Here's a list of IAF combat aircraft. As you can see, before 1967 none were American (except a pair of two B-17s that were not acquired from the US gov but smuggled out of the US. Google for the famous story). IAF relied mostly on French aircraft. Even if you look at the support aircraft lists you can see that prior to 1967 any American aircraft that Israel had were trainers, civilian aircraft, or assorted singular pieces that were not obtained from the US gov. In fact the Americans participated in an arms embargo to the whole middle east that did not end until after 1967.
Okay, let’s just go with what you said. It seems Israel needs support from someone does it not? If France was the major supplier as you say prior to the U.S. how does this prove Israel is able to handle things themselves?
Israel just does not have the resources or production capacity to outfit a modern military. That is the fact and should not be taken as a disparaging remark.
I was countering various silly claims on the lines of "Israel is dependent on US aid" and "Israel exists only thanks to the US". Sure Israel imports stuff, including weapons. That is trade, it does not show Israel is not self-sufficient. If you buy your vegetables in the supermarket instead of growing them that does not mean you are not self-sufficient. The US is heavily dependent on Arab oil imports too. During the 60s-80s the Arab armies were massively supplied by the Russians.
That is why if I was a betting man, which I am, I’d bet on the Arabs. They will win eventually through attrition, maybe sooner if the world economy tanks hard.
The Arabs have been trying the attrition thing for decades, it only made Israel stronger and more self-sufficient. Had you put your money on Israel in 1948 you'd have won a 100 to 1 "long-shot". These days the smart money is on Israel.
It would be best if the Israel gov just accepts this and makes peace with those it is currently pissing off. What’s the problem?
Israel has made peace with several of its neighbors. The remaining bitter enemies like Iran and their footsoldiers Hamas are still delirious with the idea that they can destroy Israel, so they do not want to make peace. I hope they will come to their senses in the next few years.
You all look alike to me anyways.
I once told a girl from Canadian Vancouver that she is practically American, and that seemed to piss her off pretty much. Or maybe it was just foreplay.
See my answer to Drifter in this thread.