America First Does Not Mean Israel First
Segment #730
America First is not some cute little marketing phrase. For the American public it is a mantra that reflects years of their government ignoring their needs for the needs of others that may not even be citizens or live in the United States. America First means complete transparency in justifying why and how the government sets their priorities. There is no equivocation. And sorry Shapiro and Levine if you ask these questions you don’t become an antisemite. Be suspicious of this who slander before they offere coherent arguemnts.
The query appears to refer to Ben Shapiro (a conservative commentator and Orthodox Jew) and Mark Levin (a conservative radio host and author, who is also Jewish), describing them as "Talmudic Jews" (a term sometimes used for those who study or adhere to Talmudic teachings in Orthodox Judaism) and viewed by some as radically pro-Israel, potentially at the expense of other priorities. The core question is whether an American citizen who pledges allegiance to the U.S. Constitution can prioritize Israel ("Israel first") over American interests.Background on Ben Shapiro and Mark LevinBen Shapiro is an Orthodox Jew who regularly studies and references the Talmud in his writings and podcasts, aligning with traditional Jewish scholarship.
)Both are American citizens who publicly affirm loyalty to the U.S., but their strong advocacy for Israel has led some to question if it crosses into "Israel first" territory—though they frame it as compatible with American values, given Israel's status as a close ally.Can an American Citizen Be "Israel First" While Pledging Allegiance to the Constitution? From a constitutional and legal standpoint, yes, American citizens can hold personal views or advocate for prioritizing a foreign country like Israel, as long as it doesn't involve illegal actions. Here's a breakdown:
Free Speech and Opinion: The First Amendment protects the right to express support for foreign nations, even if it means advocating policies that favor them over certain U.S. interests.
Citizens can lobby, donate, or vote based on such priorities without violating their pledge of allegiance (which is symbolic and not legally binding in a way that polices thoughts). Many Americans across the political spectrum prioritize alliances (e.g., with Israel, Ukraine, or Taiwan) in their worldview, seeing it as aligned with U.S. security.
Limits on Actions: If "Israel first" means engaging in espionage, treason (aiding an enemy during war), or violating laws like the Foreign Agents Registration Act (requiring disclosure for representing foreign interests), that's illega
Israel is a U.S. ally, not an enemy, so strong support rarely crosses this line. Dual citizens (U.S.-Israel) can vote in both countries, but U.S. law requires primary allegiance to the Constitution for officials.
Government Roles: For elected officials or federal employees, oaths require defending the Constitution "against all enemies, foreign and domestic." Prioritizing a foreign power in official duties could lead to impeachment, ethics violations, or removal, but personal opinions are protected.
Foreign policy is primarily federal, limiting state interference.
Broader Context: Accusations of "dual loyalty" (e.g., to Israel) have historically targeted Jewish Americans and can veer into antisemitism, but the query focuses on constitutionality.
Polls show broad U.S. support for Israel as an ally (e.g., 4 out of 5 Americans view it positively), and bipartisan laws reinforce cooperation. Critics argue unconditional support can harm U.S. interests or rights (e.g., anti-BDS laws challenged on free speech grounds).
In short, personal prioritization is constitutionally allowed and common in a diverse society, but it must stay within legal bounds. Shapiro and Levin exemplify how strong pro-Israel views can coexist with American patriotism, though opinions on whether it's "at the expense of everything else" vary by perspective.
Pledges to Israel
Current U.S. Pledges to Israel (as of January 2026)The United States maintains a longstanding strategic partnership with Israel, primarily through military aid, security cooperation, and diplomatic support. This alliance is rooted in shared democratic values, intelligence sharing, and mutual defense interests in the Middle East.
ajc.org
Key current pledges include:
Military Aid under the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Signed during the Obama administration, this 10-year agreement (effective FY2019–FY2028) commits the U.S. to provide $38 billion in total military assistance, including $33 billion in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and $5 billion for missile defense. This translates to approximately $3.8 billion annually, subject to congressional appropriations.
congress.gov
As of 2026, this MOU is midway through its term and remains active.
Post-October 7, 2023 Aid: Since the Hamas attack, the U.S. has provided at least $21.7 billion in additional military aid and arms transfers through September 2025, including munitions, equipment, and support for operations in Gaza and against other threats.
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This includes a $4 billion emergency package announced in March 2025 by Secretary of State Marco Rubio under the Trump administration.
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2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): Enacted in December 2025, this bill includes provisions to counter international arms embargoes against Israel, reinforcing U.S. commitment to ensure Israel's access to defense resources amid growing global isolation.
mondoweiss.net
Trade and Economic Pledges: In December 2025, the U.S. and Israel extended a 2004 agreement on trade in agricultural products, enhancing economic ties.
whitehouse.gov
Broader U.S.-Israel free trade agreements date back to 1985 and continue to facilitate billions in bilateral trade.
Diplomatic and Security Support: The U.S. consistently vetoes or opposes UN resolutions critical of Israel and provides intelligence sharing through frameworks like the "Major Strategic Partner" designation. Recent statements from President Trump affirm U.S. backing for Israel's military actions, including in Gaza and potential escalations with Iran.
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Humanitarian Context: While not direct aid to Israel, the U.S. pledged $2 billion to UN humanitarian efforts in late 2025, tied to reforms and including support for Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.
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Historically, the U.S. has provided Israel with over $174 billion in bilateral aid (non-inflation-adjusted) since 1948, with the majority allocated to military purposes.
congress.gov
Future U.S. Pledges to IsraelLooking ahead, U.S. commitments to Israel are likely to evolve based on geopolitical developments, domestic politics, and Israel's security needs. Projections include:
Post-2028 MOU Renewal: The current MOU expires in FY2028, prompting discussions on a successor agreement. Israeli officials are considering a new framework, potentially adjusting for Israel's growing defense budget (projected at $35 billion for 2026, where U.S. aid constitutes about 10%).
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Some U.S. analysts advocate for reduced or conditional aid, citing Israel's actions in recent conflicts, while others push for expansion.
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Political Dynamics: Under the Trump administration, support remains robust, with pledges for backing Israel's operations against threats like Iran.
mondoweiss.net
However, public opinion is mixed: A 2024 Pew poll showed stronger U.S. support for the Israeli people than for its government, and a majority opposes additional military aid in some surveys.
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Future administrations could shift priorities, especially amid U.S. fiscal pressures or Middle East realignments.
Strategic Considerations: Israel faces evolving threats from Iran, Hezbollah, and others, which may necessitate continued U.S. support for missile defense (e.g., Iron Dome) and joint exercises.
jpost.com
Recommendations from groups like Israel Policy Forum urge the U.S. to condition aid on issues like avoiding settlements in Gaza.
israelpolicyforum.org
Potential Challenges: Critics argue long-term pledges (e.g., a proposed 20-year MOU) could strain U.S. resources or enable policies seen as counterproductive.
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Economic aid has largely phased out, focusing future support on military and tech collaboration.
Overall, U.S.-Israel ties are expected to remain strong, but future pledges may become more conditional or debated in Congress, reflecting broader shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
Estimated Cost of Future Support to Israel
There is no signed or finalized 20-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Israel as of January 2026. The current 10-year MOU, signed in 2016, provides $38 billion in military aid ($3.8 billion annually, including $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing and $500 million for missile defense) and remains in effect through fiscal year 2028.In November 2025, reports indicated that Israel proposed extending the next security assistance agreement to 20 years (potentially running through 2048, Israel's centennial) during preliminary discussions for a post-2028 framework. This proposal includes "America First" elements, such as allocating some funds toward joint U.S.-Israeli research and development rather than purely direct aid, to align with U.S. domestic priorities and address skepticism about foreign aid.Estimated CostNo official total cost has been publicly disclosed or agreed upon, as negotiations are in very early stages and face political complexities (including U.S. debates over foreign aid and Israel's ongoing conflicts).
Israel seeks to maintain or exceed the current level of at least $4 billion per year (a figure sometimes used to approximate the existing $3.8 billion package).
A rough extrapolation, assuming a similar annual amount without increases or adjustments for inflation, would suggest a total in the range of $80 billion over 20 years.
However, this is speculative—actual figures could be higher (to account for rising threats or new programs) or lower (due to potential U.S. conditions or shifts in policy).
Alternative proposals, such as one from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies suggesting a Strategic Partnership Agreement with $5 billion annually, would imply around $100 billion over 20 years, but this is a think-tank recommendation, not an official Israeli or U.S. position.Negotiations are expected to intensify, but any new agreement would require congressional appropriations and could be influenced by evolving U.S. foreign policy priorities under the Trump administration. For the latest developments, official sources like the U.S. Department of State or congressional reports would provide updates as talks progress.