Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he’s grateful to the United States for its military aid but that it’s time for Israel to build its own weapons-production capacity.

His announcement comes as tensions grow over the US peace agreement with Iran, but also as demand soars for Israel’s weapons.

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Israel’s decades-long occupation and the genocide in Gaza allow it to market its products as “combat-proven”.

And business is booming. Israel’s arms exports hit a record $19bn last year. Supporters say that strengthens the country’s ability to stand on its own.

Yet, independence comes at a price.

Can Israel afford to lose its greatest ally?

Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault

Guests:

Alexandre Vautravers – Security and defence policy specialist

Michael Mulroy – Former US deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East

Antony Loewenstein – Author of the book The Palestine Laboratory