Why was it so normal to support Israel in the USA, up to now?

Considering they fired on one of our ships back in the 1960s and we bought their “accident” excuse, it does make one wonder. Also the Beirut BS from the 1980s.

Partly I think it is strategic. We want to have an ally in that region, especially during cold war times we didn’t want them to be allies with the soviets.

Also the financial backing and political support of american Jewsish population is a factor. Just look how it derailed Biden/Harris.

And recently it is the general anti-muslim American attitude, especially post Iran revolution in the late 1970s, and accelerated post 9/11.

Lastly (and not insignificant) is the American protestant belief that Jews rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple will usher in the second coming of Jesus.

It's possible to support people in a country without condoning genocide of another.

The USA was the only one to really push the issue in 1948. With the exception of the UK, most of the EU really wasn't pushing the issue at all and even a few in the EU were against it.

Now with Trump, it's purely a money issue. And Israel really doesn't have much to offer monetarily.

If Israel had oil or mineral resources, it would be a totally different story.