Precisely when was Israel elevated to "our most important ally" status?
Important, yes ---- but hardly our MOST important --- far from it....
However, I suspect that Israel may consider us THEIR most important ally.... Maybe!
Semper Fi
Currently - and I never, ever thought I'd say this - Japan is our only TRUE ally. Australia is right there as well, but the socialist ties to Mother England sometimes clouds Australia's vision.
Japan has taught us a few lessons over the years. Carrier operations. A lot of submarine ops. They're all fricking business when it comes to national sovereignty and security. Thankfully they also understand that the US economy drives the planet - we helped them out during the Asian crisis, they've helped us a bunch as well. More than any other nation on earth.
Having an old school biker say that Japan (our industrial enemy of the '80s) is our only TRUE friend is saying a lot. I've got relatives that survived Bataan.