Good food for thought in this. Perhaps Israel is far from unique in needing to make its own way and never rely on America for its defense. As Ukraine is doing now and Europe is just realizing, America’s significant faction of isolationists make it an unreliable partner at best. One can never predict when it will leave you in the lurch or turn on you. And with American Democrats increasingly embracing radical Islamic propaganda, one can certainly see them turning on Israel once they regain power.
Between Trump’s capitulation to Iran and bungling of the Gaza “peace” committee, Vance’s embracing of isolationism, and the red-green alliance’s hijacking of the Democratic Party, Israel must quickly rethink the nature of it’s relationship with the U.S. Israel must remind the U.S. that it is an ally not a vassal, and the next Israeli P.M. needs to do a better job of this than Netanyahu has with Trump.
Joshua, I agree with your central point that Israel must always retain the right to make its own decisions when its survival is at stake. A sovereign nation cannot outsource its existence.
That said, I think America is more than just another ally. It is the world's leading superpower, Israel's most important diplomatic protector, and the country that has repeatedly stood by Israel in international forums when few others would. Every Israeli prime minister has understood the importance of maintaining that relationship.
Take Iran as an example. Israel has extraordinary military capabilities, but some of the tools needed to strike deeply buried nuclear facilities exist only in American hands. That reality matters.
So I would put it this way: Israel must never surrender its independence, but it must also never take the American alliance for granted. Israel can survive without America's permission, but it is unquestionably stronger and safer with America firmly in its corner.
I agree with your realistic assessment. Till now, Israel is been taking an easier financial and military path. This war is showing again where the holes are and where to plug them. It seems to me that Israel can do it and have a true partnership with the most powerful as ally.
Barry, I think that's exactly right. Israel's goal should always be to maximize its ability to act independently, while at the same time maintaining the strongest possible relationship with the United States. Self-reliance and a strong alliance are not contradictions—they complement each other.
"some of the tools needed to strike deeply buried nuclear facilities exist only in American hands"
This is not quite true after Israel achieved air superiority over Iran, twice (during the 2025 12 Day War and in the 2026 war). With air superiority, any transport plane can drop bunker-busting bombs without risk of being shot down. This option was openly discussed in military web sites:
And if the only other alternative is an Iranian nuclear weapon, this can be resolved with an Israeli tactical nuclear weapon in the 0.5 - 1kt range, enough to defeat Iran's most enthusiastic excavators. That is the lesson from this article.
Les, I think you're overstating Israel's capabilities. Air superiority and bunker penetration are two different problems.
The issue has never been simply reaching the target. The issue is destroying deeply buried hardened facilities such as Fordow. The widely accepted military assessment for years has been that the United States possesses unique capabilities in this area, including the Massive Ordnance Penetrator and the aircraft designed to deliver it.
Could Israel damage entrances, ventilation systems, power infrastructure, and other parts of these facilities? Certainly. Could it render them inoperable for a period of time? Possibly. But that is not the same thing as having the proven ability to destroy the deepest underground sections.
My point wasn't that Israel is helpless without America. Far from it. My point was that America remains a uniquely important ally because it possesses military, diplomatic, and strategic capabilities that no other country currently brings to the table. Israel can act independently when necessary, but that does not diminish the value of having the world's leading superpower firmly in your corner.
Read the article from TWZ posted above: it explains how Israel, after achieving air superiority, can drop the same exact bunker busting MOPs from its C-130 transports as the US dropped from its B-2s in the 12 Day War. The same bunker busting ability in both cases.
The only reason B-2s were intended for this mission was the assumption that they needed to penetrate contested air space, which their stealth would allow. That's no longer an issue after air defenses have been destroyed.
Les, I read the TWZ article. What I took from it is that the author is exploring a theoretical possibility, not describing an existing Israeli capability.
In fact, he repeatedly says "we just don't know," "it seems possible," and "there is no clear indication that Israel has such a capability." He also states that the B-2/MOP combination remains the only known conventional capability specifically designed to reach targets as deep as Fordow.
So I agree that air superiority creates additional options and that Israel may be able to improvise solutions. My point was simply that America currently possesses unique, proven capabilities against the deepest hardened targets that Israel is not publicly known to possess.
That doesn't mean Israel is dependent on America for survival. It means America remains an extraordinarily valuable ally whose capabilities are difficult to replicate.
I generally agree about the decision-making center of gravity, but I see a burgeoning problem with the future of American military aid. In 1967, Israel used French Mirage fighters. It lacked its own fighter program. When it started to build its own fighter, it had limited utility.
Today Israel is a leper to those countries that might supply means of projecting kinetic power. If access to US weaponry is denied, there aren’t many sources available.
Israel needs to built its own bombs, and fighter jets and defense systems to break the dependence it now has. Hopefully that’s in the works.
This really cheered me up. I awoke too headlines of yet another awful potential deal with Iran but here was reminded that we are not bound by the agreement nor chained to the US. Time for Bibi to make some bold moves. Hope he's up to it
Israel will always want alliance with the United States , unless there is an extreme change to the political conditions there. However, it has become increasingly evident that even with a President positively supportive of Israel’s interests as recent events have shown there is a parting of the ways in regard to these matters. The threats against Israel are on its doorstep and are existential. Not so for the US . As America prioritises its national interests so must Israel. However powerful the US military is it has become evident that the statesmanship and confidence in decision making indicates a country uncertain of itself. Israel must therefore prioritise other alliances to bolster its independent decision making.
Good essay but within the essay's thesis, that Israel can survive without allying itself with a strong nation, is mitigated by the facts within the essay itself. When in Israel's history since 1948 has it been entirely self supporting, or at least not enjoyed military support or supply from a major power? Through 1967 it was France and to a lesser extent Great Britain, since then it has been the United States. What nation will fill the gap should the United States distance itself from Israel? India is a nuclear power, but is it a super power? India lacks the influence and power of the United States on the world stage, and within the United Nations. American Jews need to step up and show strong support for Israel. It is not only in the best interests of the United States, but also in their own best interests, and of course that of Israel.
Forgive my continuing paranoia but let’s look at the worst case scenario. Trump, bribed by 747’s and Nobel Prize dreams, looks the other way while Iran creates a nuclear weapon. Israel decides to take out the weapon and Trump or Vance or (G-d forbid Kamala or Pete or Gavin) say we will bomb YOU to stop you from disturbing my Big Beautiful Peace Deal. Then what?
Yes; it is not paranoia. There are too many countrues that have turned coat against JEWS. Reality is that we will not
tolerate abuse - fisplayed openly, outrageously
by many who have
spoken with 'forked tongue'
whether in fear if our mortal enemies or outright antisemetic lies, lies, lies! We are an agricultural prople composed of clans, tribes with purpose and are commanded to serve G-D.
The demos would have us 'take a knee' to their demented fancies that oppose our
light on this earth.
I have trained collies whose true instincts are to hearh, to search, to defend.... some canines hunt and ever will; built into their G-D given instinct led by what we in this century call 'dna'. To trust what has turned against the true REALITY, make up stuff, con the weakened minds poisond in body, mide and spirit at this juncture would initiate a repeat of the barbarism that as befell us on Oct. 7th. We know many who we have believed as on our side that are spewing JEW hatred. Let's learn the lesson King David taught us so long ago.
Have we not witnessed betrayals left, right and center? Do we want iur future generations to be tortured, as they shout loudly at us they will do?
Independence is imperative to protect and defend ehat remains of humanity.
1 STATE 🇮🇱.
I am so disgusted with the nazi crap, antisemites twisting truth;
poisoning the minds and hesrts and bodies of our children.
Trust is earned.
Go by the deed and hold close to the vest the blessings bestowed upon us.
Yes, but the problem here in the US is that more and more people, both on the right and left, believe that Israel is the master of the US! Please write about that.
of Israeli survival in the Middle East & the rest of the world. I agree with everything. Israel needs to do what it has to do to protect its people & survive, providing it does no harm to others besides those that want to harm Israel. In fact, they have a duty to destroy those who want to destroy Israel. They don’t need anyone’s permission. They shouldn’t need to be defensive & wait until they are attacked. They should always attempt to prevent any attack.
Much food for thought, but I rather tend to think that Reagan would’ve told Israel, “ please destroy that Iraqi reactor, but we will pretend in public that we are angry about it and opposed. We want to slice our bread both ways and maintain relations with the Arab countries.”
Just like many Arab countries quietly support, but public condemn, many of Israel’s actions against Iran and radical Islamic organizations.
Two things you never want to watch being made: sausage, and politics. But the politics you have to watch, because, although you may not be interested in politics, politics is definitely interested in YOU.
The reality is that Israel and American Jews need to recognize that reliance on the U.S. is a risky proposition. If the Democrats take the Congress in 2026 and the presidency in 2028 they will abandon all support of Israel, block sales of any weaponry and actively support Israel’s enemies. If the isolationist wing of the Republicans win (Vance for example) it will be more of a case of benign neglect, not hostility necessarily but certainly no support for Israel. The same holds true for American Jewry. A Democrat majority will relegate Jews to Dhimmi status if not worse. A Republican victory under the Vance wing will result in a situation of ignoring Jew hatred and support of the Jewish community. It will not be antagonistic just more like a blind eye to the increasing the Jew hatred the US is experiencing. This is why American Jewish “leadership” such as it is really needs to rethink their strategy.
Good food for thought in this. Perhaps Israel is far from unique in needing to make its own way and never rely on America for its defense. As Ukraine is doing now and Europe is just realizing, America’s significant faction of isolationists make it an unreliable partner at best. One can never predict when it will leave you in the lurch or turn on you. And with American Democrats increasingly embracing radical Islamic propaganda, one can certainly see them turning on Israel once they regain power.
Between Trump’s capitulation to Iran and bungling of the Gaza “peace” committee, Vance’s embracing of isolationism, and the red-green alliance’s hijacking of the Democratic Party, Israel must quickly rethink the nature of it’s relationship with the U.S. Israel must remind the U.S. that it is an ally not a vassal, and the next Israeli P.M. needs to do a better job of this than Netanyahu has with Trump.
Joshua, I agree with your central point that Israel must always retain the right to make its own decisions when its survival is at stake. A sovereign nation cannot outsource its existence.
That said, I think America is more than just another ally. It is the world's leading superpower, Israel's most important diplomatic protector, and the country that has repeatedly stood by Israel in international forums when few others would. Every Israeli prime minister has understood the importance of maintaining that relationship.
Take Iran as an example. Israel has extraordinary military capabilities, but some of the tools needed to strike deeply buried nuclear facilities exist only in American hands. That reality matters.
So I would put it this way: Israel must never surrender its independence, but it must also never take the American alliance for granted. Israel can survive without America's permission, but it is unquestionably stronger and safer with America firmly in its corner.
I agree with your realistic assessment. Till now, Israel is been taking an easier financial and military path. This war is showing again where the holes are and where to plug them. It seems to me that Israel can do it and have a true partnership with the most powerful as ally.
Barry, I think that's exactly right. Israel's goal should always be to maximize its ability to act independently, while at the same time maintaining the strongest possible relationship with the United States. Self-reliance and a strong alliance are not contradictions—they complement each other.
"some of the tools needed to strike deeply buried nuclear facilities exist only in American hands"
This is not quite true after Israel achieved air superiority over Iran, twice (during the 2025 12 Day War and in the 2026 war). With air superiority, any transport plane can drop bunker-busting bombs without risk of being shot down. This option was openly discussed in military web sites:
https://www.twz.com/air/could-israeli-c-130s-drop-gbu-57-massive-ordnance-penetrator-bunker-busters
And if the only other alternative is an Iranian nuclear weapon, this can be resolved with an Israeli tactical nuclear weapon in the 0.5 - 1kt range, enough to defeat Iran's most enthusiastic excavators. That is the lesson from this article.
Les, I think you're overstating Israel's capabilities. Air superiority and bunker penetration are two different problems.
The issue has never been simply reaching the target. The issue is destroying deeply buried hardened facilities such as Fordow. The widely accepted military assessment for years has been that the United States possesses unique capabilities in this area, including the Massive Ordnance Penetrator and the aircraft designed to deliver it.
Could Israel damage entrances, ventilation systems, power infrastructure, and other parts of these facilities? Certainly. Could it render them inoperable for a period of time? Possibly. But that is not the same thing as having the proven ability to destroy the deepest underground sections.
My point wasn't that Israel is helpless without America. Far from it. My point was that America remains a uniquely important ally because it possesses military, diplomatic, and strategic capabilities that no other country currently brings to the table. Israel can act independently when necessary, but that does not diminish the value of having the world's leading superpower firmly in your corner.
Read the article from TWZ posted above: it explains how Israel, after achieving air superiority, can drop the same exact bunker busting MOPs from its C-130 transports as the US dropped from its B-2s in the 12 Day War. The same bunker busting ability in both cases.
The only reason B-2s were intended for this mission was the assumption that they needed to penetrate contested air space, which their stealth would allow. That's no longer an issue after air defenses have been destroyed.
Les, I read the TWZ article. What I took from it is that the author is exploring a theoretical possibility, not describing an existing Israeli capability.
In fact, he repeatedly says "we just don't know," "it seems possible," and "there is no clear indication that Israel has such a capability." He also states that the B-2/MOP combination remains the only known conventional capability specifically designed to reach targets as deep as Fordow.
So I agree that air superiority creates additional options and that Israel may be able to improvise solutions. My point was simply that America currently possesses unique, proven capabilities against the deepest hardened targets that Israel is not publicly known to possess.
That doesn't mean Israel is dependent on America for survival. It means America remains an extraordinarily valuable ally whose capabilities are difficult to replicate.
I generally agree about the decision-making center of gravity, but I see a burgeoning problem with the future of American military aid. In 1967, Israel used French Mirage fighters. It lacked its own fighter program. When it started to build its own fighter, it had limited utility.
Today Israel is a leper to those countries that might supply means of projecting kinetic power. If access to US weaponry is denied, there aren’t many sources available.
Israel needs to built its own bombs, and fighter jets and defense systems to break the dependence it now has. Hopefully that’s in the works.
Amen!
Achieving self-sufficiency in foreign aid is a strategic imperative for our national development.
Developing and sustaining our own funding sources will strengthen our economic resilience and reduce external dependencies.
This transition allows for greater autonomy in policy formulation and implementation.
Such a shift fosters a more robust and sustainable national trajectory.
Ultimately, it will strengthens our capacity to pursue our own defense and security agenda.
This really cheered me up. I awoke too headlines of yet another awful potential deal with Iran but here was reminded that we are not bound by the agreement nor chained to the US. Time for Bibi to make some bold moves. Hope he's up to it
Israel will always want alliance with the United States , unless there is an extreme change to the political conditions there. However, it has become increasingly evident that even with a President positively supportive of Israel’s interests as recent events have shown there is a parting of the ways in regard to these matters. The threats against Israel are on its doorstep and are existential. Not so for the US . As America prioritises its national interests so must Israel. However powerful the US military is it has become evident that the statesmanship and confidence in decision making indicates a country uncertain of itself. Israel must therefore prioritise other alliances to bolster its independent decision making.
Good essay but within the essay's thesis, that Israel can survive without allying itself with a strong nation, is mitigated by the facts within the essay itself. When in Israel's history since 1948 has it been entirely self supporting, or at least not enjoyed military support or supply from a major power? Through 1967 it was France and to a lesser extent Great Britain, since then it has been the United States. What nation will fill the gap should the United States distance itself from Israel? India is a nuclear power, but is it a super power? India lacks the influence and power of the United States on the world stage, and within the United Nations. American Jews need to step up and show strong support for Israel. It is not only in the best interests of the United States, but also in their own best interests, and of course that of Israel.
Well, I woke up so depressed and you made my day
Forgive my continuing paranoia but let’s look at the worst case scenario. Trump, bribed by 747’s and Nobel Prize dreams, looks the other way while Iran creates a nuclear weapon. Israel decides to take out the weapon and Trump or Vance or (G-d forbid Kamala or Pete or Gavin) say we will bomb YOU to stop you from disturbing my Big Beautiful Peace Deal. Then what?
Yes; it is not paranoia. There are too many countrues that have turned coat against JEWS. Reality is that we will not
tolerate abuse - fisplayed openly, outrageously
by many who have
spoken with 'forked tongue'
whether in fear if our mortal enemies or outright antisemetic lies, lies, lies! We are an agricultural prople composed of clans, tribes with purpose and are commanded to serve G-D.
The demos would have us 'take a knee' to their demented fancies that oppose our
light on this earth.
I have trained collies whose true instincts are to hearh, to search, to defend.... some canines hunt and ever will; built into their G-D given instinct led by what we in this century call 'dna'. To trust what has turned against the true REALITY, make up stuff, con the weakened minds poisond in body, mide and spirit at this juncture would initiate a repeat of the barbarism that as befell us on Oct. 7th. We know many who we have believed as on our side that are spewing JEW hatred. Let's learn the lesson King David taught us so long ago.
Have we not witnessed betrayals left, right and center? Do we want iur future generations to be tortured, as they shout loudly at us they will do?
Independence is imperative to protect and defend ehat remains of humanity.
1 STATE 🇮🇱.
I am so disgusted with the nazi crap, antisemites twisting truth;
poisoning the minds and hesrts and bodies of our children.
Trust is earned.
Go by the deed and hold close to the vest the blessings bestowed upon us.
mit lib, ✍🏻RL
Yes, but the problem here in the US is that more and more people, both on the right and left, believe that Israel is the master of the US! Please write about that.
Wonderful synopsis of the history & present state
of Israeli survival in the Middle East & the rest of the world. I agree with everything. Israel needs to do what it has to do to protect its people & survive, providing it does no harm to others besides those that want to harm Israel. In fact, they have a duty to destroy those who want to destroy Israel. They don’t need anyone’s permission. They shouldn’t need to be defensive & wait until they are attacked. They should always attempt to prevent any attack.
so clearly stated: "But Israel’s survival ultimately rests on one thing alone: Israel’s own willingness and ability to defend itself. It always has."
Much food for thought, but I rather tend to think that Reagan would’ve told Israel, “ please destroy that Iraqi reactor, but we will pretend in public that we are angry about it and opposed. We want to slice our bread both ways and maintain relations with the Arab countries.”
Just like many Arab countries quietly support, but public condemn, many of Israel’s actions against Iran and radical Islamic organizations.
Two things you never want to watch being made: sausage, and politics. But the politics you have to watch, because, although you may not be interested in politics, politics is definitely interested in YOU.
Great piece. Thank you!
The reality is that Israel and American Jews need to recognize that reliance on the U.S. is a risky proposition. If the Democrats take the Congress in 2026 and the presidency in 2028 they will abandon all support of Israel, block sales of any weaponry and actively support Israel’s enemies. If the isolationist wing of the Republicans win (Vance for example) it will be more of a case of benign neglect, not hostility necessarily but certainly no support for Israel. The same holds true for American Jewry. A Democrat majority will relegate Jews to Dhimmi status if not worse. A Republican victory under the Vance wing will result in a situation of ignoring Jew hatred and support of the Jewish community. It will not be antagonistic just more like a blind eye to the increasing the Jew hatred the US is experiencing. This is why American Jewish “leadership” such as it is really needs to rethink their strategy.