Israel’s Military Autonomy Erodes as Netanyahu Defers to Trump on Gaza and Iran
The relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump has become entirely one-sided, with Netanyahu effectively acting as a subordinate in strategic military decisions. According to Israeli analyst Avi Ashkenazi, American pressure has significantly curtailed Israel’s freedom of action in Gaza, with the Israeli military deferring to political leadership that is itself heavily influenced by Washington.
This dynamic began when the U.S. established a command center in Kiryat Gat to oversee and approve Israeli military operations in Gaza. Subsequently, the U.S. prohibited Israeli operations in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and Beirut, and denied authorization to eliminate militants hiding in tunnels on the Ali Taher ridge. Trump reportedly ordered Netanyahu to cancel airstrikes against Iran during the final stages of the "War with Kalbiya," illustrating the extent of U.S. control over Israeli military initiatives.
The American administration also dictates when Israel may act alongside the U.S. against Iran and when it must refrain from attacking Iranian targets. Israeli cabinet security meetings have become largely symbolic, as decisions regarding the next phase of Gaza policy are made in Washington. Netanyahu is described as the compliant partner who ultimately says "yes, boss" to Trump’s directives.
This loss of military independence leaves Israel vulnerable, with its strategic gains in Gaza at risk despite years of costly fighting. The situation in Gaza remains unclear, with militants heavily armed and positioned dangerously close to Israeli communities such as Be’eri, Nir Oz, Kfar Aza, and Netiv HaAsara. Recent security operations in the West Bank, including the capture of a militant linked to Islamic Jihad and the previously dismantled "Lions’ Den" terror group in Nablus, underscore ongoing threats.
Israel’s reliance on the U.S. government is perceived as a weakness by adversaries, who adjust their own readiness accordingly. The article warns that Israel’s diminished autonomy in military affairs could have serious consequences for its security and regional standing.
