Why Israel stopped when Trump said stop: Understanding the 12-hour Iran war

Israel's recent 12-hour conflict with Iran in June 2026 underscores a critical aspect of its foreign policy: a profound dependence on U.S. support, particularly under President Donald Trump. This relationship, likened to a startup partnering with Google, means that while Israel receives substantial assistance, it must also cede significant influence over its decision-making processes.

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If someone thinks that when Google is your partner, you can neglect Google, I think they are making a big mistake.

Former National Security Council officials Yaakov Amidror and Eran Lerman discussed this dynamic, drawing parallels to how Google's investment in startups comes with a say in their operations. Amidror explained that partners in such ventures must decide whether to accept Google's input for the benefits it provides or to continue independently. He noted that most choose to stay with Google, recognizing the advantages of the partnership, even with its inherent limitations. This, he argued, mirrors Israel's current situation with the U.S.

"The US, to carry the metaphor, is Israel’s Google," Amidror stated. "As a result, it will have a say in how we run our startup. At times, that smarts. At times, it is frustrating. At times, it limits your ability to make fully independent decisions. But it also carries enormous benefits – benefits that should not be overlooked in a moment of frustration over interference by the larger partner."

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All my friends told me that if they had to make the decision, they would stay with Google. This is the situation of Israel today. We are with Google, and we have to take into consideration that Google is our partner.

Keeping the broader strategic picture in mind is essential, especially concerning Iran's nuclear capabilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has frequently emphasized his government's efforts to counter these capabilities. The dependence on the U.S., while potentially limiting Israeli autonomy, provides crucial backing in navigating complex regional security challenges.

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The US, to carry the metaphor, is Israel’s Google. As a result, it will have a say in how we run our startup. At times, that smarts. At times, it is frustrating. At times, it limits your ability to make fully independent decisions. But it also carries enormous benefits – benefits that should not be overlooked in a moment of frustration over interference by the larger partner.