Victor Davis Hanson: The Strategic Case for Supporting Israel

Nov 27, 2025

Victor Davis Hanson delves into the strategic reasons behind America's support for Israel, emphasizing its role as a stable democracy in the volatile Middle East. He argues that U.S. interests drive this alliance, particularly in counteracting Iran’s threats. Hanson highlights Israel’s unique position among regional governments and discusses how mutual security concerns shape American foreign policy. He also points out the inconsistencies in U.S. aid to various nations, stressing the importance of democratic alliances for global stability.

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ANECDOTE

Personal Background And Neutrality

Victor Davis Hanson recounts growing up isolated on a farm and not meeting a Jewish person until age 18 at university.
He uses this personal background to explain he has no special religious or communal bias in his support for Israel.

INSIGHT

Strategic Basis For U.S. Support

Victor Davis Hanson argues U.S. support for Israel is rooted in strategic national interest rather than theology or special-interest politics.
He frames Israel as the Middle East's only stable, consensual democracy that aligns with core U.S. security priorities.

INSIGHT

Iran Drives Regional Defense Priorities

Hanson links U.S. missile-defense cooperation in Eastern Europe to protecting allies from Iranian missile threats, not Russian ICBMs.
He emphasizes Iran's long record of sponsoring attacks that killed Americans as a core security concern.

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Why does America support Israel?

The answer isn’t rooted in theology or special-interest politics but is grounded in strategic national interest. Victor Davis Hanson explains how Israel’s status as the Middle East’s only stable democracy, its alignment with U.S. security priorities, and its role in countering Iran’s decades-long campaign of terror against Americans make it an essential ally on today’s episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words."

“ There's only one government that is truly a free democratic government, and that's Israel. So, it has affinities with the United States and interest with the United States that transcends anything to do with the 7 million Americans who are Jewish Americans. That's just a given.

“They are not directing American policy. They couldn't unless Israel was democratic, consensual, Western, an outpost in a dangerous part of the world that has key resources for global prosperity with oil and, more importantly, is an enemy of our existential enemy that transcends any question of Israeli or Iranian animosity, and that's the theocratic government of Iran that began its existence by taking Americans hostage and storming our embassy.”

(0:00) Introduction: Why the U.S. Supports Israel

(1:39) The History of the U.S. and Israel

(3:08) Iran: The Shared Threat

(4:02) Strategic Alliances

(4:40) Why Israel Is Unique in the Middle East

(7:05) U.S. Interests: The Real Bottom Line

(8:05) Final Thoughts

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