[hoepoe]

Hello folks.

I can't believe i missed this back in '04.

We receive plenty aid from the US, both fiscal and moral support/political backing and military supplies (as well as the US veto when we need in in the UN.)

I believe we receive this first and foremost as it is in the US's interest to have a (semi) stable democratic ally in this wonderful region. Not necessarily only because the US loves us. This is ok "business is business"

What would happen without the US aid? I would be tough, very tough, but we would survive (we have no choice). Keep in mind Israel has a lot of home grown talent, technology and resources to offer. We do have our own military, our own strong economy and our own government,)

Are we appreciative of the US? Damn right we are! On independence day here we put Israeli flags on our cars (about A3 size off the window or hood). Some people ( few, but still) put US flags alongside them on the cars that day,(next year i'll get a pic)

If you ask the majority of Israelis what they think they will tell you how wonderful the US is, Israel in many ways is trying to mimic the US regarding "way of life". It cannot happen of course, but the average man on the street loves the US as more than an ally, more like a big successful cousin.

Bottom line, i believe we need the US and the US needs us. As long as that co-dependency exists at some level relations will continue to strengthen.

It's a dog-eat-dog world and Israel is clearly the smaller dog in this case, BUT the biggest friend of the US for miles.



Hoepoe

edited to add: If you're ever out here, go see Latrun, the IDF Armoured Corps museum.. It is also the landmark for allied forces, you will see standing high, 3 US flags alongside 3 Israeli flags, at an IDF museum,