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Implications of Expanded American Support for Israel

(Jerusalem Strategic Tribune) Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman - The Hamas attack of Oct. 7 may have changed the U.S.-Israel defense relationship. Before the day was over, President Biden made the unprecedented decision to back Israel not only by a rapidly organized line of supplies, including interceptors for its Iron Dome batteries, but also by the presence in the eastern Mediterranean of two carrier strike groups to deter Hizbullah from opening a second front. Having been there for Israel at the hour of need, America has carved for itself a central role in preparing for the day after. Israeli decisions now have to take into account American constraints and imperatives. American concerns apparently played a role in Netanyahu's decision not to launch a preemptive strike against Hizbullah in Lebanon. The timing of the ground incursion in Gaza was delayed by a few days to give the U.S. military time to deploy force protection measures across the region. The persistent American demand for humanitarian relief and a corridor into Gaza raised the ire of the Israeli public, given the manner in which the hostages are held, against all humanitarian norms. While the IDF is also interested in humanitarian relief arrangements in the south of Gaza - so as to draw as many civilians as possible away from the battle zones in northern Gaza - the perception has taken hold that these gestures are all due to U.S. pressure. American involvement in the hostage negotiations is also placing some constraints on Israeli actions. The writer is vice president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security and former deputy director of Israel's National Security Council.
2023-11-16 00:00:00
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