'Israel' not a 'vassal state' of the US: Netanyahu
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His comments were described as a "rant" over President Biden's warning to "Israel" that a major attack on Rafah would cross a "red line" for US support.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a ceremony marking Memorial Day for fallen soldiers of the Israeli aggressions on Palestinians at occupied al-Quds, Monday, May 13, 2024 (Pool Photo via AP)
In another episode of delirium, sources told Axios on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out during a recent meeting with his security cabinet.
"We are not a vassal state of the United States!" the sources quoted him as saying during the meeting.
His comments were described as a "rant" over President Biden's warning to "Israel" that a major attack on Rafah would cross a "red line" for US support.
During that meeting, Netanyahu compared his clash with Biden over Rafah to "Israel's" so-called declaration of independence in 1948, when David Ben Gurion declared "Israel's" so-called independence despite alleged objections from then-US Secretary of State George Marshall.
Netanyahu also referenced his speech to Congress in March 2015, where he voiced his opposition to former President Obama's efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran. This speech had allegedly strained relations between the US and "Israel" and had drawn criticism from many Democrats.
This information was provided to Axios by three individuals who were present at the meeting with Netanyahu, including one of Netanyahu's aides.
Read more: Rafah invasion is to prevent Netanyahu's fall: Israeli media
Four reasons why 'Israel' is a vassal of the US
"Israel's" status as a vassal of the US can be understood through various lenses but mainly revolves around mutual security interests, historical bonds, and ideological affinities.
At the core of this bond lies a reliance on the US for economic and military aid. For the regime, this assistance is not merely a matter of security but also a lifeline to sustain its security capabilities and economic stability.
Secondly, "Israel's" close alignment with US interests contributes to broader geopolitical objectives such as expanding US capital across the Middle East and countering anti-imperialist elements, such as Iran and Resistance groups.
Third, the US wields significant political influence over "Israel's" policies and decision-making through diplomatic pressure, conditional aid, and negotiations. Through these measures, the US effectively steers Israeli actions in line with its own interests.
And fourth, "Israel" and the US are bound by historical and ideological ties, particularly with advancing an agenda of ethnically cleansing land of indigenous population under banner of modernity or democarcy. These shared values serve as a glue to cement the alliance and reinforce "Israel's" position as a vassal for the US.
Read more: Netanyahu could jeopardize 'Israel's' centenary: Israeli media
When Netanyahu compared himself to David Ben Gurion, he may have thought that he was portraying himself as a figure embodying "Israel's" historical defiance against external pressures and assertion of a certain sovereignty. But in reality, this reveals a deeper insecurity or need to justify his war crimes in the face of global outrage.
Netanyahu's actions have done irreparable damage to "Israel's" moral credibility on the global stage, including that of the US'.
On April 28, Israeli news website Maariv reported that Netanyahu is worried about the potential issuance of an arrest warrant against him by the International Criminal Court.
The newspaper reported that Netanyahu held private discussions with the United States to prevent the International Criminal Court from issuing an arrest warrant. It also indicated a prevailing belief that "the issuance of the arrest warrant is inevitable and may implicate not just Netanyahu, but also the Minister of Security and the Chief of Staff."
