Why are we in bed with Israel?

I'm smart enough to know that Israel's geographic position in the middle east gives us a strategic stronghold should all out war ever breakout with the middle east. I also know that as long as we (The U.S.) hang tight to a military advantage, we will never be attacked by an organized military. But is this the only reason? Alexander Hamilton once wrote, "nations have no permanent alliances, only permanent interests. "Interests" explain our presence in Iraq. But what are our interests in Israel? Money is almost always involved in every public decision made. So is it just military or is there something else going on? Those of you who have examined this issue please chime in with what you know or believe to be true. Those that haven't, give me your speculation anyway.