A case for why the U.S. keeps Israel as its closest Middle East partner, framed as a strategic win for American interests.

• The core argument is practical, not just moral: Israel gives the U.S. a powerful military foothold in a volatile region.
• Israel and the U.S. fly missions side by side against shared enemies, chiefly Iran.
• Israel's spy network is rated among the best in the world, watching areas where terror groups take root.
• Some generals call Israel an "unsinkable aircraft carrier" — a permanent base of power the U.S. does not have to float there itself.

Outlook: Expect Washington to keep backing Israel tightly as long as Iran remains the main regional threat.