In the 2026 National Defense Strategy, Israel is portrayed not simply as a close partner but as a central example of the kind of ally the United States seeks to rely upon as it reshapes its global defense posture. The document frames Israel as a “model ally” because it has demonstrated that it is both capable and willing to defend itself, even under extreme threat. In the aftermath of October 7, the strategy notes that Israel “was able and willing to defend itself… that it is a model ally,” underscoring a core U.S. priority: empowering partners who can shoulder more of the regional security burden with limited American support.
Israel’s role is especially significant in the context of Iran, which the strategy identifies as a persistent destabilizing force “intent on destroying” Israel. The document credits Israeli military operations with leaving both Hamas and Hezbollah “severely degraded,” reinforcing Israel’s importance as a frontline actor against Iran’s proxy network.
At the same time, the strategy emphasizes that U.S. support remains critical. It highlights that American forces provided “critical support to Israel’s defense,” enabling what it describes as Israel’s “historic operational and strategic successes.” This reflects the broader approach the strategy advances: the United States will continue to back Israel strongly, but in ways that enhance Israel’s independent capacity rather than requiring large-scale American military deployments.
Indeed, the document explicitly argues that Israel has long proven itself “willing and able to defend itself with critical but limited support from the United States,” creating what it calls an opportunity to “further empower it to defend itself and promote our shared interests.” In this framework, Israel’s strength contributes directly to U.S. strategic flexibility, allowing Washington to conserve resources and focus on its highest priorities, including deterrence of China and defense of the homeland.
Beyond military capability, Israel is also positioned as a hub for broader regional integration. The strategy points to growing cooperation between Israel and Arab Gulf partners, building on the Abraham Accords, and commits the Department of Defense to enabling “integration between Israel and our Arabian Gulf partners.” This reflects an American vision of a more networked Middle East security architecture, in which Israel plays a stabilizing and coordinating role alongside other U.S. partners.
Ultimately, the strategy treats Israel as indispensable to America’s Middle East posture: a strong, self-reliant ally that advances shared interests, counters Iran, and supports regional deterrence, while reducing the need for direct U.S. military involvement. The United States, it concludes, will continue “strongly backing Israel’s efforts to defend itself” as part of a broader effort to empower capable partners and sustain American strategic focus worldwide.
Source: “2026 National Defense Strategy,” Department of War, (January 23, 2026).