Why is Israel considered one of the most strongest nations?

[Sirota]

Israel, starting with its foundation in 1948, was supported from almost every side of the globe including that of the Communist bloc. Since hostilities broke out in the Middle East because of the founding of the Jewish state, Israel had weapons, mercenaries, troops and logistical aid thrown at them from USA and many participants of NATO. Why do so many claim Israel had one of the most decisive victories in modern history when a) it was largely armed and supported in the West and b) fought enemies inferior to the Israeli equiptment and armaments which once again, came through Western aid.

[bushbush]

cuz US backs Israel.

[hellheaven1987]

I don't really understand the question or statement, perhaps in simple English??

[Sirota]

Post coherently please. -Pontifex

[hellheaven1987]

why is dat so many ppl tink dat israel is strong but ever1 noes dat it is only strong cuz da usa gives it money and food and weaponz to kill smal weak arab ppl?

Oh, because US aid.

However, Israel did have its own capability; for example, during Six Days War IDF was still using upgrade version of Sherman and heavily outnumber by Arab coalition, but was able to beat both Egypt and Syria threat in same time. It is also notable that US aid did not really come around late 1960s.

[Mythre]

It is simply because they have one the finest military forces in the modern world and the best in the middle east. Sure, they are US armed although it seems progressively less so, but other middle east states arguably had equal or superior Soviet supplied weapons. (at least in the past)

In essence, it is not the weapon you have, but how you use it that makes the difference. The Israelis know how to use what they got... their enemies don't for the most part.

[★Bandiera Rossa☭]

Isræl is considered to be powerful due to its US backing.. In other words it itself is fairly weak but due to much backing and financial aide it has comparably powerful influence in ME affairs.

[removeduser_052420]

Because Israel kicked Arab ass in 48 and 97. But then again, modern arabs aern't exactly good fighters

[Banana Jelly]

Because Israel kicked Arab ass in 48 and 97. But then again, modern arabs aern't exactly good fighters

Yeah, back when there was swords, we kicked ass. Good times man, good times.

[Oswald von Wolkenstein]

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[uzi716]

ummm....because their entire army is American made and they get around 3 billion a year from America (I heard it on the news so don't ask for freaking source)

[Bwaho]

Jewish interests and Anti-Jewish interests alike think that the "Jews" are responsible for getting all this aid - but they are really not.

and the jewish lobby has no influence at all?

Paid for by the U.S. taxpayer -- and the Israelis used the money they saved by having the U.S. to pay for their military by giving all of their citizens free health care. Which the U.S. doesn't have. Isn't that great - at least the "51st State" has universal health care.

pwnd

[Maverick]

Since hostilities broke out in the Middle East because of the founding of the Jewish state, Israel had weapons, mercenaries, troops and logistical aid thrown at them from USA and many participants of NATO.

Really? The hostilities broke out in '48? I was under the impression there was a lot of fighting before that.

Why do so many claim Israel had one of the most decisive victories in modern history when a) it was largely armed and supported in the West and b) fought enemies inferior to the Israeli equiptment and armaments which once again, came through Western aid.

"Largely" armed and supported by the US, fought "inferior" Arab armies, care to be any more specific than that? Kind of vague...

Israel is a 3 foot high little man with 3 foot high gun that has a six foot long barrel and on the barrel of that gun the words "MADE IN THE USA" are blazoned.

If the U.S. doesn't take the Gun away, the slaughter will continue. If they do take the Gun away, they'll lose money and that slaughter will escalate. So - there's very little chance that anything will every change.

America's first military intervention in the Mid East during the Suez Crisis in '56 was on behalf of the Egyptians. As hellheaven pointed out the US started to sell weapons to Israel in the early 60s, what he failed to mention was that they were also selling weapons to Egypt and Jordan.

Israel achieved its two most significant victories in the War of Independence and the Six Day War without American aid, in fact the Israelis killed 34 Americans in the USS Liberty incident in '67.

Finest Military forces?? lol, yeah sure. Besides their air force, Israel really isn't a force to be reckoned with anymore, they just have the advantage of good weaponry.

Never heard of Operation Entebbe? Operation Wrath of God? Operation Sabena?

That's it? You don't think they might just be okay at collecting intelligence? Or at special forces operations? Counter-terrorism? Maybe the tank crews that held off the Syrians in '73 were okay?

[Oswald von Wolkenstein]

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[Maverick]

Those dollars paid for some prime real estate

Hellheaven and I already went over this. US aid was not a factor 'till after the large territorial gain in the Six Day War.

[Phier]

This sort of reminds me of the Alexander thread.

Does anyone ever beat someone who were BETTER fighters than the winning side? "Well they were the better army, but damn they got their ass kicked". No the winner finds the weakness and exploits it and then people years later talk about how bad the weakness was.

Sure Israel has US weapons but its not like the Arab powers were flying bi-planes and riding in on camels.

You have a country of people who are highly intelligent, highly educated, and who's backs are against the wall. Failure equals destruction. Israel can't lose a war or they won't be there anymore.

Its like fighting a cornered wolverine, I wouldn't want to try it.

[boofhead]

As far as I know it wasn't US troops or any other army who fought for Israel in the various wars (and won). Equipment, yeah. Flesh and blood. Nobody but the Israelis.

Israelis are bred in a very harsh mental environment; and their men fight like lions.

[Oswald von Wolkenstein]

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[boofhead]

So? Look at intent, not actual damage.

Take a look at Hamas Bee telling kids about suiciding for Palestine.

Then tell me what a rock-thrower means.

[Oswald von Wolkenstein]

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