Israel's Iran Strikes Underscore Deep Reliance on US Defense, Experts Say

Following a series of missile launches from Tehran toward Tel Aviv, Israel's military announced it had responded with two waves of airstrikes on Iranian soil. The military did not mention any U.S. involvement in the operation.

However, Oded Ailam, a former head of the Mossad's anti-terrorism division now working as a security expert, asserted that "anyone who thinks Israel can act independently in Iran is naive." He emphasized that Israel "cannot do anything in Iran without consulting its 'big brother,' the United States."

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Anyone who thinks Israel can act independently in Iran is naive. Israel cannot do anything in Iran without consulting its 'big brother,' the United States.

This statement contrasts with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent claims of "maximum independence" from the U.S. Netanyahu had also told The Economist of his intention to reduce U.S. military aid to zero within ten years. Israeli economist Michel Strawczynski deemed these declarations irrational, especially with elections approaching. "Defense funding is the number one concern in Israel," Strawczynski noted, adding that it is "too early for Israelis to decide anything, with American aid not ending until 2028."

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Defense funding is the number one concern in Israel. Finally, it is far too early in the eyes of Israelis to decide anything, with American aid not ending until 2028.