To understand why Palestinians claim that US policy in Israel/Palestine is unbalanced, look at the report on US military aid to Israel from the (US) Congressional Research Service[6]. If you don't have time to read the whole 18 pages, at least look at the summary to learn the following facts:

1. Since 1985, the United States has provided $3 billion in grants annually to Israel.

2. Since 1976, Israel has been the largest annual recipient of U.S. foreign assistance, and is the largest cumulative recipient since World War II.

3. It is estimated that Israel receives about $1 billion annually through philanthropy, an equal amount through short- and long- term commercial loans, and around $1billion in Israel Bonds proceeds.

4. U.S. aid to Israel has some unique aspects, such as loans with repayment waived, or a pledge to provide Israel with economic assistance equal to the amount Israel owes the United States for previous loans.

5. U.S. military assistance is used for military purchases in Israel.

6. Israel receives all its assistance in the first 30 days of the fiscal year rather than in 3 or 4 installments as other countries do.

Americans need to demand from their legislators why is this situation is allowed to continue, for the unbalanced support of Israel by the US is clearly working against its own interests in the Middle East[7].

So why is this happening? Forget the religious argument, as American Jews will support Israel but not observe the Sabbath or other aspects of their religious law. Is it the “Israel Lobby