15 Years of Strengthening U.S.-Israel Ties

For 15 years, numerous American lawmakers have had a rare opportunity to observe an important and often debated international alliance up close. Since 2011, the U.S.-Israel Education Association (USIEA) has facilitated these insights by bringing members of Congress to Israel. This enables them to familiarize themselves with security, technology, and geopolitical issues impacting their work in Washington.

Heather Johnston, USIEA’s Founder and President, reflected on the organization’s 15th anniversary during a conversation with Fox News Digital. She recounted how she met then-Majority Leader Eric Cantor, offering him a strategy to enhance educational trips for U.S. lawmakers. “He was surprised because he had been seeking someone for two years who could lead these tours,” Johnston said.

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The inaugural tour organized by the association included five members of the House Armed Services Committee. Participants were introduced to an innovative missile defense technology that was in its infancy at the time. Known as the Iron Dome, this system was so new that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to declassify it to showcase advanced technology to American legislators.

The demonstration impressed lawmakers, who initiated steps to secure additional funding for Iron Dome. Within weeks of their return to Washington, the five committee members involved 54 other Congress members. Their efforts paid off when, less than three months later, U.S. lawmakers succeeded in tripling the budget for this defense system.

“Our dedication to Israel’s security is unwavering. As I have assured the Prime Minister in every meeting, the United States will always support Israel’s security,” President Obama remarked at that time.

Netanyahu credited Heather Johnston and USIEA with strengthening the alliance between the U.S. and Israel. “For 15 years, Heather Johnston and USIEA have valiantly supported Israel and the Jewish people’s right to live in their homeland,” Netanyahu stated. “USIEA played a pivotal role in securing backing for essential American-Israeli projects, reinforcing our valued partnership.”

The Iron Dome funding increase marked one of many instances where U.S. lawmakers took substantial action following educational visits organized by USIEA. Over the years, USIEA has expanded its missions, adapting through different administrations, the Abraham Accords, and events such as the Hamas-led massacre on October 7.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman described the U.S.-Israel relationship over the past 15 years as experiencing “lots of ups and downs.” He added, “If you drew a trend line, it’s consistently strengthened.” Friedman mentioned various initiatives from Iron Dome support to establishing an FDA office in Israel, acknowledging that American lawmakers increasingly recognized Israel’s value in technology, medicine, and national security.

Current U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee echoed the sentiment, noting that many Americans underestimate the depth of U.S.-Israel ties. “Most Americans don’t fully grasp the extent of our partnership with Israel,” Huckabee remarked.

This partnership facilitated cooperation in various fields, including military efforts to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “During operations against Iran, our planes flew together, and military staff from both nations worked closely,” he said.

Huckabee emphasized that organizations like USIEA show lawmakers realities that can’t be fully understood from Washington alone. “Many misconceptions about Israel are quickly dispelled,” Huckabee noted. He cited examples of Arab citizens in prominent Israeli roles, challenging visitor preconceptions.

Looking forward, Johnston expressed that USIEA’s mission grows as the U.S.-Israel relationship evolves. “Much of what we do is groundbreaking. We’re not only showcasing existing collaborations but also exploring future possibilities,” she observed.