Israeli defense community fears fallout with Washington over judicial overhaul

Israeli defense community fears fallout with Washington over judicial overhaul
Israeli defense community fears fallout with Washington over judicial overhaul

The main concern is that the right-wing government will cause a break in relations with the US that could impact Washington’s willingness to approve Israel’s annual foreign military financing (FMF) budget, money that the US gives to Israel to spend on American-made defense goods.

‘Unprecedented’ visit from incoming IDF chief signals concerns about relations with DC

‘Unprecedented’ visit from incoming IDF chief signals concerns about relations with DC
‘Unprecedented’ visit from incoming IDF chief signals concerns about relations with DC

Defense sources here say a recent visit from the IDF’s upcoming chief was timed explicitly to ensure continued operational dialogue with the Pentagon in case relations between the two nations’ defense ministers becomes rocky.

US pressure on Israel over defense minister choice puts Netanyahu in a bind

US pressure on Israel over defense minister choice puts Netanyahu in a bind
US pressure on Israel over defense minister choice puts Netanyahu in a bind

Israeli sources say the Biden administration has made it clear to Benjamin Netanyahu, currently working to build a new coalition government following this month’s electoral victory, that it does not want to see Bezalael Smotrich, an extreme right-wing politician, be given the job.

Rise of far-right political power in Israel may impact relations with US on defense

Rise of far-right political power in Israel may impact relations with US on defense
Rise of far-right political power in Israel may impact relations with US on defense

Two extremist politicians, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, are poised for key national defense roles in the expected coalition government.