What prompted the United States to send supplies to Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War?

The United States decided to send supplies to Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War primarily as a result of the strategic, political, and military circumstances that emerged following the surprise attack on Israel by Egypt and Syria on October 6, 1973. The hostilities began on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, a time when Israel was particularly vulnerable.

Several factors motivated the U.S. decision:

1. Political alliance and support for Israel: The U.S. had been a staunch ally of Israel since its establishment in 1948. Israel was considered a critical strategic partner in the Middle East, and supporting Israel was in line with America's policy of containing Soviet influence in the region.

2. Cold War context: The Yom Kippur War occurred during the Cold War, a period of global tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Egypt and Syria, the nations that attacked Israel, were backed by the Soviet Union. By supporting Israel, the U.S. aimed to counter Soviet influence and prevent its expansion.

3. Preservation of balance: By the time the U.S. commenced the supply operation, known as Operation Nickel Grass, Israel was experiencing heavy losses and a depletion of war materials. The U.S. believed that re-supplying Israel would help restore the military balance and deter a broader war in the region.

4. Strategic Interests: The Middle East was, and still is, a region of significant strategic interest due to its oil reserves. A stable ally in the region helped to secure U.S. interests.

5. Domestic pressure: There was considerable support for Israel within the United States, including from the American Jewish community and many others who saw Israel as a democratic ally. This domestic support increased pressure on the U.S. government to aid Israel.

In conclusion, geopolitical strategy, Cold War dynamics, concern for maintaining regional stability, and domestic pressures prompted the massive airlift of supplies from the United States to Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.