They get paid for it. We should pay for allies that don't help us in wars?
then name another Middle East democracy
There are none. But then, I don't live there and it isn't my problem.
Israel was never expected to play a major role in hostilities in the Gulf. American officials knew the Arabs would not allow Israel to help defend them; they also knew U.S. troops would have to intervene because the Gulf states could not protect themselves.
Israel's posture reflected a deliberate political decision in response to American requests. Nevertheless, it did aid the United States' successful campaign to roll back Iraq's aggression. For example: � The IDF was the sole military force in the region that could successfully challenge the Iraqi army. That fact, which Saddam Hussein understood, was a deterrent to further Iraqi aggression.
� By warning that it would take military measures if any Iraqi troops entered Jordan, Israel, in effect, guaranteed its neighbor's territorial integrity against Iraqi aggression.
� The United States benefited from the use of Israeli-made Have Nap air-launched missiles on its B52 bombers. The Navy, meanwhile, used Israeli Pioneer pilotless drones for reconnaissance in the Gulf.
� Israel provided mine plows that were used to clear paths for allied forces through Iraqi minefields.
� Mobile bridges flown directly from Israel to Saudi Arabia were employed by the U.S. Marine Corps.
� Israeli recommendations, based upon system performance observations, led to several software changes that made the Patriot a more capable missile defense system.
� Israel Aircraft Industries developed conformal fuel tanks that enhanced the range of F15 aircraft. These were used in the Gulf.
� General Dynamics has implemented a variety of Israeli modifications to improve the worldwide F16 aircraft fleet, including structural enhancements, software changes, increased capability landing gear, radio improvements and avionic modifications.
� An Israeli-produced targeting system was used to increase the Cobra helicopter's night-fighting capabilities.
� Israel manufactured the canister for the highly successful Tomahawk missile.
� Night-vision goggles used by U.S. forces were supplied by Israel.
� A low-altitude warning system produced and developed in Israel was utilized on Blackhawk helicopters.
� Other Israeli equipment provided to U.S. forces included flack vests, gas masks and sandbags.
� Israel offered the United States the use of military and hospital facilities. U.S. ships utilized Haifa port shipyard maintenance and support on their way to the Gulf.
� Israel destroyed Iraq's nuclear reactor in 1981. Consequently, U.S. troops did not face a nuclear-armed Iraq.
� Even in its low-profile mode, Israeli cooperation was extremely valuable: Israel's military intelligence had focused on Iraq much more carefully over the years than had the U.S. intelligence community. Thus, the Israelis were able to provide Washington with detailed tactical intelligence on Iraqi military activities.
You need to read a little more.