At Stand Together, we advocate a foreign policy of realism and restraint. That means making smart, strategic choices about the use of military force and diplomatic engagement that reinforce the security of the United States and our allies while minimizing the unintended consequences of foreign military entanglement, which are substantial. It does not mean turning away from our allies. And it certainly does not mean isolationism, despite what some critics wrongly claim in an attempt to dismiss rather than sincerely take on the substance of the argument.

This position challenges many aspects of U.S. foreign policy which flow from the current paradigm. But when it comes to the Middle East, realism and restraint and a close relationship with Israel are not only compatible, they are mutually reinforcing.  

Though our work does not focus on Israel specifically, we see America’s alliance with Israel as one of its most enduring and valuable partnerships. For decades, bipartisan support for Israel has advanced our shared liberal values, fostered innovation, and provided a vital anchor of stability in a volatile and strategically important region. Today, as the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East evolves, it’s important that we understand how the U.S.-Israel relationship at once strengthens Israel and serves American interests.

There can be no question about Israel’s sovereign right to defend itself. And there is a growing recognition, on both the left and right, that the U.S. can maintain a strong partnership with Israel—including maintenance of its Qualitative Military Edge—while reducing our direct military footprint in the region. In fact, doing so can strengthen Israel’s position by encouraging its further integration into the Middle East through diplomacy, regional alliances, and economic cooperation. The Abraham Accords proved this is possible. The path forward should build on their success. 

Take Saudi-Israel normalization, for example. A strategic breakthrough between these two regional powers would be a historic achievement—one that diminishes Iran’s toxic influence, enhances regional stability, and creates new opportunities for removing U.S. troops from costly and unnecessary deployments in places like Syria and Iraq. 

A more secure, diplomatically connected Israel would rely less on American military support and more on regional partnerships to ensure its future – a mutually beneficial outcome for our shared values and security. This is not an argument to in any way weaken our alliance. It’s about ensuring that it remains sustainable and strategically sound. Israel remains the region’s most capable military power. With stronger ties to key Arab states, Israel can gain new layers of security and economic opportunity, even as the U.S. rebalances its global posture to meet emerging threats outside of the Middle East.

The end state is one we should all welcome: a Middle East where Israel is not a regional outlier but a central pillar of diplomacy and commerce; where American influence comes not from permanent troop deployments in the region but from strategic partnerships; and where our support for Israel is clear-eyed, consistent, and unburdened by the baggage of decades-old conflicts in places like Iraq.

This is a vision that secures America’s future, strengthens Israel’s role in the region, and offers common ground for the next generation of leaders—across the political spectrum—to rally around.

Learn more about Stand Together’s foreign policy efforts and explore ways you can partner with us.