[Alberta's Child]

"Israel is a solid ally of the United States, we will rise to Israel's defense if need be. So this kind of menacing talk is disturbing. It's not only disturbing to the United States, it's disturbing for other countries in the world as well," he added.

Dear Mr. President:

How exactly is Israel a "solid ally" of the United States? In other words . . . under what formal mutual defense treaty (e.g., NATO, SEATO, etc.) does the U.S. have an obligation to defend Israel?

Sincerely,

Alberta's Child

[sofaman]

I assume by that post that you object to the US rising to Israel's defence?

[Mi-kha-el]

Don't get your knickers in a twist. Israel is not asking to be defended. Just withhold the "show restraint" crap and let Israel defend herself.

[TheBrotherhood]

And right you are.

WAR IS PEACE.

FREEDOM IS SLAVERY

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH

UNITED WE STAND

[Nachoman]

You must be fairly young. During the cold war, the Soviet Union was providing significant military aid to many of the arab states. While we were not as dependent on foreign oil at that time, it would have been economic disaster for the U.S. if the USSR had a strangle hold on mideast oil. Israel was one of our few allies in the region at the time. Since then, time has only strengthened our relationship with Israel, especially considering their expertise on terrorism.

[nunya bidness]

under what formal mutual defense treaty (e.g., NATO, SEATO, etc.) does the U.S. have an obligation to defend Israel?

I have to tell you that I just assumed we had a defense treaty with Israel. So far I haven't found it but I'll watch this thread for evidence.

[fortheDeclaration]

Israel is a solid ally of the United States in that it has stood with us against the Soviet Union and terrorism and shares our Western values.

You do not need a formal treaty to be an ally.