For decades, America’s annual military aid has been portrayed as a generous gift to Israel. The reality is far more complicated — and ending it could be one of the greatest victories for Jews.
Very good points, but let’s also be realistic with the Democrats about to take unfortunately control of over the house and the Senate and with the woke right and their favorite candidateJD Vance, Israel was going to be screwed if it was counting on American military aid. Better to be self-sufficient than to have your defense being part of the American political process.
This was a genius move by Trump, on an Election Day when the Democrats are likely to take control of Congress. This takes all the wind (and legitimacy) out of Dems increasing antipathy towards Israel. They no longer have a legitimate level to pull and anything they do to further isolate Israel will now be seen for exactly what it is - gross hypocrisy and rank antisemitism. 💪 🇮🇱
Of course; no one is denying that. The world is filled with Islamist, Leftists, and antisemites. My point is that the ones here in the U.S. can no longer hide behind their “I don’t want my government funding Israeli [insert your favorite slander]” 🐂💩. Their hypocrisy and antisemitism will be exposed for what it is.
The "hypocrisy" will endure. Facts are irrelevant to them. It's a mistake to think bigots care. The "genocide" accusation is the core. Yes--WE see that at least the USA won't be accused of FUNDING "genocide"--but they'll still blame Israel for defending herself. "Reason" was never in play.
1) Israel has $270 billion in Foreign Reserves - short term debt instruments in Dollars, Euros, Yen etc. - $3.8 billion is a drop in the bucket. Israel does not NEED the money.
2) Biden slowed/stopped the delivery of munitions (JDAMS etc) when Israel needed them against Hamas. Israel recently announced they would make their own munitions and presumably much else so they are not caught flat footed again.
3) The Israeli Air Force is 100% American built except trainer aircraft and a few helicopters. Israel could build a Gen 5.5 fighter jet if push comes to shove. They make some of their own naval vessels - Sa'ar Class and could make everything except the subs they get from Germany that are heavily subsidized by Germany.
Palmer Luckey (Anduril) is interested in opening a R&D center in Israel and that coould mean a huge boost in autonomous weapons (mostly aircraft and missiles) but also subs. Maybe Saronic could go there and help with autonomous boats/ships.
My point is that Israel should not be dependent on American weapons as one day a Mamdani could be president and he could cut off all weapons to Israel including spare parts for aircraft so Israel needs to onshore as much as they can. Israel knows this.
4) The best thing about this ending of military financial assistance is shutting up evil mororns like Tucker Carlson and the entire Democart Party about sending American $$$ to Israel for weapons. They never shut up about it.
5) Now, Israel can purchase weapons systemsjust like Japan and Euro countries - strictly business among allies keeping things at arms length without the political angle.
Bibi and DJ Trump are a beautiful combination. They know what is at stake. Thsi was a joint decision and a good one.
Oh, no, John, it will not shut up the Tucker Carlsons out there. They have a ton of theories they harp on to denigrate Israel/Jews. And his fundamental theory is deeply religious to him: his interpretation of Christianity that pretty much demonizes the Jews. Same with radical Islamists (but they hate Christians, too. They just hate Jews a hell of a lot more). Once a person believes absolutely in their chosen religion, NOTHING will stop them or change their minds. This applies to those with evil beliefs as well those with kind/loving beliefs.
In terms of foreign military arrangements one should also note that US troops in Germany, South Korea, Korea, and Japan are a far greater expense than the Israel package, which as you note was spent almost entirely on American arms manufactured in the US. Continued US military support, if you will, will probably be in the Pentagon or State Department budget during friendly administrations or as part of the Pentagon overall package, which can be approved by Congress. And yes, Israel should focus on independent production of arms.
Amazing , as well as surreal, is that in an American election, an announcement about Israel has so much strategic importance. Not in the best way, perhaps, as it serves to placate animosity towards Israel that costs the Reps votes.
I guess we will miss the nail biting episodes when time came to pass Congress resolutions of aid to Israel. And one wonders how Israel's aid independence will shape AIPAC's future efforts.
I'm typing as my stomach is in knots--because I fear the "war against the IRGC" obtaining a nuclear weapon--is the reason many Americans will vote FOR people like El-Sayed.
That and "affordability" which a despicable ad blaming "Israel" are 2 main reasons after a year and 3/4 --Trump hasn't fulfilled all his objectives. In truth the economy is healthy and thriving--but for now--gas prices is their ONLY concern.
Our children will suffer for their lack of vision.
They need a nuclear Pearl Harbor--just as FDR could only join in WWII after the disaster.
Trump took huge chances by doing the right thing--especially for long term. But Americans live "for the day". Especially "Bernie Bros" and Gen Z generally.
The bigots will continue to blame Israel for their toe fungus.
I'm glad Bibi wanted this--as did Trump (politically too late to announce).
I fear for both countries--more than ever in my lifetime.
The aid was supposed to be phased out ending in 2028 not the end of this year. Trump did this because of the elections. It wasn’t ‘genius’ at all and Jerusalem was taken by surprise. At time when war could resume any day, this was a rash and cynical move which plays into the hands of our enemies. Yes, Israel was preparing to be free from American aid in 2028 which is much needed. However, now is not the time.
The problem isn’t the aid, it’s that the Antizionist Socialist Party (FKA Democrats) has already shifted to denying sales of any military equipment, offensive or defensive, to Israel. Sure, it’s better for Israel to invest such money domestically for its own economic development and self sufficiency. But there will always be equipment Israel needs from somewhere. Seems like India is a more reliable partner than anyone in the Antizionist Socialists. Israel should condition intelligence sharing to a lack of equipment sales related wartime betrayals by US administrations like Biden.
"On September 15, 2016, the third security assistance agreement between the United States and Israel was signed, covering the period from 2019 to 2028. Its scope is $38 billion, approximately $3.8 billion per year. … By the very structure of the agreement, most of the money returns to American industry through the procurement of US equipment and weapons. But beyond that, the true value of the assistance is not merely economic. Israel has turned the assistance into an engine of operational development, field testing, and technological upgrading whose impact extends far beyond the Middle East. Israel is not merely a “customer” of American weapons systems. It is a living laboratory, under real conditions, for the American military." This is mentioned in the article and I found this awhile back which I send to the Israel haters.
Very good points, but let’s also be realistic with the Democrats about to take unfortunately control of over the house and the Senate and with the woke right and their favorite candidateJD Vance, Israel was going to be screwed if it was counting on American military aid. Better to be self-sufficient than to have your defense being part of the American political process.
Hopefully RUBIO will prevail.
This was a genius move by Trump, on an Election Day when the Democrats are likely to take control of Congress. This takes all the wind (and legitimacy) out of Dems increasing antipathy towards Israel. They no longer have a legitimate level to pull and anything they do to further isolate Israel will now be seen for exactly what it is - gross hypocrisy and rank antisemitism. 💪 🇮🇱
Sadly no. Israel will be criticized no matter what--for defending herself. The battle cry" is "genocide".
They are biased bigots. Ignorance prevails. It's trendy to "hate Israel".
When did truth or legitimacy ever affect these sick people?
Of course; no one is denying that. The world is filled with Islamist, Leftists, and antisemites. My point is that the ones here in the U.S. can no longer hide behind their “I don’t want my government funding Israeli [insert your favorite slander]” 🐂💩. Their hypocrisy and antisemitism will be exposed for what it is.
The "hypocrisy" will endure. Facts are irrelevant to them. It's a mistake to think bigots care. The "genocide" accusation is the core. Yes--WE see that at least the USA won't be accused of FUNDING "genocide"--but they'll still blame Israel for defending herself. "Reason" was never in play.
It would have been a genius move if announced two weeks ago. The people have voted and still have no idea about the announcement.
1) Israel has $270 billion in Foreign Reserves - short term debt instruments in Dollars, Euros, Yen etc. - $3.8 billion is a drop in the bucket. Israel does not NEED the money.
2) Biden slowed/stopped the delivery of munitions (JDAMS etc) when Israel needed them against Hamas. Israel recently announced they would make their own munitions and presumably much else so they are not caught flat footed again.
3) The Israeli Air Force is 100% American built except trainer aircraft and a few helicopters. Israel could build a Gen 5.5 fighter jet if push comes to shove. They make some of their own naval vessels - Sa'ar Class and could make everything except the subs they get from Germany that are heavily subsidized by Germany.
Palmer Luckey (Anduril) is interested in opening a R&D center in Israel and that coould mean a huge boost in autonomous weapons (mostly aircraft and missiles) but also subs. Maybe Saronic could go there and help with autonomous boats/ships.
My point is that Israel should not be dependent on American weapons as one day a Mamdani could be president and he could cut off all weapons to Israel including spare parts for aircraft so Israel needs to onshore as much as they can. Israel knows this.
4) The best thing about this ending of military financial assistance is shutting up evil mororns like Tucker Carlson and the entire Democart Party about sending American $$$ to Israel for weapons. They never shut up about it.
5) Now, Israel can purchase weapons systemsjust like Japan and Euro countries - strictly business among allies keeping things at arms length without the political angle.
Bibi and DJ Trump are a beautiful combination. They know what is at stake. Thsi was a joint decision and a good one.
They'll continue about "genocide". We are dealing with bigots.
Idiots like them will be with us until Armageddon.
Unfortunately they will vote accordingly today. I'm bracing myself.
Oh, no, John, it will not shut up the Tucker Carlsons out there. They have a ton of theories they harp on to denigrate Israel/Jews. And his fundamental theory is deeply religious to him: his interpretation of Christianity that pretty much demonizes the Jews. Same with radical Islamists (but they hate Christians, too. They just hate Jews a hell of a lot more). Once a person believes absolutely in their chosen religion, NOTHING will stop them or change their minds. This applies to those with evil beliefs as well those with kind/loving beliefs.
In terms of foreign military arrangements one should also note that US troops in Germany, South Korea, Korea, and Japan are a far greater expense than the Israel package, which as you note was spent almost entirely on American arms manufactured in the US. Continued US military support, if you will, will probably be in the Pentagon or State Department budget during friendly administrations or as part of the Pentagon overall package, which can be approved by Congress. And yes, Israel should focus on independent production of arms.
Amen. Am Israel Khai, only God knows how.
Amazing , as well as surreal, is that in an American election, an announcement about Israel has so much strategic importance. Not in the best way, perhaps, as it serves to placate animosity towards Israel that costs the Reps votes.
I guess we will miss the nail biting episodes when time came to pass Congress resolutions of aid to Israel. And one wonders how Israel's aid independence will shape AIPAC's future efforts.
I'm typing as my stomach is in knots--because I fear the "war against the IRGC" obtaining a nuclear weapon--is the reason many Americans will vote FOR people like El-Sayed.
That and "affordability" which a despicable ad blaming "Israel" are 2 main reasons after a year and 3/4 --Trump hasn't fulfilled all his objectives. In truth the economy is healthy and thriving--but for now--gas prices is their ONLY concern.
Our children will suffer for their lack of vision.
They need a nuclear Pearl Harbor--just as FDR could only join in WWII after the disaster.
Trump took huge chances by doing the right thing--especially for long term. But Americans live "for the day". Especially "Bernie Bros" and Gen Z generally.
The bigots will continue to blame Israel for their toe fungus.
I'm glad Bibi wanted this--as did Trump (politically too late to announce).
I fear for both countries--more than ever in my lifetime.
Netanyahu will not allow Israel to be destroyed. When facing an existential crisis, he will do whatever necessary. Anything.
The aid was supposed to be phased out ending in 2028 not the end of this year. Trump did this because of the elections. It wasn’t ‘genius’ at all and Jerusalem was taken by surprise. At time when war could resume any day, this was a rash and cynical move which plays into the hands of our enemies. Yes, Israel was preparing to be free from American aid in 2028 which is much needed. However, now is not the time.
The problem isn’t the aid, it’s that the Antizionist Socialist Party (FKA Democrats) has already shifted to denying sales of any military equipment, offensive or defensive, to Israel. Sure, it’s better for Israel to invest such money domestically for its own economic development and self sufficiency. But there will always be equipment Israel needs from somewhere. Seems like India is a more reliable partner than anyone in the Antizionist Socialists. Israel should condition intelligence sharing to a lack of equipment sales related wartime betrayals by US administrations like Biden.
"On September 15, 2016, the third security assistance agreement between the United States and Israel was signed, covering the period from 2019 to 2028. Its scope is $38 billion, approximately $3.8 billion per year. … By the very structure of the agreement, most of the money returns to American industry through the procurement of US equipment and weapons. But beyond that, the true value of the assistance is not merely economic. Israel has turned the assistance into an engine of operational development, field testing, and technological upgrading whose impact extends far beyond the Middle East. Israel is not merely a “customer” of American weapons systems. It is a living laboratory, under real conditions, for the American military." This is mentioned in the article and I found this awhile back which I send to the Israel haters.
Alliance yes, dependence no - finally!