'Israel' truly alone, only US supplies remaining, Israeli media say
4 Min Read
An Israeli military analyst says the Israeli occupation is left alone as US supplies are the only ones that are still guaranteed to come in.
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Israeli soldiers move on the top of a tank near the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern occupied Palestine, March 20, 2024 (AP)
The Economist's newest cover, published on Thursday, depicted an Israeli occupation flag, fluttering alone against strong winds, barely holding on thanks to a stick, which was the point of discussion for Israeli military affairs analyst Alon Ben David on Channel 13.
Ben David provided insights into the potential repercussions of the disruption of the supply chain of armaments on the Israeli occupation's invasion of Gaza.
There is still a narrow path out of the hellscape of Gaza. But at a moment of military might, Israel looks deeply vulnerable https://t.co/Y1wC7bUe2l pic.twitter.com/EdFhTjBaqY
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) March 21, 2024
Ben David lamented the stark reality depicted on the cover, noting the loss of many former friendly nations. While affirming that American arms shipments remain unaffected for now, he underscored emerging concerns regarding other key allies.
Specifically, Ben David pointed to reports of a Canadian embargo, clarifying that while Canada refrains from selling complete weapons systems and ammunition to the Israeli occupation, it does supply weapons' crucial parts.
That, he emphasized, could disrupt supply chains for Israeli industries manufacturing combat systems reliant on these components.
Similarly, he highlighted the impact of potential disruptions in British supply lines, particularly concerning night vision equipment and various electronic parts.
However, Ben David cautioned that the primary issue stems from viewing these developments as indications of broader international shifts that do not favor "Israel" all too much. He warned that if left unchecked, such actions could prompt other nations to follow suit, exacerbating the Israeli occupation's isolation in the global arms market.
Canada suspends arms exports to 'Israel'
Canada decided earlier this week to halt exports of weapons to the Israeli occupation following months of growing public pressure amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
While Canada is not a major arms supplier to "Israel" compared to other countries, the concern is that this move could lead to a larger trend among Western nations who might follow suit, creating a domino effect of countries halting arms sales to the entity, the Israeli Globes website reported.
Fears of a snowball effect that puts greater pressure on Israelis comes as the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza revealed on Thursday that, on the 167th day of the war on the Strip, the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli occupation forces since October 7 has risen to 31,988, with 74,188 others injured.
Based on data from the Canadian government, arms exports to the entity amounted to only $15 million in 2022. Over the period from 2019 to 2023, Israeli imports of weapons from Canada accounted for just 0.05% of the occupation's total military imports.
By way of comparison, UK arms exports to "Israel" amounted to $53 million in 2022, while German arms exports reached $35 million in the same year. In contrast, US military aid to the entity in 2022 alone reached $3.3 billion.
US offers 'Israel' weapons lifeline
The most devastating impact would be if the US decided to suspend deliveries of weapons to "Israel", which has totals of billions per year and is currently the lifeline for the occupation's war on Gaza.
Read more: US made some 100 covert arms deals with 'Israel' since Oct. 7: Report
Washington has not enforced any arms restrictions on "Israel" since 2000 when it declined to sell parts for combat helicopters used in targeted killings during the Second Intifada. But the decision was later revoked and $1 billion in military assistance was added after 9/11.
With the martyrs' toll in Gaza now reaching 32,000 and the UN warning of an imminent famine due to the entity's starvation policy, more US officials - coupled with a significant number of American citizens - are demanding that weapons to "Israel" be scrutinized, or suspended entirely.
But the US repeatedly announced that it has "no red lines" regarding arms supplies to Israelis.
