Israel’s military triumphs in the Middle East have long been celebrated as a testament to its strategic brilliance and battlefield prowess. However, a closer examination reveals a stark reality: Israel’s successes owe far more to the unwavering support of the United States than to its own military achievements. Recent events, particularly Iran’s missile attacks, expose Israel’s vulnerabilities and underscore its dependence on American aid. If Iran’s war of attrition persists, Israel could face existential challenges without the U.S. as its backbone.
Iran’s missile strikes in recent years have demonstrated Israel’s inability to fully counter sophisticated attacks. Despite Israel’s advanced defense systems, such as the Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling, Iranian missiles have penetrated Israeli airspace, causing damage and shaking public confidence. These incidents highlight a critical weakness: Israel’s defenses, while impressive, are not impenetrable. Iran’s strategy of sustained, low-intensity attacks could erode Israel’s resources over time, especially if the conflict escalates beyond Israel’s capacity to respond independently.
The U.S. has been Israel’s lifeline, providing billions in military aid annually—$3.8 billion in 2023 alone, according to the Congressional Research Service. This funding fuels Israel’s defense systems, replenishes munitions, and supports cutting-edge technologies. Beyond dollars, the U.S. supplies intelligence, satellite imagery, and logistical support, enabling Israel to maintain a qualitative military edge. During conflicts, American forces have bolstered Israel’s defenses, as seen in the deployment of U.S. Navy assets to counter threats in the Eastern Mediterranean. Without this support, Israel’s ability to sustain prolonged engagements, especially against a determined adversary like Iran, would be severely compromised.
Israel’s vaunted victories—against Hamas, Hezbollah, or in past wars—are often framed as proof of its military superiority. Yet, these successes are heavily subsidized by the U.S. For instance, the Iron Dome’s interception rate, while high, relies on U.S.-funded interceptors costing tens of thousands per launch. In Gaza operations, U.S.-supplied precision munitions allow Israel to minimize ground casualties, preserving its forces while projecting power. Against Hezbollah, U.S. intelligence has been pivotal in targeting militant leaders. Strip away this support, and Israel’s battlefield outcomes would look far less decisive.
Iran’s war of attrition poses a unique threat. Unlike conventional wars, where Israel’s rapid, overwhelming force can secure quick victories, Iran’s strategy of proxy warfare, missile barrages, and economic pressure grinds down its opponents. Israel’s economy, already strained by high defense spending (5.3% of GDP in 2024, per SIPRI), cannot sustain endless conflict without external aid. Iran, with its vast oil reserves and growing domestic missile production, can afford to play the long game. If the U.S. were to scale back its support—whether due to political shifts or strategic reprioritization—Israel would face a stark reckoning.
Critics might argue that Israel’s technological innovation and highly trained forces make it a formidable power. While true, these strengths are amplified by U.S. backing. Israel’s tech sector benefits from American partnerships, and its military training incorporates U.S. doctrines and equipment. Even Israel’s nuclear ambiguity, a cornerstone of its deterrence, is quietly underwritten by U.S. diplomatic cover. Without this synergy, Israel’s ability to project power would diminish significantly.
The notion of Israel as an invincible fortress is a carefully crafted narrative, one that obscures its reliance on American muscle. Iran’s missile attacks serve as a wake-up call: Israel’s defenses are not self-sustaining. If Iran’s attrition strategy continues, and if U.S. support wanes, Israel could find itself in a precarious position, unable to maintain its military dominance or economic stability. The lesson is clear: Israel’s victories are not solely its own but a reflection of the U.S.’s enduring commitment. Without it, the mirage of invincibility could quickly fade.
