Americans who see Israel as top ally highlight shared values, defense ties

Americans who view Israel as the top US ally highlight the countries’ shared values and defense ties, according to a Pew Research Center Poll.

Ninety-four percent of those respondents say the two countries’ security relationship is a crucial part of the alliance, 79% say shared values are crucial, and 68% cite economic ties.

More Republicans and Independents named Israel as the top US ally than Democrats.

The survey comes as the Israeli government seeks to overhaul the judicial system, agitating Washington and the US Jewish community, who have long said the two countries’ shared democratic values are an essential part of their relationship.

Israel ranks third as the top US ally, following the UK and Canada, according to the survey. Four percent of respondents say Israel was the top US ally, while 22% named the UK, and 6% said Canada.

Lower down the list are Germany, China, Japan, the EU and France.

The survey finds that Americans view China as the leading threat to the US, followed by Russia, North Korea, and the US itself. No other countries are viewed as a significant danger.