Ex-Envoy Warns of US Aid Cut, Loss of UN Shield
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Former Israeli ambassador Michael Oren expressed alarm over potential US termination of security aid, warning it could lead to a loss of diplomatic backing at the UN. He questioned the strategic logic of reducing support for a key US ally and suggested the move might be politically motivated. Oren also highlighted past US restrictions on Israel's military purchases and trade with China.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former envoy Michael Oren fears US ending security aid could remove Israel's UN diplomatic shield.
- Oren questioned the strategic value of cutting aid to Israel, a key US ally.
- He suggested the potential aid cut might be linked to political deals before US elections.
- Oren warned that aid termination could extend to intelligence sharing and other support.
- Past US restrictions on Israel's military purchases and China trade were also mentioned.
Former Israeli ambassador to the US, Michael Oren, expressed shock and concern over reports of the US potentially ending security aid to Israel, particularly during wartime. Oren stated that Israel cannot assume it has years to transition from aid to partnership, as the timeline is dictated by US political shifts, specifically the potential Democratic control of Congress after upcoming elections. He warned that a halt in security aid could escalate to the termination of intelligence sharing and other forms of support.
Oren argued that ending aid contradicts Israel's strategic value to the US as a loyal ally, a technological innovator, and a nation situated in a sensitive global region. He questioned why the US would diminish the capabilities of a country that fights alongside it and enhances American security through its technology. Oren also suggested that such a move would remove Israel's "political and diplomatic Iron Dome" at the UN, jeopardizing its ability to block sanctions in the Security Council.
He speculated that the decision might be linked to a deal involving former President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, possibly trading Trump's support for Netanyahu's election campaign in exchange for ending aid, rather than a strategic agreement. Oren also touched upon the issue of Israel's military supply chain, noting that the US has previously warned against dealing with China, citing past instances where Israel was prevented from acquiring advanced weaponry like B1 or B2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles, while facing repercussions for attempting to sell to China.