Is the Israeli Future Threatened?
Did Trump Just Veto a Kill? Secret U.S. Hand in Gaza Operations Exposed
Recent IDF strike in Gaza reveals complex coordination with US forces, raising questions about operational autonomy while Netanyahu affirms Israel's independent decision-making capacity.
An IDF strike on a vehicle in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, on Saturday evening reportedly proceeded only after securing clearance from the United States, raising questions about the current operational procedures between the two allies amid the ceasefire.
While the strike successfully targeted an operative planning an attack, reports indicate the terrorist was injured, not eliminated.
Delayed Strike and Protocol Confusion
According to a report in Ynet, the IDF strike was launched only after receiving approval from American representatives. However, conflicting reports emerged from within the military, with some IDF sources asserting that the procedure involved mere "coordination" with the Americans rather than a request for formal "approval."
The targeted operative, who military officials identified as a combat commander in the military wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the Central Gaza Brigade, was reportedly planning an imminent attack against IDF forces inside Gaza.
Information regarding the operative and the planned attack was collected for nearly 24 hours. The intelligence was passed up the chain of command, from the Southern Command to the Chief of Staff, and then forwarded to the political echelon and the Joint Israeli-American Headquarters before the strike was executed.
Despite the comprehensive intelligence effort, the target was reportedly only wounded and not killed. Ynet noted that similar events in the past would typically be decided at the level of a division commander at most, suggesting that the current rules of engagement are stricter due to the U.S. desire to maintain the ceasefire.
Netanyahu Denies U.S. Dictation
The incident led to political friction, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the claims during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, vehemently denying that the U.S. dictates Israel's security policy.
"In the last month, we have witnessed ridiculous claims regarding the relationship between the United States and Israel," Netanyahu stated. "When I was in Washington, it was claimed that I controlled the American administration, that I dictated its security policy. Now the opposite is being claimed that the American administration controls me and dictates Israel's security policy."
Netanyahu firmly rejected both assertions:
"Neither is true. Israel is an independent country, the United States is an independent country. The relationship between us is a relationship between partners, and this partnership, which has reached an all-time peak, was also reflected in the operational cooperation in the second part of the [recent Gaza] operation."
Regarding the strike, Netanyahu emphasized Israel's sovereignty, saying:
"We do not ask for approval from anyone for this. We control our security, and we have also made it clear regarding international forces that Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us. This is also accepted by the United States, as their most senior representatives have expressed in recent days. We will defend ourselves by our own forces and we will continue to control our destiny."
The IDF also issued a statement on Saturday, confirming the action:
"The IDF specifically targeted a Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist who was planning to carry out a terror attack in the immediate time frame against IDF forces. Forces in the Southern Command are deployed in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to act to remove any immediate threat."