U.S. and European Support for Israel: Military Aid, Intelligence, and Partnerships

As the Israel–Iran conflict escalates, many are asking why Western support for Israel remains so consistent, even in the face of growing regional instability and global scrutiny.

Israel’s ability to conduct such extensive operations is underpinned by decades of robust support from the United States and, to a lesser extent, key European allies. Washington remains Israel’s primary benefactor in military and strategic terms.

The U.S. provides Israel with $3.8 billion in military assistance every year, by far the largest such aid program in U.S. history[1]. This steady funding, agreed under a 10-year memorandum of understanding, ensures Israel remains one of the best-equipped militaries in the region, with advanced American weaponry ranging from F-35 stealth fighter jets to precision-guided munitions[2].

U.S.-supplied aircraft and ordnance were integral to Israel’s recent Iran strikes. American-made bunker-buster bombs are believed to have been used against Iran’s hardened nuclear sites, and Israel’s fleet of U.S.-origin fighters (F-15s, F-35s) executed the long-range missions.

Beyond this direct aid, the U.S. and Israel engage in deep intelligence and security cooperation. American and Israeli intelligence agencies closely share information on common threats, with Iran’s activities a top priority. The level of coordination is exemplified by President Trump’s remark regarding the latest attack: “We knew everything” about Israel’s plans, he told reporters, implying U.S. intelligence support and foreknowledge of the Israeli operation.

Over the years, such cooperation has taken many forms, from joint cyber operations, such as the 2010 Stuxnet virus that sabotaged Iranian centrifuges, reportedly a U.S.-Israel effort, to real-time sharing of missile defence data.

The United States has also pre-positioned military stockpiles in Israel and funded collaborative projects like the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missile defence systems, which protect Israel and can potentially shield U.S. forces in the region.

Diplomatically, Washington has consistently shielded Israel on the world stage, often vetoing adverse resolutions in the UN Security Council and advocating for Israel’s right to self-defence. This unwavering backing, grounded in a long alliance based on shared democratic values and strategic interests, gives Israel considerable freedom of action.

Even when U.S. administrations express caution, as Biden’s did during earlier conflicts, support for Israel’s security remains a bipartisan pillar. As a Reuters analysis noted, “The U.S. is Israel’s most important foreign arms provider,” and Washington has not heeded international calls to condition or cut aid, believing that maintaining Israel’s strength also grants the U.S. leverage and stability in the Middle East.

European allies, while more restrained than the U.S., have forged significant defence and intelligence partnerships with Israel. No European country gives Israel direct military aid on the scale of Washington, but leading NATO members have become important collaborators and customers in Israel’s defence sector.

Germany, for historical and strategic reasons, has provided critical support, including subsidizing state-of-the-art German-built submarines for Israel’s navy, capable of second-strike nuclear deterrence. Berlin also recently agreed to purchase Israel’s Arrow-3 anti-ballistic missile system, marking the first export of that jointly U.S.-Israeli developed technology.

Other European states are similarly acquiring Israeli systems. Finland has bought the David’s Sling air defence system (co-developed by Israel and the U.S.), and Israel’s ELTA radars (used with Iron Dome) have been sold to countries like the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Such deals underscore a growing two-way military partnership. Europe gains advanced tools from Israel, and Israel benefits from sales and a broader alignment of interests.

Intelligence sharing is another pillar. NATO and Israel have markedly strengthened intelligence cooperation in recent years, especially regarding the perceived Iranian threat. European NATO members, once hesitant, are now actively exchanging intelligence with Israel on Iran’s missile programs and its alliance with Russia, even inviting Israel to provide comprehensive assessments of Iran’s capabilities and activities to Europe[3].

High-level visits and joint exercises have become common. For instance, Greece, a NATO member, conducts regular air force drills with Israel and is exploring a multi-layered air defence network, similar to Israel’s Iron Dome to bolster its security. This reflects a broader shift, countries in Europe that once kept Israel at arm’s length militarily are now partnering openly, driven by common concerns over terrorism, Iran, and instability.

Diplomatically, most European governments express strong backing for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, but this is increasingly mixed with criticism of Israeli military conduct, particularly in light of heavy civilian casualties and hardline rhetoric during recent conflicts. While European leaders continue to call for restraint and adherence to international law, ties with Israel remain deeply rooted. The European Union is still Israel’s largest trading partner, accounting for roughly a third of its total trade, over €45 billion annually[4].

EU-Israel cooperation agreements facilitate extensive commerce in technology, agriculture, and services, binding Israel into the Western economic sphere. Culturally and politically, Israel’s integration with the West was solidified early on, France was Israel’s chief arms supplier in the 1950s and helped it build a nuclear reactor, Britain provided crucial diplomatic support for Israel’s founding.

Although today’s EU often voices human rights concerns, leading European powers, the UK, France, Germany and others, have long-standing defence relationships with Israel, from sales of European fighter parts, until some were halted over Gaza concerns, to collaborative research in cybersecurity and counter-terror tactics.

In summary, Western support for Israel spans military aid, intelligence, financial assistance, and diplomatic backing, all built over decades. These relationships trace back to the Cold War, when the U.S. came to see Israel not just as an ally, but as a forward-operating asset in the Middle East, a well-armed partner positioned to counter Soviet influence and hostile Arab regimes. Europe’s early support, meanwhile, was driven by guilt over the Holocaust and a sense of responsibility to help create a Jewish homeland.

Today, that support remains strong. Washington continues to provide billions in aid and advanced weaponry each year[5], and European capitals increasingly see Israel as both a source of innovation and a partner against shared threats. However, cracks are beginning to show, with rising public criticism, diplomatic friction, and growing unease over civilian casualties and political rhetoric. Still, this long-standing support network has undeniably strengthened Israel’s military edge, enabling operations like the Iran strikes while anchoring its security within broader Western strategic interests.

Written by Aries Russell

Managing Director, Aries Intelligence

[1] Reuters, “EU’s Borrell suggests U.S. rethink military aid to Israel,” February 12, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/eus-borrell-suggests-us-rethink-military-aid-israel-2024-02-12/#:~:text=he%20added.

[2] Reuters, “U.S. has signed off more bombs, warplanes for Israel, Washington Post reports,” March 29, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-has-signed-off-more-bombs-warplanes-israel-washington-post-reports-2024-03-29/#:~:text=Washington%20gives%20%243,to%20Israel%2C%20its%20longtime%20ally.

[3] Defence Industry Europe, “NATO and Israel strengthen intelligence cooperation,” May 2024, https://defence-industry.eu/nato-and-israel-strengthen-intelligence-cooperation/#:~:text=The%20European%20members%20of%20NATO,defensive%20and%20offensive%20weapon%20systems.

[4] Euronews, “EU to review its trade and cooperation with Israel over Gaza offensive,” May 20, 2025, https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/05/20/eu-to-review-its-trade-and-cooperation-with-israel-over-gaza-offensive#:~:text=The%20EU%20is%20Israel%E2%80%99s%20biggest,than%20%E2%82%AC45%20billion%20a%20year.

[5] Reuters, “EU’s Borrell suggests U.S. rethink military aid to Israel,” February 12, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/eus-borrell-suggests-us-rethink-military-aid-israel-2024-02-12/#:~:text=he%20added.

[6] Defence Industry Europe, “NATO and Israel strengthen intelligence cooperation,” May 2024, https://defence-industry.eu/nato-and-israel-strengthen-intelligence-cooperation/#:~:text=The%20European%20members%20of%20NATO,defensive%20and%20offensive%20weapon%20systems

[7] Euronews, “EU to review its trade and cooperation with Israel over Gaza offensive,” May 20, 2025, https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/05/20/eu-to-review-its-trade-and-cooperation-with-israel-over-gaza-offensive#:~:text=The%20EU%20is%20Israel%E2%80%99s%20biggest,than%20%E2%82%AC45%20billion%20a%20year.