America at 250, Entebbe at 50: Defining moments for the US-Israel alliance

Fifty years ago, as America celebrated its bicentennial on July 4, 1976, Israeli commandos executed a daring raid to rescue 103 hostages from terrorists at Entebbe, Uganda. This operation, known as Operation Jonathan and named for its commander Yoni Netanyahu who died in the mission, is presented as a symbol of the shared values between the US and Israel.

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Operation Jonathan embodied the very ideals America was celebrating that day: courage in the face of impossible odds, an unyielding commitment to freedom, and the ironclad principle that every innocent life is precious.

The article argues that the Entebbe rescue embodied American ideals of courage and the preciousness of life, mirroring the spirit of the US's 250th anniversary. It frames the US-Israel relationship as a deep kinship between two democracies, beating with the same moral heart and built on shared interests and values, not a one-sided or pawn-like dynamic.

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Two democracies, an ocean apart, beating with the same moral heart.

This strategic partnership, the article contends, has only deepened over the half-century. American military aid has bolstered Israel's defense, while Israeli military technology and intelligence have saved American lives. The alliance is portrayed as a crucial bulwark against terrorism, especially in light of recent regional conflicts involving Iran and its proxies.

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Israel is America’s number one investment, and America is Israel’s number one partner.