The Influence of Israelis on the US: Understanding America’s Stance on Israel
From Business to Politics, How Israeli Billionaires Shape US Support for Israel
Israel, a country smaller than the Indian state of Kerala, has sparked a significant war in the Middle East. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel has launched attacks on Gaza, leading to the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, including many women and children. Despite global condemnation of Israel’s actions, the US has refrained from criticizing its ally.
While Israel has targeted civilian areas, including hospitals, and caused widespread devastation, the US continues to stand firmly by Israel’s side. But why is the US so supportive of Israel?
Beyond a long-standing friendship and business ties, many of the top business leaders in the United States have Israeli backgrounds. Jews from Israel dominate not only the US business world but also the investment and political spheres, which significantly influences America’s decisions.
A large percentage of the world’s Jewish billionaires are based in the United States. These business magnates lead some of the world’s most influential companies, including Oracle, Facebook, WhatsApp, Alphabet, Microsoft, and more. From Larry Ellison (Oracle) to Mark Zuckerberg (Meta Platforms), many of these influential figures come from Jewish families or have Jewish heritage. This dominance is a key factor in the US government’s unwavering support for Israel.
Who Are These Jewish Business Leaders?
Among the top 50 Jewish billionaires globally, 45 reside in the US, leading companies such as Oracle (Larry Ellison), Bloomberg (Michael Bloomberg), Meta Platforms (Mark Zuckerberg), Alphabet (Larry Page, Sergey Brin), Dell Technologies (Michael Dell), and Salesforce (Marc Benioff). Other prominent names include Leon Black (Apollo Global Management), Ronald Perelman (MacAndrews & Forbes), and Stephen Schwarzman (Blackstone Group).
In addition to tech moguls, the list of influential Jewish billionaires extends to the financial and investment industries. Notable names include George Soros (Quantum Fund), Carl Icahn (Icahn Enterprises), and Len Blavatnik (Access Industries). These individuals not only influence business but also have significant clout in US political circles, further solidifying the ties between the two nations.
US-Israel Relations
With such dominance in various sectors, it’s no surprise that the US continues to support Israel, even in controversial times. From the tech industry to the political arena, Jewish leaders hold key positions in shaping US policies, making Israel a strategic and protected ally.
As the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, the influence of these billionaires on US-Israel relations becomes more evident, reflecting how interconnected the two nations are at multiple levels.