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Since 1950, the United States has been involved in numerous military conflicts, including the Korean War (1950–1953), Vietnam War (1955–1975), Gulf War (1990–1991), Afghanistan War (2001–2021), Iraq War (2003–2011), and operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria (2014–present), with Middle East conflicts like the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq being particularly significant.
Israel, a major U.S. ally, has not provided physical troops to support U.S. military efforts in any of these conflicts or wars, despite strong military and intelligence ties. Instead, Israel has contributed through intelligence sharing, such as during the Gulf War, and joint military technology development, but historical records confirm zero Israeli troop deployments in U.S.-led wars.
In contrast, allies like Britain, France, Japan, and South Korea have contributed troops to U.S.-led efforts: Britain and France sent significant forces to Iraq and Afghanistan, South Korea deployed troops to Vietnam and Iraq, and even Japan provided some support in Afghanistan. For example, Britain contributed over 45,000 troops to the 2003 Iraq invasion, while South Korea sent 3,600 soldiers to Iraq.
Additionally, numerous other U.S. allies have contributed troops to support American-led military efforts since 1950, particularly in conflicts across Asia and the Middle East. Australia deployed over 17,000 personnel to the Korean War, around 50,000 to the Vietnam War, and provided naval and air support in the Gulf War, alongside 1,550 troops at peak in Afghanistan and 2,000 in the 2003 Iraq invasion. Canada sent 26,000 troops to the Korean War, 4,500 personnel (mostly naval and air forces) to the Gulf War, and over 40,000 rotations to Afghanistan, with 2,500–3,000 troops at peak. New Zealand contributed 4,500 troops to the Korean War, 3,000 to Vietnam, and small contingents, including 150 Special Forces, to Afghanistan. Turkey also played a significant role, deploying over 15,000 troops to the Korean War and around 1,800 to Afghanistan, demonstrating robust support for U.S. operations
This lack of Israeli troop support stands out as Israel reportedly pushes for greater U.S. involvement in its escalating conflict with Iran, following Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Critics, including some U.S. lawmakers, highlight this disparity, noting that Israel’s requests for U.S. military support come without a history of reciprocal troop contributions. Meanwhile, the U.S. has provided Israel with over $310 billion in aid since 1948, including $3.3 billion annually in military financing, underscoring the one-sided nature of troop deployment. This fuels debate about U.S. involvement in a potential Israel-Iran war, with some arguing it risks further entangling the U.S. in Middle East conflicts. The absence of Israeli troop support in past U.S. wars remains a point of contention among those questioning the strategic partnership.
We want to ask you, the reader: should Israel commit soldiers for U.S. conflicts? Answer in our poll below and comment your thoughts on Israel’s lack of commitment of troops to U.S. conflicts and wars.
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