Israel Is Making Plans for a Post-America Middle East
"We will need to prepare ourselves to be more independent than we used to be," Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis told Newsweek.
Israeli Deputy Consul General Ofir Akunis expressed concern that the shift in American politics, particularly the rise of progressive Democratic candidates critical of Israel, could undermine the historic alliance between the two nations. Akunis warned that a preference for Iran over the United States is a "new" development and that Israel must prepare for a more independent future.
While Israel has a strong record of indigenous security achievements, such as the Iron Dome missile defense system, Akunis emphasized the importance of maintaining alliances with other countries, including India, Greece, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, and more. The emerging "quartet" of Sunni Muslim powers, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan, also poses a significant threat to Israel.
Akunis expressed particular concern over Turkey's increasing hostility towards Israel, referencing Erdogan's shift against Israel and his support for anti-Israel activist flotillas. Despite the challenges, Akunis called for patience and emphasized the need for the United States to be tough with Iran, as weakness would embolden the Islamic Republic.
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