West Point Historian Challenges US Criticism of Israel as Biased and Unfounded
Victor Davis Hanson, a senior American military historian and classical world scholar, published an article on August 18 in American Greatness addressing the intense criticism Israel faces in US politics. Hanson questions why Israel is singled out for harsh scrutiny while other countries involved in conflicts and atrocities receive different treatment. He argues that the disproportionate focus on Israel stems from "obsessive hatred," despite other nations committing severe acts.
Hanson challenges claims of excessive Jewish influence on American academia by presenting data showing Israel has contributed about $300 million to US universities and nonprofits since its founding, adjusted for inflation. In contrast, Gulf states have donated over $12 billion and China more than $6 billion. He questions the narrative that Israel wields outsized leverage in American institutions.
Regarding US foreign aid, Hanson highlights that since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, the US has provided nearly $200 billion in military and economic assistance to Ukraine, roughly ten times the aid given to Israel during the same period. He notes Israel has faced over 30,000 missile and drone attacks from Iran-backed groups, underscoring the scale of its security challenges.
On the Gaza conflict, Hanson cites West Point urban warfare expert John Spencer, who estimates the ratio of combatant to civilian deaths in Gaza ranges from 1:1 to 1:2, significantly lower than some claims of 1:9. Hanson stresses that casualty figures must be understood in the context of Hamas operating within civilian areas and using civilian infrastructure.
Finally, Hanson rejects labeling Israel as a colonialist state or Jews as colonial settlers, emphasizing the 3,500-year historical connection of Jews to the land. He compares Israel’s situation to other countries with contested territories and questions why terms like "colonialism," "apartheid," and "ethnic cleansing" are disproportionately applied to Israel. He concludes that the hatred of Israel, often accompanied by support for Hamas, reflects deeper Western biases and prejudices rather than a genuine human rights struggle.
