There's another way to look at the Republican party's support for Israel.

Fundamentalist Christians, the "Religious Right", are an important constituency of the Republican party.

Fundamentalist Christians at this time are under the impression that we are in the End Times, and cite the return of the Jews to the physical location of the Kingdom of Israel as an important sign of impending Armageddon. Israel is to be supported and protected because its existence at this time is a Sign.

One of the prophecies concerning the Jews (who will all be Left Behind during the Rapture) is that many will convert, and that those who don't convert will be destroyed. So the Christian fundamentalist view is that Israel must be saved so that the Jewish faith can be annihilated.

Friends like these the Jews can live without. Literally.

Aside: Doesn't it make you worry that an important constituency of the Republican party is not only joyfully looking forward to the imminent end of the world, but is actively trying to maintain conditions that will support that end?