Israel must prioritize military independence

The recent vote in the US Senate on blocking arms transfers to Israel, though ultimately defeated, serves as a stark warning to Jerusalem. While the headlines might suggest a victory for the pro-Israel coalition, the numbers reveal a deeply concerning trend: a significant and growing number of Democratic senators are willing to consider withholding military aid from a key ally. This erosion of bipartisan support, particularly within the Democratic party, is no longer confined to its progressive wing. When senators long considered reliable partners begin voting for arms restrictions, it signals a fundamental shift in the American political landscape regarding Israel.

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Although the latest attempt in the US Senate to block arms transfers to Israel was defeated on Wednesday, the numbers behind the vote tell a story not of victory but of a growing strategic rupture.

This growing unpredictability in US support poses a direct threat to Israel's national security doctrine. Security planning cannot be based on the shifting sands of American primary seasons or the whims of a political party's base. The fact that nearly 85% of the Democratic caucus signaled a willingness to leave Israel vulnerable during a multi-front war is alarming. It suggests that what was once a symbolic gesture could, with a shift in the Senate majority or a change in the White House, become binding law.

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This week, 40 of 47 Democratic senators voted to withhold military hardware from Israel. That means nearly 85% of the Democratic caucus signaled a willingness to leave an ally vulnerable in the middle of a multifront war involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.

For Israel, this situation underscores the critical importance of the recently announced NIS 350 billion plan for domestic arms independence. This is not merely a desirable initiative; it is a strategic imperative. For too long, Israel has relied on the convenience of American production lines, trading a degree of sovereign decision-making in the process. The time has come to accelerate the move toward what we are calling 'iron independence.' This means more than just increasing domestic production; it requires a fundamental reorientation of our defense strategy to ensure our ability to act decisively, without external constraints or the vagaries of foreign political winds. The bedrock of our national security must be our own strength and resilience.

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The erosion of the pro-Israel Democratic mainstream is unfolding in real time.