Is Israel becoming a proxy state of the US? Military experts point to disturbing trend – analysis

Israel must prioritize its own vital interests instead of merely acting on behalf of U.S. imperatives, says Col. (res.) Jacques Neria. 

By Hezy Laing

Military experts are increasingly alarmed about the evolving dynamics between Israel and the United States, suggesting that Israel has increasingly become a proxy serving American interests rather than asserting its own.

Brig. Gen. (res.) Yair Ansbacher points to the new American military headquarters in Kiryat Gat, which reportedly houses representatives from various countries unsympathetic to Israel, such as Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and various Palestinian factions.

Ansbacher says this operational structure underscores U.S. influence, as an American general stationed there communicates directly with top military officials and the American chief of staff.

This relationship is troubling, as it implies that Israel’s military decisions may be closely monitored and directed by U.S. interests.

Many Israeli moves in Gaza now require American approval. Ansbacher notes that the Americans are increasingly seen as the principal decision-makers in the Middle East, actively promoting the establishment of a Palestinian state and controlling the narrative surrounding regional developments.

Col. (res.) Jacques Neria Jacques Neria adds that Israel increasingly functions within a framework dictated by the U.S. in its other regional conflicts too, including in Syria, Lebanon and Iran, that aligns with America’s broader geopolitical strategies.

According to Neria, there is a discernible disconnect between Israeli and American interests, as evidenced by the unresolved conflicts that plague Israel’s borders even after two years of fighting.

He insists that Israel must prioritize its own vital interests instead of merely acting on behalf of U.S. imperatives, highlighting a shift in Israel’s strategic autonomy.

Adding to this concern is the announcement of a massive American base planned for the Negev Desert, which many view as a symbol of increasing American military presence and influence in Israel.

The planned base is expected to enhance U.S. capabilities in the region and serve as a crucial component in the ongoing geopolitical landscape shaped by Washington.

Critics argue that such developments further entrench Israeli dependence on American military support, thus reducing its ability to operate independently.

Dr. Rachel Azaria, a political analyst and former Knesset member, echoes the concerns raised by Neria and Ansbacher.

She believes Israel’s policies are increasingly dictated by U.S. interests, especially regarding negotiations with Hamas and Iranian containment strategies.

Azaria argues that this alignment compromises Israel’s ability to forge its own foreign policy, often leading to domestic discontent and insecurity.

She emphasizes the need for Israel to reassert its sovereignty in decision-making processes, advocating for a foreign policy that solely prioritizes its national security and regional stability.

Experts like Neria, Ansbacher, and Azaria express that this trend is unsettling, as it affects Israel’s military autonomy and its capacity to address immediate security threats based solely on its national interests.

As the strategic landscape evolves, it becomes imperative for Israel to reassess its role and ensure that its actions are guided by its own sovereignty rather than a perceived obligation to serve the interests of its powerful ally.