Thomas Friedman’s latest column is not only incisive — it is urgently necessary. He lays bare what too many American leaders refuse to say plainly: Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to disregard cease-fire understandings while expecting unquestioning U.S. support, treating the United States as though we will absorb any action without consequence.
Even more troubling is the political reality driving these policies. Netanyahu’s actions increasingly appear shaped not by long-term security strategy, but by personal political survival — by a desperate effort to remain in power, avoid accountability in his ongoing corruption cases, and appease the most extreme and undemocratic members of his far-right coalition. When policy is driven by the need to stay out of jail and satisfy ideological hardliners, stability and diplomacy inevitably suffer.
The American people are not fools. We provide extraordinary military, diplomatic, and financial backing to Israel because we are told our interests and democratic values are aligned. When cease-fires are violated, when escalation replaces restraint, and when U.S. credibility is strained on the world stage, that alignment is called into serious question.
No ally should assume automatic support while undermining agreements the United States has worked to secure. Real friendship requires accountability. Real partnership requires mutual respect.
Friedman is right to warn that unconditional backing, absent consequences for violations, damages both American interests and Israel’s long-term security.
It is time for U.S. leaders to insist that American support not be taken for granted.
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