The unsinkable aircraft carrier:

The phrase “unsinkable aircraft carrier” in reference to Israel is often attributed to Alexander Haig, former U.S. Secretary of State, in the early 1980s.  He reportedly used it to describe Israel’s strategic value to the United States in the Middle East, emphasizing its role as a stable military ally.  The exact quote and context vary, with some sources citing a 1981 interview or congressional testimony where Haig highlighted Israel’s geopolitical significance.

Others, like Senator Joe Biden in a 1986 speech, echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing the idea of Israel as a key U.S. strategic asset.  This reinforcement of Israel as a key U.S. strategic asset underscores the significance of the phrase in U.S.-Israel relations.  

There is much conversation today about whether Israel has too much power and influence in the U.S. Government, Institutions, and Enterprises, and in turn has too much power in the affairs.  The problem is not how much influence the USA has over Israel, but how much influence Israel has over the USA. 

The population of Israel is approximately 9.5 million people.  Per capita, Israel receives more support than any other country due to its geopolitical partnerships, which promote democratic principles in the Middle East.  Recent estimates are that Israel receives around $18 billion in annual military aid.  That figure is close to $2,000 per person; however, as a strategic asset, it is well worth it. 

Military aid: 99% of U.S. aid goes toward the Israeli military, including funding of the Iron Dome and David’s Sling Missile defense systems. 

Offshore Procurement: A Significant portion of the funds is used for Israel to purchase war-related equipment from U.S. defense contractors, and a portion is used for Israel’s own defense industry.   The outgoing donations return to the U.S. through defense contractors’ enterprises. 

A couple of Facts:

·       The population of Israel is 9,500,000 people.

·       The population of Los Angeles County, CA is 9,663,345

·       The land mass of Israel is 8,019 square miles.

·       The land mass of Los Angeles County is 4,753 square miles.

The relationship between the U.S. and Israel is not just a bilateral alliance, but a unique and significant factor in global geopolitics.  It stands as one of the most financially and politically intertwined alliances in the world, underscoring its exceptional nature.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the two main aspects you asked about: U.S. payments to Israel and Israel’s lobbying influence in the U.S. This structure will guide you through the detailed information that follows.

Context is key.  Since 2007, virtually all U.S. aid to Israel has been military.  The 2016 US-Israel 10-year MOU pledges $38B in military support (FY2019-FY2028), and recent supplementals added a missile defense fund.  This context will help you understand the current state of U.S. aid to Israel. 

1.  U.S. Financial Support to Israel

• Israel, as the largest recipient of U.S. foreign assistance, has received an unprecedented amount of support, surpassing that of any other country since World War I.  The staggering figure stands at approximately $174 billion in bilateral assistance and missile defense funding (non-inflation-adjusted) as of 2025.
• Current Aid Structure: Under the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the U.S. pledged $38 billion over 10 years (FY2019–FY2028):
• $33 billion in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grants
• $5 billion for missile defense programs
• Annual Appropriations: For FY2025, Congress allocated $3.3 billion in FMF and $500 million for missile defense, consistent with the MO.  Additional emergency funds were provided after the October 2023 Hamas attacks, including $3.5 billion in FMF and $5.2 billion for missile defense and Iron Beam laser systems.

Special Privileges: Israel can use a portion of U.S. aid for domestic defense procurement, unlike most countries.  It also receives its assistance in a lump sum at the start of the fiscal year, allowing it to earn interest—an advantage not given to other aid recipients.

2.  Israel’s Lobbying Influence in the U.S. (Israel spending money to influence our institutions)

• AIPAC: The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and its affiliated super PAC, the United Democracy Project, wield significant influence in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East.  Their combined spending in the 2024 election cycle alone exceeded $100 million, primarily targeting Democratic primaries and candidates critical of Israel’s Gaza policies.

• Lobbying Tactics:

• Campaign Contributions

  Pro-Israel PACs and donors contribute millions to candidates who support Israel, ensuring their re-election and significant influence on foreign policy

• Think Tanks & Media: 

      Israel funds U.S.-based think tanks and PR campaigns to shape public opinion and policy debates

• Congressional Network:

      Bipartisan support in Congress is strengthened by legislation that favors Israel, such as military aid packages and trade agreements.

• Educational & Cultural Programs

      Scholarships, leadership trips to Israel, and cultural exchanges help cultivate long-term political goodwill.

• Impact on Policy

  Scholars such as Mearsheimer and Walt argue that the Israel lobby has significantly influenced U.S. policy in the Middle East, often in ways that diverge from what might otherwise be considered core U.S. national interests.  They note that U.S. support for Israel includes diplomatic cover at the UN, preferential arms deals, and tolerance of policies (e.g., settlement expansion) that conflict with stated U.S. positions

3   Strategic and Economic Ties

• The U.S. and Israel maintain a $38 billion defense cooperation agreement, conducting joint military exercises and sharing intelligence.  Economically, bilateral trade exceeds $50 billion annually, underpinned by the 1985 U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement—the first FTA the U.S. ever signed

✅ Bottom Line: The U.S. provides Israel with unparalleled financial and military support, while Israel and its allies in the U.S. employ a sophisticated lobbying network—through AIPAC, PAC donations, think tanks, and cultural diplomacy—to maintain and expand that support.  This relationship is often described as mutually reinforcing.  S. aid strengthens Israel’s security, while Israel’s lobbying ensures continued U.S. political backing.