Netanyahu's Levi Eshkol moment: Why Israel defied Trump - analysis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a decision mirroring historical Israeli prime ministers by acting independently of US presidential counsel.

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Don’t preempt.

On Sunday night, after Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel, US President Donald Trump publicly advised Israel not to retaliate. Despite this, Netanyahu proceeded with a strike. This action draws a direct parallel to former Prime Minister Levi Eshkol's decision in 1967. Eshkol received a letter from then-US President Lyndon Johnson essentially warning Israel not to initiate hostilities, stating, "Israel will not be alone unless it decides to go alone."

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Israel will not be alone unless it decides to go alone. We cannot imagine that it will make this decision.

Eshkol, however, preempted hostilities two days later, believing Israel faced an existential threat that superseded even its closest ally's wishes. Netanyahu's decision to strike Iran, despite Trump's public urging, places him in a lineage of Israeli leaders who have prioritized national interests over Washington's objections. This list includes David Ben-Gurion, who declared statehood against State Department opposition; Menachem Begin, who ordered the Osirak reactor strike despite likely US anger; Ariel Sharon, who continued Operation Defensive Shield despite George W. Bush's pressure; and Ehud Olmert, who ordered the destruction of Syria's nuclear reactor after Bush preferred diplomacy.

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If you go alone, you will stand alone.

In each instance, the Israeli prime minister concluded that the nation's security interests were paramount, even if it meant defying the United States. Netanyahu's recent action reinforces this historical pattern, suggesting a consistent Israeli approach to perceived existential threats that may diverge from American policy.

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I must emphasize the necessity for Israel not to make itself responsible for the initiation of hostilities.