, IBM, and Cisco all operate major R&D hubs in Israel, producing microchips, cybersecurity systems, and AI breakthroughs that power U.S. competitiveness. Foreign Affairs | Washington Institute
- Israel amplifies U.S. global influence: America’s partnership with Israel deters Iran, stabilizes regional allies, and provides the U.S. with forward intelligence capabilities that no other partner can match. FDD | CFR
Quotes
- “We Americans get far more than we give in the relationship with Israel.” — Bradley Bowman, FDD (Oct 2024)
- “The innovation going on in Israel is critical to the future of the technology business.” — Bill Gates, quoted in Foreign Affairs / Washington Institute
- “Israeli engineers saved [Intel] by pioneering energy-efficient technology that enabled increased capacity on each microchip.” — Greg Slater, Intel Senior Counsel, Washington Institute
- “Israeli-founded businesses have generated 9,000 jobs in Massachusetts alone.” — U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Embassy Fact Sheet
- “Israeli innovation is indispensable to New York — and to the world.” — Aaron Kaplowitz, President, U.S.–Israel Business Alliance (2025)
Takeaway
- The U.S.–Israel alliance represents a partnership of strength and purpose. Together, the two nations protect freedom, advance technology, and defend the ideals that make both countries strong.
