United States support: Historical rationale and recent actions
1. Primary rationale for continued US military and financial support for Israel
Headline: US support for Israel rests on shared strategic interests, democratic values, and historical ties dating to 1948
The United States has backed Israel since 1948, citing robust domestic support, shared strategic goals in the Middle East, Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME), and a mutual commitment to democratic values, making Israel the largest cumulative recipient of US foreign assistance since World War II Congress.gov U.S. Department of State.
Source: https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/RL/PDF/RL33222/RL33222.39.pdf; https://www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-israel/
2. Recent US political and military support demonstrations
Headline: US support shown via UN vetoes, sanctions defense of Israel, and major aid packages post-October 7
Recent actions include sizable military assistance since October 2023, continued high-level security cooperation, and political moves like sanctioning ICC officials over actions targeting US and Israeli personnel; updated CRS reporting details aid developments since Oct. 7 Congress.gov U.S. Department of State U.S. Department of State.
Source: https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL33222; https://www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-israel/; https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/06/imposing-sanctions-in-response-to-the-iccs-illegitimate-actions-targeting-the-united-states-and-israel/
9. Significance of US THAAD battery and troop deployment to Israel
Headline: THAAD deployment signals US commitment to defend Israel against regional missile threats, deepening US involvement
The US sent a THAAD battery and around 100 troops to Israel in October 2024 to bolster air defense against Iranian and proxy ballistic missile threats, underscoring strategic commitment and raising the US profile and risk in the conflict ABC News The Times of Israel mwi.westpoint.edu.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/americas-thaad-missile-defense-deployment-israel-gamble-iran/story?id=114845323; https://www.timesofisrael.com/missile-battery-deployment-deepens-us-role-in-conflict-between-israel-and-iran/; https://mwi.westpoint.edu/thaad-attitude-what-to-make-of-the-air-defense-systems-combat-deployment-to-israel/
10. Impact of ICC actions on US position toward the Court
Headline: ICC moves against Israeli officials triggered US sanctions on ICC personnel and threats of broader punitive measures
The US sanctioned ICC officials under an executive order and signaled possible further sanctions unless probes targeting US and Israeli officials were halted, reflecting firm opposition to ICC jurisdiction over non-member states The White House U.S. Department of State The Times of Israel USA Today.
Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/imposing-sanctions-on-the-international-criminal-court/; https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/06/imposing-sanctions-in-response-to-the-iccs-illegitimate-actions-targeting-the-united-states-and-israel/; https://www.timesofisrael.com/washington-sanctions-4-more-icc-officials-over-cases-against-israel-and-us/; https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/12/11/trump-could-sanction-icc-over-prosecution-concerns-for-us-officials/87714931007/
Germany, Europe, and Abraham Accords engagement
3. Germany’s measures and historical context
Headline: Germany’s “reason of state” doctrine drives arms, political backing, and civil-society aid to Israel due to Holocaust legacy
Germany anchors support to Israel’s security in “Staatsräson,” expressed by Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz, providing military cooperation, political backing, and targeted civil-society support; relations are framed by post-Holocaust reconciliation and special ties since 1965 GPPi Wikipedia ptelegraph.com deutschland.de.
Source: https://gppi.net/2023/12/11/germanys-support-for-israel-and-its-limits; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany%E2%80%93Israel_relations; https://ptelegraph.com/explainer/germany-and-israel-historical-ties-and-modern-day-support; https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/politics/anniversary-germany-israel-diplomacy
4. Other European countries’ support and shared reason
Headline: Central and Eastern European allies (e.g., Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic) cite ideological alignment and security solidarity in backing Israel
Despite divisions, several European governments—especially in Central/Eastern Europe—have offered strong support due to historical-ideological alignment and security solidarity, sometimes breaking with broader EU pressure NDTV The Media Line The Brussels Times.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/despite-international-pressure-israel-has-an-ally-in-central-and-eastern-europe-8485626; https://themedialine.org/by-region/europe/despite-spain-ireland-and-norway-most-of-europe-still-supports-israel-at-record-levels/; https://www.brusselstimes.com/world-all-news/753494/eu-leaders-united-in-supporting-israel-rhetoric-and-focus-differ
5. Abraham Accords states’ current engagement
Headline: UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco maintain economic/security ties with Israel while navigating Gaza-war headwinds
Five years on, Abraham Accords ties deepened economically and in some defense areas, though the Gaza war prompted caution; diplomatic channels remain open and pragmatic across UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco The House of Commons Library Middle East Institute Atlantic Council Wikipedia.
Source: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/israel-and-the-abraham-accords-in-2025-five-years-on/; https://www.mei.edu/publications/abraham-accords; https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/abraham-accords-future-after-israel-gaza/; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Accords
6. UK historical influence and recent stance
Headline: UK’s Mandate legacy informs a tilt toward two-state recognition and leverage for ceasefire and humanitarian access
Drawing on its historic role, the UK signaled recognition of Palestinian statehood to push ceasefire and a two-state pathway; parliamentary briefings trace policy evolution amid the 2023–25 conflict The House of Commons Library The Hindu Wikipedia.
Source: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10085/; https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/why-is-the-uks-stand-on-palestine-significant-explained/article69887920.ece; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestine%E2%80%93United_Kingdom_relations
8. EU’s navigation of member differences for unified action
Headline: EU issued common positions at Association Council while hardening tone and exploring restrictive measures amid internal splits
The EU’s formal positions balanced solidarity with Israel and international law compliance, but divisions persist; leaders have toughened rhetoric and weighed measures against extremist actors as humanitarian costs mount data.consilium.eu The Brussels Times RFI The Conversation.
Source: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6511-2025-INIT/en/pdf; https://www.brusselstimes.com/world-all-news/753494/eu-leaders-united-in-supporting-israel-rhetoric-and-focus-differ; https://www.rfi.fr/en/international-news/20250528-eu-hardens-tone-on-israel-but-will-it-make-a-difference; https://theconversation.com/why-the-eus-stance-on-israel-is-starting-to-change-241763
India, China, and geopolitical interests
7. Economic/geopolitical interests for India and China
Headline: India seeks defense tech and trade; China balances energy, great-power rivalry, and Arab ties in Israel relations
India’s ties emphasize defense cooperation, tech, and trade within a multi-directional foreign policy, while China maneuvers for regional influence and alignment with Arab positions, both weighing energy security and strategic competition icgs.org.il Vivekananda International Foundation Observer Research Foundation | ORF S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).
Source: https://icgs.org.il/en/publications/israel-india-complex-partnership/; https://www.vifindia.org/article/2025/june/16/Israel-A-Growing-Key-Economic-Partner-for-India; https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/positioning-india-s-interests-in-the-israel-us-iran-conflict; https://www.rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/rsis/israel-hamas-war-unspoken-interests-of-india-and-china/
Companies and economic ties: Tech clouds, arms, energy, and corporate actions
Technology, arms, travel, and consumer brands
11. US tech firms scrutinized over cloud/AI services to Israel
Headline: Microsoft confirmed AI/cloud services to Israel’s Defense Ministry, drawing scrutiny over wartime use
Microsoft publicly confirmed providing Azure and AI services to Israel’s Defense Ministry during the Gaza war, denying misuse against civilians, amid broader reporting on US tech firms enabling AI-driven operations Business & Human Rights Resource Centre DatacenterDynamics Middle East Monitor Military.com.
Source: https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/israelopt-microsoft-confirms-it-provides-cloud-artificial-services-to-israeli-defence-ministry-amid-ongoing-war-on-gaza/; https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/microsoft-confirms-its-providing-ai-and-cloud-services-to-israeli-military-for-war-in-gaza/; https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250517-microsoft-confirms-ai-cloud-services-to-israeli-defense-ministry-amid-gaza-war-scrutiny/; https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/02/18/how-us-tech-giants-supplied-israel-ai-models-raising-questions-about-techs-role-warfare.html
12. Key Israeli arms companies supporting IDF
Headline: Elbit, Rafael, and IAI supply advanced systems to the IDF, reflecting domestic defense capacity and global reach
Israeli firms Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries provide major weapon systems and services to the IDF and foreign clients, seen as core pillars of Israel’s military support ecosystem Army Technology Wikipedia The Jerusalem Post.
Source: https://www.army-technology.com/news/analysis-amidst-conflict-israeli-defence-companies-maintain-global-reach/; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elbit_Systems; https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-857169
13. Travel booking companies and settlement economy
Headline: Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia list properties in settlements, prompting human-rights calls for boycotts
Investigations and UN databases identified major platforms listing accommodation in settlements deemed illegal by international law, fueling calls for boycotts and corporate accountability Business & Human Rights Resource Centre The Economic Times Amnesty International Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand.
Source: https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/israelopt-airbnb-and-bookingcom-helping-israelis-to-make-money-from-stolen-palestinian-land/; https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/business/airbnb-booking-com-expedia-among-158-companies-with-ties-to-israeli-settlements-un-database/articleshow/124175678.cms; https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/12/airbnb-listing-company-is-deeply-compromised-by-israeli-settlement-properties-2/; https://amnesty.org.nz/israelopt-tourism-companies-driving-settlement-expansion-profiting-war-crimes/
14. Burger King Israel’s October 2023 action
Headline: Burger King Israel publicly donated free meals to IDF soldiers, sparking boycott calls
In October 2023, Burger King Israel shared photos of donating free meals to soldiers, triggering boycott campaigns; later, a 2025 settlement directed vouchers to IDF combat soldiers Newsweek ynetnews.com.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/burger-king-faces-boycott-giving-free-food-israeli-soldiers-1837005; https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/h1dgcywc1x
15. International energy companies supplying coal
Headline: Drummond and Glencore have been cited as key coal suppliers to Israel’s electricity sector, including from Colombia
Reports and advocacy documents allege Drummond and Glencore supplied coal critical for Israel’s power generation, even amid embargo debates; scrutiny focuses on Colombian-origin shipments and legal compliance londonminingnetwork.org BDS Movement Business & Human Rights Resource Centre NB Media Co-op.
Source: https://londonminingnetwork.org/2025/07/glencore-among-companies-named-in-un-report-on-israels-economy-of-genocide/; https://bdsmovement.net/news/Colombia-Drummond-Continues-To-Fuel-Israels-Genocide; https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/colombia-drummond-companys-subsidiary-accused-of-supplying-coal-to-israel-in-defiance-of-export-ban-incl-co-comments/; https://nbmediacoop.org/2024/08/02/colombias-coal-embargo-on-israel-is-a-model-to-follow/
16. US AI company supplying to IDF
Headline: Palantir entered a strategic partnership to supply AI/data tools to Israel’s Defense Ministry for war-related missions
Palantir agreed to provide technology for war-related missions and has been reported operating alongside US/German personnel in Israel, with claims of expanded tools since Oct. 7 Palantir Business & Human Rights Resource Centre +972 Magazine Globes.
Source: https://www.palantir.com/assets/xrfr7uokpv1b/3MuEeA8MLbLDAyxixTsiIe/9e4a11a7fb058554a8a1e3cd83e31c09/C134184_finaleprint.pdf; https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/palantir-allegedly-supplying-israel-with-ai-tools-amid-israels-war-in-gaza/; https://www.972mag.com/ai-surveillance-gaza-palantir-dataminr/; https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-What-is-Palantir-doing-in-Israel-1001468876
17. CAF and the Jerusalem Light Rail project
Headline: CAF’s role in Jerusalem Light Rail linking settlements to West Jerusalem is criticized and placed in UN database
Spanish manufacturer CAF supplies rolling stock and works on JLR lines connecting settlement areas; it has defended due diligence while being added to the UN database for activity in occupied territory nad.ps railtech.com International Railway Journal.
Source: https://www.nad.ps/sites/default/files/nadnsu_jerlightrail052025.pdf; https://www.railtech.com/all/2025/10/01/caf-ineco-added-to-un-human-rights-database-for-activity-in-occupied-palestinian-territory/; https://www.railjournal.com/regions/middle-east/caf-defends-role-in-jerusalem-light-rail-project/
18. HD Hyundai heavy machinery and demolitions in OPT
Headline: Amnesty documented HD Hyundai machinery used in demolitions in the West Bank and Gaza, urging rights safeguards
Amnesty International reported verified use of HD Hyundai equipment in multiple demolitions across OPT, calling for the company to avoid complicity; related advocacy highlights broader patterns of displacement Amnesty International 국제앰네스티 한국지부 Amnesty International UK.
Source: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/03/south-korea-israel-opt-hd-hyundai-machinery-used-in-west-bank-demolitions/; https://amnesty.or.kr/campaign/What-to-Know-About-HD-Hyundais-Alleged-Role-in-Palestinian-Home-Demolitions/; https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/israelopt-south-korean-firm-hyundai-must-avoid-complicity-war-crimes-village-masafer
19. Theme of major Western corporate statements post-October 2023
Headline: Corporate statements emphasized condemning terrorism, supporting employees, humanitarian concern, and neutrality
Analyses show many firms issued statements denouncing the Oct. 7 attacks, supporting staff and humanitarian efforts, and navigating reputational risks; investors tracked supportive actions for Israel’s civil society and economy PR Daily Business Standard jlensnetwork.org.
Source: https://www.prdaily.com/statements-and-social-media-posts-from-global-companies-on-israel/; https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/israel-hamas-conflict-puts-pressure-on-ceos-and-companies-to-speak-up-123102200859_1.html; https://www.jlensnetwork.org/when-crisis-strikes-a-jlens-analysis-of-how-global-companies-stepped-up-to-support-israel-after-october-7/
20. Boycotts of Caterpillar and BAE Systems
Headline: Boycotts target firms over alleged complicity in Israeli military actions; major funds divested citing humanitarian law concerns
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund sold Caterpillar shares over alleged use in violations; NGOs list companies profiting from warfare, while Caterpillar disputes misuse and stresses human-rights expectations for customers constructionbriefing.com American Friends Service Committee Business & Human Rights Resource Centre.
Source: https://www.constructionbriefing.com/news/wealth-fund-sells-caterpillar-shares-over-israeli-allegations/8084069.article; https://afsc.org/gaza-genocide-companies; https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/caterpillar-response-re-alleged-complicity-in-human-rights-abuses-in-israel-the-occupied-territories/
Individuals and organizations: Advocacy, aid, and media roles
Influencers, spokespeople, and civil society
21. Platforms used by celebrities and influencers
Headline: Celebrities used social media, open letters, and media appearances to express support for Israel
Hundreds of Hollywood figures signed an open letter and posted support on social platforms; coverage highlights Instagram/Twitter activity and public advocacy by figures like Gal Gadot and Mayim Bialik The Hollywood Reporter NME Brussels Morning Newspaper.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/celebrities-entertainment-executives-sign-open-letter-support-israel-1235617300/; https://www.nme.com/news/film/hollywood-stars-sign-open-letter-support-israel-3514639; https://brusselsmorning.com/which-celebrities-support-israel-inside-hollywoods-response-to-the-gaza-conflict/73617/
22. Floyd Mayweather’s non-monetary action
Headline: Floyd Mayweather sent aid on his private jet and publicly declared solidarity with Israel
Mayweather announced support and dispatched supplies to Israel via private aircraft shortly after the Oct. 7 attacks, as widely reported in Israeli and US media The Times of Israel The Jerusalem Post Fox News.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/boxer-floyd-mayweather-i-stand-with-israel-sends-aid-on-private-jet/; https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/article-767722; https://www.foxnews.com/sports/floyd-mayweather-shares-message-support-hamas-attacks-i-stand-with-israel
23. International Jewish organization providing emergency aid and mental health support
Headline: JDC mobilized emergency assistance, psychosocial support, and services for vulnerable Israelis after Oct. 7
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) delivered extensive emergency activities, including mental health and resilience programs for displaced persons and vulnerable groups; WHO also supported frontline mental health initiatives JDC הג’וינט WHO.
Source: https://www.jdc.org/disasters/israel-response/; https://www.thejoint.org.il/en/news/the-first-six-months-of-the-swords-of-iron-war/; https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/07-10-2024-one-year-on-from-the-7-october-attacks-in-israel–helping-the-helpers
24. Mission of StandWithUs
Headline: StandWithUs educates, combats antisemitism, and mobilizes advocacy through campuses, media, and solidarity missions
StandWithUs is a pro-Israel advocacy and education NGO operating globally, focusing on combating antisemitism and misinformation via education programs, legal support, and missions Wikipedia StandWithUs StandWithUs.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StandWithUs; https://standwithus.com/; https://standwithus.com/ABOUT/
25. Framing by Jewish influencers
Headline: Influencers frame advocacy around combating antisemitism, education, identity, and support for Israel
Profiles and conference coverage show Jewish influencers like Rudy Rochman and Adela Cojab using social media to educate, confront antisemitism, and share identity-focused narratives supporting Israel Wikipedia The Jerusalem Post Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Rochman; https://www.jpost.com/conferences/article-854759; https://www.jta.org/2024/07/03/ny/andy-cohen-offers-advice-to-pro-israel-influencers-at-a-new-york-strategy-conference
26. Eylon Levy’s role and focus
Headline: Eylon Levy served as the official government spokesman, leading international briefings and media communications on the Gaza war
Levy became a prominent English-language voice for Israel post–Oct. 7, conducting extensive interviews and briefings; he was later suspended, but continued public advocacy and civic spokesperson initiatives The Times of Israel Wikipedia boneizion.org.il.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-stunning-rise-curious-suspension-and-insistent-return-of-israels-star-spokesman/; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eylon_Levy; https://www.boneizion.org.il/prize-recipients/global-impact/eylon-levy/
27. German foundations and civil society networks supporting survivors
Headline: EVZ Foundation and Network Israel mobilized support for terror and Shoah survivors and civil society resilience
German institutions coordinated funding and solidarity campaigns for terror survivors, internally displaced, and Shoah survivors, fostering Jewish-Arab coexistence through coordinated civil-society platforms Stiftung EVZ haGalil Stiftung EVZ.
Source: https://www.stiftung-evz.de/en/support-for-israel/; https://www.hagalil.com/2024/09/spendenkampagne-fuer-israelische-zivilgesellschaft/; https://www.stiftung-evz.de/en/who-we-are/foundation/initiatives-and-networks/
28. Role and influence of pro-Israel lobbies in US politics
Headline: Organizations such as AIPAC and CUFI lobby to shape US policy, funding, and electoral dynamics in favor of Israel
The US Israel lobby comprises groups influencing policy through advocacy, campaign funding, and grassroots organizing, with AIPAC and CUFI among leading organizations Wikipedia Middle East Monitor.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_lobby_in_the_United_States; https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241104-us-election-how-aipac-shapes-american-politics/
29. South African political group supporting Israeli policy
Headline: South African opposition MPs from parties like the DA and PA faced controversy for supportive Israel visits against official policy
Reports note DA and PA MPs visiting Israel and expressing support despite South Africa’s critical stance, prompting domestic backlash and highlighting political divides IOL DIRCO observerdiplomat.com.
Source: https://thestar.co.za/2025-04-14-south-african-mps-israel-trip-sparks-controversy-implications-for-national-sovereignty/; https://dirco.gov.za/south-africa-condemns-israels-refusal-to-allow-aid-into-gaza-and-its-ongoing-military-operations-in-the-west-bank/; https://observerdiplomat.com/south-african-parliament-votes-to-cut-ties-with-israel-amidst-gaza-conflict/
30. Types of humanitarian aid on Israel’s Swords of Iron webpage
Headline: Aid includes support for displaced families, mental health, food distribution, equipment for soldiers, and community resilience initiatives
The government’s Swords of Iron pages and affiliated NGO content highlight humanitarian coordination, aid logistics, mental health services, support for evacuees, and initiatives aiding soldiers and vulnerable populations ממשלת ישראל gaza-aid-data.gov.il The Times of Israel yiisrael.com.
Source: https://www.gov.il/en/Departments/DynamicCollectors/npo; https://gaza-aid-data.gov.il/mainhome/; https://www.timesofisrael.com/spotlight/ogens-emergency-relief-war-fund-a-beacon-of-hope-for-vital-non-profits/; https://yiisrael.com/programs/swords-of-iron/
Keywords
- US–Israel security cooperation, Qualitative Military Edge (QME), UN vetoes and sanctions, Germany Staatsräson, Abraham Accords diplomacy, UK two-state recognition, India–Israel defense trade, EU Association Council positions, THAAD deployment significance, ICC sanctions response, Israeli defense industry (Elbit/Rafael/IAI), settlement economy travel platforms, corporate statements post–Oct. 7, energy coal supply (Drummond/Glencore), Palantir AI partnership, CAF Jerusalem Light Rail, HD Hyundai demolitions, StandWithUs advocacy, JDC emergency aid, South African political divides on Israel
Documentary recommendations
- The Gatekeepers (2012) — Shin Bet chiefs reflect on security and ethics: https://www.sonyclassics.com/thegatekeepers/
- The Human Factor (2020) — US mediation and the peace process: https://www.sonyclassics.com/thehumanfactor/
- The Oslo Diaries (2018) — Negotiation journeys: https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/the-oslo-diaries
- Fauda (series) — Fictionalized counterterror realities influencing public perceptions: https://www.netflix.com/title/80113612
- The Settlers (2016) — Ideology and settlement movement: https://www.kinolorber.com/film/the-settlers
- Censored Voices (2015) — Moral reckoning after 1967: https://www.kino-lorber.com/film/view/id/2361
- Born in Gaza (2014) — Civilian impact shaping international responses: https://www.netflix.com/title/80011738
- Colliding Dreams (2015) — Zionism’s history and debates: https://www.collidingdreams.com/
- One Week and a Day (2016) — Personal grief and societal strains: https://www.filmlinc.org/films/one-week-and-a-day/
- Israel and the Abraham Accords (Parliament Insight) — Contextual brief complement: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/israel-and-the-abraham-accords-in-2025-five-years-on/ The House of Commons Library
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