Israel and Its Relationship to the Islamic State

Israel’s strategic relationship with the Islamic State and its affiliates challenges the narrative of the nation as an indispensable American ally in counter-terrorism. Evidence suggests that the Israeli government provided medical treatment, funding, and weaponry to Al-Qaeda and Al-Nusra Front fighters during the Syrian Civil War to counter Iranian influence. Furthermore, Israel acted as a primary purchaser of oil from ISIS-controlled wells and maintained a policy of mutual restraint with the group, which culminated in ISIS issuing a rare apology to the IDF after a 2016 skirmish. Prominent Israeli analysts argued against the total destruction of the Islamic State, viewing a weakened caliphate as a useful tool to distract regional adversaries. These actions indicate that Israel prioritizes territorial expansion and the containment of Iran over the multinational effort to eradicate Sunni jihadist organizations, casting doubt on the alignment of U.S. and Israeli security interests.