Shortly after Hamas’s October 7 invasion, I argued that presidents—not prime ministers—ultimately end Israel’s wars. Donald Trump has once again demonstrated the truth of that observation. But history also shows that Israeli prime ministers once accepted that while the United States is Israel’s indispensable ally, no American president can be allowed to dictate Israel’s security policy.

In 1948, Israel fought for its survival despite fierce opposition from the State Department, the Pentagon, and the CIA. Although President Harry Truman recognized the new state, he also approved an arms embargo. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion nevertheless refused to accept American efforts to deny Israel the Negev and fought until Israel secured its vital interests.

After Egypt closed the Strait of Tiran and sponsored years of terrorist attacks from the Gaza Strip, Ben-Gurion secretly coordinated with Britain and France to launch the 1956 Sinai campaign without President Dwight Eisenhower’s approval. Eisenhower eventually forced Israel to withdraw, but Israel had reopened the Strait of Tiran and dramatically reduced cross-border attacks.

Ben-Gurion also repeatedly rejected President John F. Kennedy’s demands for intrusive inspections of Israel’s nuclear program. Despite sustained American pressure, Israel developed the strategic deterrent that has arguably been the bedrock of its national security ever since.

In 1967, after Egypt again blockaded the Strait of Tiran and massed its army on Israel’s border, President Lyndon Johnson warned Prime Minister Levi Eshkol that “Israel will not be alone unless it decides to go alone.” Eshkol chose to go alone. Israel launched its preemptive strike and won one of history’s most decisive military victories despite an American declaration........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)