‘Israel: Economic Ward of U.S.’
- Share via
Re: Robert Gibson’s July 20 article “Israel: An Economic Ward of U.S.”
Gibson’s article completely distorts the cooperative and healthy nature of the relationship between the United States and Israel. Our support for Israel is not a gift as much as it is an investment in a stable and secure ally whose goals are consistent with our country’s best interests. Compared to the billions expended on NATO or on our military presence in South Korea and the Philippines, our support for Israel is this country’s best investment. Without the stationing of any permanent military personnel and without the cost of formal U.S. bases, Israel has guaranteed access to its bases for prepositioning purposes and shared military intelligence, thereby saving our government billions of dollars each year.
For all our military support, Japan and our European allies are much less cooperative and supportive of U.S. policies than Israel. Our relationship with Israel is based on shared responsibilities with each country carrying its fair share of the burden. We should be so lucky as to have more allies and friends like Israel.
EDWARD B. LEVINE
Los Angeles
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
