re: #494 Severus

Strategically Israel is practically irrelevant to our economy other than as an outlet for selling military hardware.

That is simply not true.

“Israel is a major player in the high tech world. People in high tech are very aware that Israel - compared to its small size - has some amazing technological achievements. There is a greater concentration of talented high tech manpower here in comparison to other countries - almost to the extent of Silicon Valley.” -Bill Gates

“Israel is a hotbed of new raw technology and scientific developments.”
Matthew I. Growney, Managing Director, Motorola Ventures

Israel is a world leader in agriculture, water and solar technology (among many others), which are desperately needed worldwide due to drought, famine, water shortages, natural disasters, etc.

I could go on, but your statement is simply untrue.