A Reflection on Alliances, Leadership, and Bitachon*

Recent developments in the political and diplomatic arena once again bring before us a very old question—one that is not only political, but deeply rooted in emunah: upon whom does Klal Yisrael truly rely?

Donald Trump recently said that without the United States—and without his own actions—Israel would not exist, adding that without his intervention Israel “wouldn’t be around for two hours.” Whatever one makes of such statements, they have a way of sharpening the question for us: where does real security come from?

At the same time, reports about the fourteen-point Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding concerning Iran—including proposals for a ceasefire, a period of negotiations over its nuclear program, and large-scale reconstruction plans—have raised concern in many circles. Whether or not every detail materializes, it reflects a familiar pattern in international affairs: the belief that concessions and agreements alone can restrain those who openly declare hostility toward Israel. History has not always been kind to that assumption.

The Torah does not reject diplomacy. And it certainly does not diminish the value of friendship among nations. *Hakarat hatov* is a yesod gadol in Torah life. We are מחויב to recognize good, to appreciate support, and to express sincere gratitude to those who stand with Am Yisrael in times of need.

But gratitude is not dependence. Appreciation must never quietly replace bitachon in Hashem.

This is not a new struggle. All through Tanach, the Nevi’im warn—sometimes gently, sometimes very sharply—against placing ultimate trust in human alliances instead of the Ribbono shel Olam. Yeshayahu Hanavi says it........

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