I agree to some extent with several of you. The relationship with Israel does not require her to do anything for us, just be there. As fhassan has pointed out. Israel has served as our "Rook" on the chessboard for many years. But to say it is just a relationship of convenience is too simple. The ties between Israel and America are very strong. Not only due to the influence of Jewish-Americans, but also due to the nature of Israeli society. I don't mean to offend anyone here, but it is just more "American", than the societies of most of Israel's neighbors. When they have so many of their citizens, like Mrs.Golda Meir, who were Americans, that makes for strong ties. On top of that, unlike Europe, America is a very religious country. Many of the Christian churches in America have very strong ties to the Israeli people and to the existence of Israel due to their interpretation of the Bible. Most evangelical Christians in America are far stronger supporters of Israel than even Jewish Americans are. Jews support, overwhelmingly, the liberal party in America, the Democrats, and the Evangelicals overwhelmingly support the more "hawkish" and pro-Israel conservative party, the Republicans. That does not mean that Israel and America does not have our problems with each other. We spy on them...they spy on us.