The military relationship between the United States and Israel continues to strengthen, which helps protect the borders of both nations. The United States has greatly benefited from Israeli military technology, and both nations have profited from a long history of joint training practices.
Combined training efforts—
- Infantry training. The U.S. Marine Corps has partnered with Israel since the 1990s to improve military training efforts. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), known for advanced infantry forces, trains with U.S. Marines on Israeli soil.
In recent training efforts, the IDF and Marine Corp examined different strategies and techniques in urban warfare. The two forces combined their intelligence, providing each other with valuable information regarding attacks in heavily populated areas.
- Air Force training. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is held in high regards for their advanced pilot technology. The IAF and U.S. Air Force have been working together for almost 20 years. The two countries have combined efforts to sharpen skills such as low flying strategies, managing difficult terrain, and properly maneuver complex landings and takeoffs.
In 2016 Israeli and U.S. troops conducted joint exercises involving the world’s most sophisticated missile defense systems. These advanced defense systems intercept short, mid, and long-range missile threats, drones, and enemy planes. Examples of these intricately designed technologies are David’s Sling and Arrow 3.
- Naval training. Since 1998 an annual joint naval and air force training has been in operation between the United States and Israel. The operation name is “Reliant Mermaid.” Its focus has been search-and-rescue drills, along with mission training involving both warships and planes.
Did you know the United States has a military base within the IDF?
Many are unaware of the close, and necessary, bond between the U.S. and Israel. In September 2017, the U.S. officially established a military base at the IDF Air Defense School near Beersheba.
Interestingly enough, the U.S. military had operated a facility in the Negev desert, close to the one being built now, for nearly a decade. The U.S. facility was independent of Israeli presence, however.
Once built, the new co-operated base will be the first to be located within an IDF base. This base will house U.S. soldiers who will help Israeli troops operate defense systems that intercept and defend against missile attacks.
Major General John Gronski, deputy commanding general of the Army National Guard in U.S. said this, “This life support area represents the first ever stationing of a U.S. Army unit on Israeli soil. The U.S. and Israel have long planned together, exercised together, trained together. And now, with the opening of this site, these crucial interactions will occur every day. We’ll have Israeli airmen and U.S. soldiers living and working side by side.”[i]
Do we fully understand the importance of the U.S.—Israeli relationship?
The intricacies of government and military alliances can be difficult to understand; however, it is clear that the U.S.—Israeli relationship is critical and strong. It’s also evident that Israel’s technologically advanced practices and weaponry have greatly benefited American homeland security.
Not only is there a military partnership, Israel also works with and trains police forces at international airports along the U.S. coastlines. They have trained security forces how to study and understand complicated and subtle behavior changes in large groups of people, along with providing airport security equipment.
Israel stands beside the U.S. to improve security. Will you stand with Israel?
The Jewish nation has provided indispensable intelligence and technology to the United States. We, at My Olive Tree, want to encourage you to take personal action and stand with Israel. We personally sow seeds of hope into the lives and land of the Jewish people and nation.
My Olive Tree actively plants olive trees in IDF army bases. These trees speak volumes to the servicemen and women who have partnered with us to plant. It is a physical presence of your support to a nation that provides safety and security to the American homeland.
[i] https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2017/09/18/us-breaks-ground-for-new-permanent-base-in-israel/