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Source: https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/06/24/this-should-be-israels-answer-to-trumps-reversal/
Respectfully Differing with America
(Israel Hayom) Prof. Zaki Shalom - President Trump recently argued that, without American intervention, Israel would have faced an existential threat. Israel owes the U.S. profound gratitude for its contribution to degrading Iran's nuclear program and for the extensive security assistance it has provided over many decades. However, the assertion that Israel's survival depends entirely upon American action does not accurately reflect reality. The combination of credible strategic deterrence and sophisticated missile-defense capabilities is what fundamentally guarantees Israel's security. The claim that the Trump administration represents Israel's last remaining friend in the international arena also does not withstand close scrutiny. Israel's international standing today is arguably stronger than at any previous point in its history. Furthermore, throughout the current conflict, Israel has managed to achieve most of its strategic objectives, notwithstanding intensive worldwide opposition. Prime Minister Netanyahu is entirely justified in maintaining public restraint in response to U.S. criticism. Nevertheless, there would be no harm in occasionally presenting counterarguments - provided this is done respectfully and in a manner befitting the unique relationship between Israel and the U.S. The writer is a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies and professor emeritus at Ben-Gurion University.