Why Israel must learn to live without America

In his weekly Friday column, Yaakov Katz, former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, reminded us of one of the best political decisions Israel ever made. It was in 1967, just after the Six Day War, when we realized that the time had come to stand on our own two feet and no longer depend upon France which, up until then, had been “Israel’s main defense ally.”

That war marked a turning point in the relationship once the then president, Charles DeGaulle decided to “cut ties with Israel and impose an arms boycott on the Jewish state.”

Katz attributes Israel’s progress and determination to become a “military-technological superpower” to the realization that we could only rely on ourselves because assistance from foreign nations would not always be certain.

It seems that we’ve come to a similar crossroads in history – this time with the one nation that has always claimed to be our greatest ally. But is anyone surprised that America would do what is politically most advantageous to them, given its upcoming presidential election? For them, that translates into serving the interests of the present party which will do everything possible to retain its power – including turning on their closest friend. Progressives who represent the more radical wing of the Democrat Party, have expressed their displeasure with any support from the Biden administration and have threatened to pull the plug and hurt their chances of a November win.

Consequently, Biden’s team has been scrambling to figure out how they may placate their ever-expanding fringe base, without which they, indeed, may lose. They’ve tried strong words, even-handed condemnation, and, finally, a little bit of Blinken’s arm-twisting charm, but none of it has been able to assuage the anger of the anti-Israel lobby which continues to press hard for the administration to deal a significant blow to the Jewish nation. 

Now, that has come in the ingenious form of America’s threat to cease providing us with spare parts, without which we would be unable to fly our planes, literally shutting down our air force and taking away our major advantage, should we be significantly attacked on other fronts, including Lebanon, Iran and other hostile enemies who might have a fighting chance to win if we find ourselves considerably impaired.

In short, America has found a way to strengthen our enemy while weakening our capabilities. With friends like that, you don’t really need enemies, because they’ve already shown their hand through direct interference and the inability to differentiate good from evil.

Knowing that they hold the power to determine whether we win or not, leaves us no choice but to figure out how we can survive without them, because even if a friendlier administration comes into power, this November, there is also no guarantee that their loyalties will remain steadfast in the long run. Sadly, we find ourselves living at a time when relying upon others is no longer a good strategy, so how can we change that?

Yaakov Katz suggests that we need to shore up our support with the U.S., but how do you do that when the only way to please them is to do what is politically expedient for them even if it hurts us and makes us vulnerable to attack? It is extremely naïve to think that we can appeal to their common sense and logic when they, themselves, don’t abide by laws and rules that are sure to enhance their own safety.

Just think about the danger they are imposing upon the American population by allowing countless unknown individuals to enter the country without knowing who they are or their intentions. Already, we’ve witnessed the senseless and brutal murder of innocent people, at the hands of such criminals who should have never been permitted entrance to the U.S. nor would have been, except for political reasons.

So, if they are unwilling to protect themselves, why should they lose any sleep over our inability to protect ourselves as a result of their refusal to provide what is needed in order to help us defend our people and our homeland?

As things presently stand, while we are dependent upon the U.S. for plane parts, they are also dependent upon us for a great deal of technology and intelligence which, up until now, we have been more than happy to trade. That includes “critical components of leading American hi-tech products which are invented and designed in Israel,” used by such global companies as Cisco, Intel, Motorola, HP and Applied Materials.

Further, Israel provides a great deal of intelligence as it relates to terrorism and nuclear proliferation. It is said that “Israel’s military experiences have shaped the United States’ approach to counterterrorism and homeland security.”

We also have a cooperative relationship in the areas of healthcare solutions, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and food, just to name a few areas of expertise. So, we can equally ask the question, “Where would America be without our know-how?” In a much less favorable and advantageous position!

But if we can no longer depend on support from our closest ally, while fighting a war that imperils all of mankind, then we may have to figure out ways to enlist the help and money of those who do see our service as one, which is vital to their interests at a time when the world’s superpower is foolishly capitulating to terrorists and playing the dirty game of politics at the risk of endangering the safety and security of its citizens.

Some, who possess unlimited resources, may look upon an investment into our know-how as the smartest move they can make because, with needed financial backing, there is no doubt that we can manufacture whatever is being supplied by others who don’t have our best interests at heart. One thing, for sure, that we do have is a divine promise that has not been made to any other nations, and that remains the greatest asset and treasure which we hold in our hands.

It surely beats cozying up to a self-interested administration that would sell us out as fast as they’ve sold out their own citizens who don’t support the many non-sensical policies, which they have adopted after listening to an off-the-wall base of lunatics that are contributing to the demise of civilized society.

There is no quick-fix to this dilemma, but maybe there shouldn’t be, because if Israel could rely upon nations or people, she wouldn’t need the God who chose her from amongst all others. Turning to Him, at this pivotal moment, is the best strategy, especially when we have been left to fend for ourselves by our supposedly “closest friends.”

There is no better time for each Israeli citizen to personalize Psalm 46:1 which promises us that, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” That’s exactly the opposite of a fair-weather friend and an assurance that no superpower country can ever offer!