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Source: https://claritywithmichaeloren.substack.com/p/between-can-and-must
In the Face of the U.S.-Iran Agreement, Israel Must Place Its Security First
(Substack) Amb. Michael Oren - Less than four months ago, American forces stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the IDF in the most dramatic display ever of the U.S.-Israel alliance. Our Israeli pilots, soldiers, and commanders worked in the closest possible coordination with their American counterparts in mounting thousands of successful missions. The Iranians have conditioned their agreement with the U.S. on an end to Israel's efforts to defend the north against Hizbullah attacks, even to withdraw IDF troops from southern Lebanon. This will confront Israeli leaders with an excruciating choice: either abandon the north or risk a major clash with Washington. The prime minister's paramount job is to defend the country at virtually any cost, even a backlash from the U.S. Like Prime Minister Begin in destroying the Iraqi nuclear reactor or Prime Minister Eshkol in initiating the Six-Day War - both in the face of stiff American opposition - Netanyahu must place Israel's security first. Israel can weather Trump's possible response, but Israel cannot endure the loss of our north and forfeit our fundamental security. The writer was Israel's ambassador to the U.S., 2009-13.