The presence of a Military-Civil Coordination Center (MCCC) in Israel, in the city of Kiryat Gat, is sparking controversy and raising many questions among the political class. And yet, it involves only 200 American soldiers whose purpose is to supervise the ceasefire in Gaza and implement the Trump plan. We should therefore act in concert with the Americans while preserving our independent decision-making power and defending the sacrosanct principle that we can defend ourselves alone.
So let's be realistic and modest.
The strategic and geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has changed significantly since October 7, 2023, thanks to the United States' strong support. While we are a strong regional power, we can no longer wage an endless war in Gaza, nor can we face attacks from Iran and its satellites, military interventions from Russia, China, or even Turkey alone.
There is no alternative to the alliance with America, and we should safeguard it while pursuing an independent policy that puts our security interests first. In the common interest, prior consultation is preferable before any major decision.
The Knesset's first-reading vote on the annexation of Judea and Samaria was not diplomatically considered. This decision, taken lightly and with significant impact on the future of the Jewish state, was adopted for political reasons, designed to put Netanyahu on the spot. The result: an unnecessary crisis with the United States and a clear rejection of any annexation by the Trump administration.
Let us recall that during the Yom Kippur War of October 1973, the United States came to Israel's aid by organizing an air and sea bridge. They delivered a wide array of military equipment, including planes, helicopters, and tanks, along with ammunition and spare parts. This equipment gave the IDF a second wind, enabling it to win the war on all battlefields: on the Golan Heights, in the Sinai Peninsula, and on the "African side" of the Suez Canal.
Following the Yom Kippur War and the disengagement of Israeli troops, the United States and Israel signed a memorandum of understanding in September 1975 that strengthened bilateral relations and strategic and diplomatic coordination between the two allied countries. In 1981, under President Ronald Reagan, a Strategic and Security Cooperation Agreement was signed. Since then, the two countries have formed a military alliance. Joint military exercises and maneuvers are regularly held.
More than ever, we are dependent on the United States. Since the infamous arms embargo decreed by General Charles de Gaulle on June 2, 1967, and in the face of the massive sale of Soviet weapons to Arab countries, America remains our main strategic ally and our supplier of weapons and munitions. Until 2028, American military aid will exceed $4 billion per year. The national defense budget for 2026 will also have to increase by several billion dollars due to the war.
The United States knows perfectly well that Israel is the only democratic bastion in the region and its staunch ally.
The Americans are aware that weakening the Jewish state would work against US strategic interests: Israel is not only a major buyer of American weapons, but it also conducts numerous research and development programs and exchanges valuable military intelligence in close cooperation with the United States.
In 1987, the United States granted Israel major ally status – a non-NATO member – allowing it to acquire all American weaponry necessary for its defense. In January 1991, at the outbreak of the First Gulf War and in order to confront and intercept the Scud missiles launched by Saddam Hussein, the United States delivered Patriot surface-to-air missile systems. Since then, all American presidents, Democratic and Republican, have followed the same policy and delivered the military equipment that Israel had requested.
Since 1948, Israel has adhered to the motto of never depending on anyone for its security, and it refuses to allow foreign soldiers, particularly American ones, to participate in its battles in armed conflicts or against terrorism. It also rejects the presence of UN peacekeepers or NATO troops on its territory to ensure peace.
However, the idea of signing a Defense Pact with the United States is once again being seriously raised.
Opponents argue that a defense alliance could tie the IDF's hands. They point to the raids on nuclear power plants in Iraq (1981) and Syria (2007); let us recall that after the destruction of Osirak in Baghdad, President Reagan, despite being a great friend of Israel, suspended the delivery of new F-16 jets.
Since the terrible October 7, 2023, a revision of our defense doctrine in coordination with the United States is necessary.
There is an urgent need to sign a defense pact regarding attacks launched by our enemies beyond our borders, with clauses that will allow Israel to act quickly in the event of a casus belli or a targeted raid planned at the last minute against terrorist leaders and cells. In this way, we could ensure our defense on all fronts, guarantee our military successes, and, above all, prevent Iran from acquiring its first atomic bomb.
Over the years, we have seen relations between the United States and the Jewish state blow hot and cold.
Since 1948, we have witnessed misunderstandings, frictions, and crises, sometimes serious, but relations have never led to rupture or divorce. The comments of some journalists, the analyses of former intelligence generals, opposition leaders, and community leaders are always exaggerated and, each time, fuel the quarrel for political or personal interests.
In this context, we are obliged to find an understanding and prevent the United States or Europe from abruptly and publicly intervening in our internal affairs or dictating the agenda regarding the Palestinian issue. Wisdom, realpolitik, and reasons of state should prevail over all personal differences and misunderstandings.
Sharing the same universal values with the United States, we form one big family. It is within this fraternal framework that we should act to strengthen our resilience and consolidate our relations with the society of nations.
