I’ve always felt Israel relying on weaponry from the U.S. was a big mistake. However, I suspect there's a powerful US military-industrial lobby, backed by AIPAC, that wants to keep the status quo 'as is' since it’s a highly lucrative deal for U.S. defense manufacturers. Why so lucrative? Because Israel’s military aid requires her to spend 75% of the aid on U.S. weaponry thereby subsidizing the U.S. military-industrial complex. This also lets the U.S. put its thumb on the scale to influence Israel’s defensive actions while giving our large base of evangelical friends the mistaken belief that the US / Israel bond is unshakeable and resolute based on shared democratic, cultural, and religious values. However, it wasn’t long ago, when Joe Biden thought he might lose Muslim votes in MN and WI that Chuck Schumer and the democrat politicians turned on Israel faster than a rat could scurry up a drain pipe. Just imagine the horror for Israel if Kamala and the democrats would have taken power.
Lastly, Israel has the brainpower and finesse to develop her own state-of-the-art weaponry providing hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs to Israelis. In fact many of the U.S.’s most advanced weapons were developed by Israel or co-developed between Israel’s Rafael Defense Systems and America’s Raytheon. Weapons manufacturing could boost Israel’s economy exponentially and give her the option to make new military alliances with friendly countries if she wanted. The downside to America besides losing a huge subsidy is it wouldn’t be able to exert control over Israel’s decision making. But isn’t that good for the Jewish State?
"International peacekeepers" have proven themselves to be ineffective time and time again. The imposed constraints that they work under, and/or their bad faith in not doing their job, make it impossible to depend upon them.
I have, for a long time, felt that relying too much on the US was a mistake for Israel. The classic case was the abandoned development of a domestic jet fighter. Sadly, there has still not been a recovery from it.
Israel must develop and maintain a full spectrum of defense capabilities. It must never be held back by a "partner" pursuing primarily their own interests.
The "find out" part of the equation must be inevitable in the minds of all who are considering an inquiry.
Relying too much on the US was also a mistake for the US taxpayers. Transferring billions of tax dollars into the pockets of private arms corporations through the back door of Israel was generous to a fault.
The only option is to win a decisive victory as illustrated by the allies who decimated both Germany and Japan. Anything short of that will guarantee endless wars. Achieving total victory can not be accomplished with strings attached as we saw under the Biden administration. Self reliance is the key to paving the way to a lasting peace through strength and deterance. To achieve this goal revving up domestic military production is one way to insure that. As Michael Oren rightfully noted, leaving the security of our nation to others is a losing strategy.
This is undeniably true and the less that Israel relies on others for its defense, the less vulnerable it will be to outside pressure to do (or not do) certain things when fighting a war for its survival.
While it would be ideal for the U.S.-Israeli relationship to evolve in a different direction, the United States gains significantly from Israel's reliance on its aid. This is why the military partnership between the U.S. and Israel requires a major overhaul, but can it happen in wartime?
I find it endlessly fascinating how members of the "international community," including some unsavory individuals commenting on this very thread, insist that Israel should be forced to negotiate with the barbarians surrounding it and be denied aid because, you know, “decency.”
Proportionality does not refer to casualty rates of the total war (10/7 victims vs Hamas’ losses) but whether the loss in any individual operation is proportionate, as it has been here with roughly 1:1 terrorist:civilian fatalities.
"but whether the loss in any individual operation is proportionate"
How do you do that? WWII The Norden Bombsight circle of error from 20,000 feet 200 yards. Today we are A LOT more accurate But how do you KNOW there's not a non-combatant in the area? Speaking of Gaza Urban warfare is The Worst, for that. Those who keep talking about genocide in Gaza I doubt they have Ever read anything about war. They speak of something they know nothing about.
Well they don’t always know 100% but in general with 1:1 ratio (thus far — it was higher earlier days before thinning out allowed more targeted operations), it shows they have been able to figure it out with a fair bit of accuracy. Confirmed by Hamas admitting 72% or so are men or teenage boys “of age” for terror recruitment. I suppose they use electronic surveillance and heat sensors and ?? … I suppose we don’t hear more about it due to security issues or in my case because I have access only two a couple of English language sources. It seems since the court of public opinion has decided on the “genocide” verdict that even The Jerusalem Post or the Times of Israel rarely mention this proof that it is scarcely a genocide. If it is a “genocide,” I suppose it will be only because no innocent Gazans can be found to assist nor provoked to seize power from Hamas. Perhaps that’s the foregone conclusion but surely Israel is not expected to live so close to the genocidal enemy … Free Gaza from Hamas or move them out. Or both. Somehow an exit strategy must be developed for those willing to leave!!
"It seems since the court of public opinion has decided on the “genocide” verdict"
I like to say to those who cry genocide, IF the IDF really was interested in committing genocide in Gaza By Jan. 2024 there would not be anyone left in Gaza.
Ever notice these people are never asked After Oct 7 2023, What Did You Expect The Israelis to do?
BTW
WATCH: Inside the Largest Anti-Hamas Protests in Gaza’s Recent History
Exclusive footage and eyewitness testimony from inside the latest—and so far boldest—wave of anti-Hamas protests in northern Gaza. “People have become more daring.”
A crystal ball consideration: see what’s happened/ happening in the UK and many of Europe’s nations. That same effort is being applied here in the USA. See the widespread support on various college campuses for Hamas and the jihadi mentality. That’s just the nursery for the little monsters that they have planned. The Left loves Islam while they are under the illusion that they can control it.
Biden and his cabal knowingly and repeatedly suppressed tempo of Israel effective attacks on Iran. It was a Biden M.O. and took away the advantage. Trump’s repeated threats without action is not only annoying, but undermines his credibility. No one says anything because he is fueled by the adoration he seeks.
We don’t have the intelligence, but Israel must act. No one believes Tehran is going to give up their program. They lie.
Trump can’t rely on a head-fake and the Iranians are truly 7 th Century psychopaths.
Scenario: Israel tells CENTCOM they cannot wait and we’ll initiate their attack during a three day window.
If something bad happens I guess the US would launch the B-2’s but probably shouldn’t count on it.
end the oppression of the Palestinians and the World will support Israel......otherwise, the Likud horrors will continue and America may not survive the Likud....
Liberal Don, this has little to do w Pal oppression as if the nice Arabs would be such decent blokes if only the jews hadn't provoked them . How naive! The root of all this is the century old Arab position "no jews allowed in the middle east, ever, anywhere".
They oppress themselves, especially the women and anyone who wants peace with Israel. Despite the bombs, Israel is the best friend they have ever had. How many would die if they tried to remove Hamas themselves (even assuming there was the will to do and that everyone who willingly was affiliated with Hamas would be killed)?
The old adage in life is true, in all situations. No one is coming to save you.
I’ve always felt Israel relying on weaponry from the U.S. was a big mistake. However, I suspect there's a powerful US military-industrial lobby, backed by AIPAC, that wants to keep the status quo 'as is' since it’s a highly lucrative deal for U.S. defense manufacturers. Why so lucrative? Because Israel’s military aid requires her to spend 75% of the aid on U.S. weaponry thereby subsidizing the U.S. military-industrial complex. This also lets the U.S. put its thumb on the scale to influence Israel’s defensive actions while giving our large base of evangelical friends the mistaken belief that the US / Israel bond is unshakeable and resolute based on shared democratic, cultural, and religious values. However, it wasn’t long ago, when Joe Biden thought he might lose Muslim votes in MN and WI that Chuck Schumer and the democrat politicians turned on Israel faster than a rat could scurry up a drain pipe. Just imagine the horror for Israel if Kamala and the democrats would have taken power.
Lastly, Israel has the brainpower and finesse to develop her own state-of-the-art weaponry providing hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs to Israelis. In fact many of the U.S.’s most advanced weapons were developed by Israel or co-developed between Israel’s Rafael Defense Systems and America’s Raytheon. Weapons manufacturing could boost Israel’s economy exponentially and give her the option to make new military alliances with friendly countries if she wanted. The downside to America besides losing a huge subsidy is it wouldn’t be able to exert control over Israel’s decision making. But isn’t that good for the Jewish State?
Yes. And also daft is the notion of international peacekeepers somehow moderating Gaza during any residency and rebuilding there.
"International peacekeepers" have proven themselves to be ineffective time and time again. The imposed constraints that they work under, and/or their bad faith in not doing their job, make it impossible to depend upon them.
yes, the "Occupation" has also proven itself...
Daft is an understatement. Completely agree!
I have, for a long time, felt that relying too much on the US was a mistake for Israel. The classic case was the abandoned development of a domestic jet fighter. Sadly, there has still not been a recovery from it.
Israel must develop and maintain a full spectrum of defense capabilities. It must never be held back by a "partner" pursuing primarily their own interests.
The "find out" part of the equation must be inevitable in the minds of all who are considering an inquiry.
Relying too much on the US was also a mistake for the US taxpayers. Transferring billions of tax dollars into the pockets of private arms corporations through the back door of Israel was generous to a fault.
The only option is to win a decisive victory as illustrated by the allies who decimated both Germany and Japan. Anything short of that will guarantee endless wars. Achieving total victory can not be accomplished with strings attached as we saw under the Biden administration. Self reliance is the key to paving the way to a lasting peace through strength and deterance. To achieve this goal revving up domestic military production is one way to insure that. As Michael Oren rightfully noted, leaving the security of our nation to others is a losing strategy.
This is undeniably true and the less that Israel relies on others for its defense, the less vulnerable it will be to outside pressure to do (or not do) certain things when fighting a war for its survival.
Absolutely correct. And that is even now with a friendly administration. When the Democrats take over again even basic weaponry will be questionable.
While it would be ideal for the U.S.-Israeli relationship to evolve in a different direction, the United States gains significantly from Israel's reliance on its aid. This is why the military partnership between the U.S. and Israel requires a major overhaul, but can it happen in wartime?
I find it endlessly fascinating how members of the "international community," including some unsavory individuals commenting on this very thread, insist that Israel should be forced to negotiate with the barbarians surrounding it and be denied aid because, you know, “decency.”
The technical term for those people is Moron. Or Fools, Idiots.
I also LOOOOVE the word Proportionality.
Proportionality and deescalation! Don’t you dare to fight, Israel.
Proportionality does not refer to casualty rates of the total war (10/7 victims vs Hamas’ losses) but whether the loss in any individual operation is proportionate, as it has been here with roughly 1:1 terrorist:civilian fatalities.
"but whether the loss in any individual operation is proportionate"
How do you do that? WWII The Norden Bombsight circle of error from 20,000 feet 200 yards. Today we are A LOT more accurate But how do you KNOW there's not a non-combatant in the area? Speaking of Gaza Urban warfare is The Worst, for that. Those who keep talking about genocide in Gaza I doubt they have Ever read anything about war. They speak of something they know nothing about.
Well they don’t always know 100% but in general with 1:1 ratio (thus far — it was higher earlier days before thinning out allowed more targeted operations), it shows they have been able to figure it out with a fair bit of accuracy. Confirmed by Hamas admitting 72% or so are men or teenage boys “of age” for terror recruitment. I suppose they use electronic surveillance and heat sensors and ?? … I suppose we don’t hear more about it due to security issues or in my case because I have access only two a couple of English language sources. It seems since the court of public opinion has decided on the “genocide” verdict that even The Jerusalem Post or the Times of Israel rarely mention this proof that it is scarcely a genocide. If it is a “genocide,” I suppose it will be only because no innocent Gazans can be found to assist nor provoked to seize power from Hamas. Perhaps that’s the foregone conclusion but surely Israel is not expected to live so close to the genocidal enemy … Free Gaza from Hamas or move them out. Or both. Somehow an exit strategy must be developed for those willing to leave!!
"It seems since the court of public opinion has decided on the “genocide” verdict"
I like to say to those who cry genocide, IF the IDF really was interested in committing genocide in Gaza By Jan. 2024 there would not be anyone left in Gaza.
Ever notice these people are never asked After Oct 7 2023, What Did You Expect The Israelis to do?
BTW
WATCH: Inside the Largest Anti-Hamas Protests in Gaza’s Recent History
https://www.thefp.com/p/watch-inside-the-largest-anti-hamas
WATCH: Gazans Clash with Hamas as Historic Protests Escalate
https://www.thefp.com/p/watch-gazans-confront-hamas-amid
Exclusive footage and eyewitness testimony from inside the latest—and so far boldest—wave of anti-Hamas protests in northern Gaza. “People have become more daring.”
A crystal ball consideration: see what’s happened/ happening in the UK and many of Europe’s nations. That same effort is being applied here in the USA. See the widespread support on various college campuses for Hamas and the jihadi mentality. That’s just the nursery for the little monsters that they have planned. The Left loves Islam while they are under the illusion that they can control it.
Tough to defend yourself if you depend on others to provide the ammunition. Blue and white!
Biden and his cabal knowingly and repeatedly suppressed tempo of Israel effective attacks on Iran. It was a Biden M.O. and took away the advantage. Trump’s repeated threats without action is not only annoying, but undermines his credibility. No one says anything because he is fueled by the adoration he seeks.
We don’t have the intelligence, but Israel must act. No one believes Tehran is going to give up their program. They lie.
Trump can’t rely on a head-fake and the Iranians are truly 7 th Century psychopaths.
Scenario: Israel tells CENTCOM they cannot wait and we’ll initiate their attack during a three day window.
If something bad happens I guess the US would launch the B-2’s but probably shouldn’t count on it.
Great article, thanks.
So true so simple and so necessary.
I wholeheartedly agree: Israel must do what Israel must do. Period. No apologies, no permission needed.
By all means, divest yourself of all American connections. Much appreciated!
end the oppression of the Palestinians and the World will support Israel......otherwise, the Likud horrors will continue and America may not survive the Likud....
Liberal Don, this has little to do w Pal oppression as if the nice Arabs would be such decent blokes if only the jews hadn't provoked them . How naive! The root of all this is the century old Arab position "no jews allowed in the middle east, ever, anywhere".
They oppress themselves, especially the women and anyone who wants peace with Israel. Despite the bombs, Israel is the best friend they have ever had. How many would die if they tried to remove Hamas themselves (even assuming there was the will to do and that everyone who willingly was affiliated with Hamas would be killed)?
Yes. Just yes!!!!