Zen,

Interests remain the key. And they are not the same as capabilities. The Israeli military machine is very capable on its own playing field, including its various opponents when they stay in the conventional role. As for current unconventional roles only time will tell; Lebanon and most recently Gaza was not a banner experience for the IDF.

That Israel possesses those capabilities does not mean they are useful to US strategy or interests; much effort, time, and money was spent in Gulf War I keeping those capabilities in check.

As for other interests in the region, the reason we have CENTCOM (or even earlier USSTRICOM/MEAFSA) is to maintain access to those who sell to us.

Tom