As an American and a strong advocate for putting U.S. interests ahead of those of any other nation, I feel compelled to pose the question: Does the U.S. need Israel?
Yes. I believe that it is *always* to our advantage to stand tall with free and open nations, especially when they are surrounded by hostile (and often deranged) hate-filled dictators.
If we're for promoting freedom throughout the world and standing down dictators, then it's a no-brainer.
Israel is the only state in the region that recognizes freedom and liberty...even in the face of the terror assaults they've had to endure through their entire modern history. While far from perfect (and who doesn't fall short of that mark?) Israel is a democratic state surrounded by hostile totalitarian regimes, usually with one or more madmen at the helm. If we can't stand with Israel then we stand for nothing. I'd say yes...America does need Israel.
What does need have to do with it? Do you have friends only because you "need" them? Are you the type of person that walks out on a friend because it is inconvenient?
Israel and the US have a common enemy. That enemy will be our enemy whether we stand by Israel or not. We may not need Israel, but its always nice to have friends, whether needed or not.