Israel no longer relies on the US - who will it bet on now
Israel is reassessing its national security strategy, aiming to reduce dependence on the United States. Priority new partners have been identified as India and Germany, with which it plans to deepen security and economic cooperation. The reason is growing uncertainty in relations with Washington, which, according to the Israeli defense establishment, increasingly prioritizes its own interests over alliance commitments. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is turning to Israel for intelligence assistance through CENTCOM amid its confrontation with the Houthis. A domestic challenge remains the lack of budget funds for military rehabilitation.
Israel is reassessing its national security strategy amid growing uncertainty in relations with the United States and the ongoing confrontation with Iran. The defense establishment has concluded that reliance on a single strategic ally creates additional risks, so the country intends to expand cooperation with other influential states. According to the Israeli publication Israel Hayom, the Ministry of Defense has been working on a new strategy to strengthen international support for about three months. Priority directions have been identified as India and Germany, with which it plans to deepen economic ties and security cooperation. The United States remains Israel's main strategic ally, but the policies of the American administration, which increasingly prioritizes its own economic interests, are prompting the Israeli defense establishment to seek additional security guarantees. One illustrative example was Washington's reaction to the escalation of the confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait area. According to Israel Hayom, Saudi Arabia is turning to Israel for assistance through the U.S. Central Command CENTCOM, particularly on intelligence cooperation. At the same time, the Israeli defense establishment is assessing further prospects of the confrontation with Iran, warning that the Iranian leadership retains the capability to inflict serious damage. Amid the development of the new strategy, the Israeli defense establishment warns of serious financial constraints hindering the restoration of military capabilities. The lack of budget funds complicates the replenishment of weapons stockpiles and the preparation of the IDF for future operations.