The United States and Israel have reached an historic point in their alliance.

On Monday, U.S. and Israeli officials celebrated the establishment of the first permanent American military base in Israel. The base will house American soldiers and a missile defense system. It will contain barracks and other buildings where U.S. troops will be stationed.

Israeli Brigadier General Tzvika Haimovitch, the head of Israel’s Aerial Defense Command, inaugurated the new military installation with American General Richard Clark, who commands the U.S. 3^rd Air Force. The base marks the first time the United States has established a permanent military base in Israel.

The U.S. Now Has A Military Base In Israel

The base is designed to help protect the Jewish state from potential threats from terrorist groups like Hamas – and other hostile forces. According to The Hill, the missile defense system is intended to “identify and intercept various aerial threats.” While it is an American base, it will operate under the military directives of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

This initiative began under the Obama administration and was completed earlier this year. The base will house dozens of U.S. Air Force soldiers.

The Base Will Help to Ensure Israel’s Security

The establishment of the military base in Israel shows the United States’ commitment to defending one of its closest allies. While relations between the two nations became somewhat strained under the previous administration, the relationship between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again reaffirmed the alliance.

While there was no particular event that prompted the establishment of the base, this step will make it harder for Israel’s enemies to commit acts of aggression against the Jewish state. The base – which is strategically located in the southern region of Israel – will provide further protection from rockets launched by Hamas from the Gaza Strip. Haimovitch told The Associated Press, “It’s a message that says Israel is better prepared. It’s a message that says Israel is improving the response to threats.”

During the Gaza war in 2014, Hamas fired thousands of rockets at Israel. Since then, the IDF has beefed up its missile defense system. With an American base in the area, it will be easier for Israel to intercept rockets before they can cause significant damage.

The establishment of the base will send a powerful message to Israel’s enemies.

Hamas recently announced that it would allow elections in the Gaza Strip. While some have seen this as a sign that the terrorist group is adopting a moderate stance, the reality is something more insidious. The Washington Examiner states:

“Ultimately, there’s a broader point here: We should always be cautious about claims of moderation from Islamic terrorist groups like Hamas. Seeing their purpose in life as serving an ordained mission from God, they would not yield power to democratic interests unless absolutely confident it would advance their interests above all others. This decision is a ploy.”

Hamas has no intention of giving up power – this election is just more subterfuge on their part. Regardless of the outcome of the election, the extremist organization will continue to plot its attacks against Israel. The American military base will help to stymie their efforts.

A Question of Survival

Since its inception in 1948, Israel has lived under constant threats from enemies who wish to destroy the Jewish state. While radical extremism has not focused as much on Israel lately, it is obvious that one of their primary goals is to exterminate or subjugate Jews in the Middle East.

Groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and ISIS want to see Israel annihilated, which means the West must remain vigilant in protecting its ally. The new American military base doesn’t just provide more cover for Israel; it also sends the message that the United States remains committed to the Jewish state’s survival.