There's this narrative that Israel is completely dependent on US aid and would be powerless without it, but I don't think that's obviously true. What military is going to meaningfully threaten them? Jordan has no interest in another giant wave of Palestinian migrants (given that the last one led to a coup attempt), nor does it have a significant military. Lebanon hardly has a genuine government. Syria is a mess. Egypt does have some legitimate power, but also has no interest in a massive war right next to them.

The only regional power capable of meaningfully threatening Israel is Iran, and Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Sunni coalition do not want massive expansion of Iranian influence.

Not to mention, Israel has already defeated all of its neighbors, simultaneously, twice. I'm fairly confident that the only thing that would actually happen if the US stopped sending aid is a bit of a dent in the Israeli economy.

[–] livus@kbin.social 16 points 8 months ago (2 children)

My point is that I think the Israeli political establishment would rather give up Netanyahu than give up billions of dollars worth of funding and weapons from the US.

[–] pjwestin@lemmy.world 6 points 8 months ago

Yeah, I think you're right. Netanyahu is still currently on trial for corruption, he's struggled to form a governing coalition, and even though he wanted to turn 10/7 into a moment of national unity, most Israeli's blame him for the attack. He really is not popular domestically, and losing the support of Israel's largest international partner would probably be the final nail in his coffin. I think this narrative of the U.S., "overthrowing," Netanyahu is his government's attempt to spin mild U.S. criticism into foreign election interference.

[–] zaphod@lemmy.ca 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

They could just as easily close ranks with support for Bibi galvanizing over perceived foreign influence in their politics. Nationalism is a powerful narcotic and the US making that move could just pump it into their veins.