In recent weeks, the strain in Israel–US relations has left many Israelis stunned and unprepared. The belief that the American administration would always support us, or even be in our pocket, shattered loudly as President Donald Trump's administration took unilateral actions without consulting or gaining Israel's approval. Some of these moves directly undermine Israel – from the deal with the Houthis in Yemen, giving them a "flashing green light" to fire missiles at Israel, to the warm embrace of former jihadists in Syria, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Qatar, purveyors of hatred and terror in the Middle East, to the rush toward an Iran deal that would leave its nuclear program nearly intact.
The Americans have always prioritized their interests, but they have not done so with such blunt disregard for Israel's friendship or security in years. Those who think the freedom to continue fighting in Gaza compensates for the flash sale the US is holding across the Middle East may find that this fight could cost us our most critical security assets.
President Donald Trump does not oppose Israel intentionally, despite voices in his circle pushing for distance from us to avoid Middle East entanglements in Yemen, Iran, or Gaza. These voices have gained traction amid recent administration purges, which have sidelined many of Israel's close allies.
Yet Israel must not yield or forsake its essential interests. Many forget, or do not know, that we were not always so reliant on the US for our independence and security. During Israel's first two decades, the US offered no weapons, economic aid, or diplomatic support, and even showed hostility.
President Harry Truman, alone, used his authority against Washington's top officials to back a Jewish state in Israel, but this was an exception to a policy bent on blocking the state's creation and later pressuring us into armistice and peace deals that would have undone our war gains and forced us to accept Arab refugees. The US saw Israel as weak and unreliable, while the Arab world offered oil, economic ties, and military cooperation against the USSR.
Israel stood firm, defying the US by moving its capital to Jerusalem, rejecting American peace plans like the Alpha Plan, and advancing its nuclear program against Washington's wishes.
David Ben Gurion deserves credit for steering the course. He knew when to fight and when to compromise, securing support from the American public and beyond – not out of obstinacy but as part of a clear, visionary policy that the Americans, though reluctant, understood.
Today, Israel is in a different position, but history teaches us not to assume support, to stand resolute, and to know our direction. When we are clear – grounded on Earth, not chasing the moon – the US will not block our path.
