Why does Israel want to be less dependent on US weapons?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for Israel to pursue 'armaments independence'.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he’s grateful to the United States for its military aid but that it’s time for Israel to build its own weapons-production capacity.
His announcement comes as tensions grow over the US peace agreement with Iran, but also as demand soars for Israel’s weapons.
Israel’s decades-long occupation and the genocide in Gaza allow it to market its products as “combat-proven”.
And business is booming. Israel’s arms exports hit a record $19bn last year. Supporters say that strengthens the country’s ability to stand on its own.
Yet, independence comes at a price.
Can Israel afford to lose its greatest ally?
Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault
Alexandre Vautravers – Security and defence policy specialist
Michael Mulroy – Former US deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East
Antony Loewenstein – Author of the book The Palestine Laboratory