This Middle Eastern country was the home of its religion’s holy places and was, therefore, unquestionably exceptional. While it prospered, it was surrounded by hostile nations with much larger populations, and thus felt insecure. It built up its military, murdered opponents abroad, and used its influence to make the US view it as an indispensable ally. The Trump administration completely bought into this argument and gave it assistance against Iran and groups it perceived to be Iranian allies even when the actions in question had negative humanitarian consequences.
Is it Israel or Saudi Arabia? You decide.