Israel to increase military independence as threat of US arms embargo arises

The concerns come amid growing friction between Trump and Netanyahu over Israel’s military posture in Lebanon.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli officials are increasingly concerned that tensions with the White House over Lebanon and Syria could eventually result in delays to U.S. weapons deliveries or other security restrictions as Washington pushes for concessions ahead of an anticipated agreement with Iran, Maariv reported.

According to Israeli officials, pressure from the Trump administration is expected to intensify as the expected signing date for a memorandum of understanding with Iran approaches.

The officials said Washington is seeking Israeli flexibility on issues related to southern Lebanon and the Syrian Hermon and warned that disagreements could move beyond diplomatic exchanges.

Israeli sources said they are concerned that continued resistance to US demands could trigger practical measures, including delays in arms shipments, restrictions on operational assistance and other steps that they described as resembling an arms embargo.

The concerns come amid growing friction between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s military posture in Lebanon.

Israeli officials said recent American demands have included a withdrawal from five Israeli positions in southern Lebanon, a withdrawal from the Syrian Hermon and limitations on military activity that could affect diplomatic efforts involving Iran.

In Jerusalem, President Trump’s recent public criticism of Israel’s actions in Lebanon has been interpreted as part of broader pressure being applied behind closed doors.

According to Maariv, some Israeli officials believe the current geopolitical climate is accelerating efforts already underway to lessen Israel’s reliance on foreign military suppliers.

Those concerns have grown amid reports of tense discussions between Jerusalem and Washington over the future scope of Israeli military activity in Lebanon.

Concerns about dependence on foreign arms suppliers are not new.

Israeli decision-makers have long viewed changes in the international political landscape as a potential risk to weapons deliveries, spare parts and procurement timelines.

In response, Israel has repeatedly sought to strengthen its domestic defense industry and reduce vulnerability to external pressure.

Many of the country’s most significant defense achievements were developed with that objective in mind. Indigenous fighter aircraft projects, missile defense systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic warfare technologies and precision-guided weapons were all advanced, in part, to preserve Israel’s ability to operate independently when necessary.