EXPOSING EXPANSIONISM: THE GREATER ISRAEL IDEOLOGY AND ITS THREAT TO LEBANON
Introduction: The Cost of Speaking Truth
On October 9th, 2024, my voice was silenced on Twitter/X after exposing the billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars funneled into Israel’s war machine. But this silence doesn’t last long. On platforms like Nostr, the truth keeps flowing—and what’s happening in Lebanon is too important to ignore.
(Feel free to add me on Nostr and send me a direct message with your feedback; see Reference #16 for my Nostr public key.)
As Israeli bombs rain down on southern Lebanon and settler organizations plot new land grabs, the Greater Israel project inches closer to reality. Benjamin Netanyahu stood before the UN General Assembly this year with a map that erased Palestine and absorbed Lebanon and Syria into Israeli territory. His far-right allies, like Bezalel Smotrich, openly talk about expanding “bit by bit,” seeing annexation as their biblical right (See Ref #1, 2, 3).
The scale of displacement is staggering. Over 608,509 people have been internally displaced since October 8, 2023, with 52% female and 48% male. As of October 2024, 180,700 people are seeking refuge in 978 collective shelters, of which 775 (80%) have already reached capacity (See Ref #5).
For decades, the ideology of Greater Israel has threatened not just the existence of Palestine but also the sovereignty of Lebanon. This paper dives deep into the roots of this expansionist vision, the political figures driving it, and the settler organizations working to colonize southern Lebanon. As Lebanon teeters on the edge, it’s time to confront the devastating consequences of Israeli expansionism.
The Greater Israel Ideology: From Prophecy to Policy
The concept of Greater Israel is rooted in biblical texts—specifically Genesis 15:18, which describes a "Promised Land" stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates. Historically symbolic, modern Zionist movements transformed this spiritual idea into a territorial ambition (See Ref #4).
Early Zionism and Expansionism
Initially, Zionism under Theodor Herzl focused on establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine. However, Revisionist Zionists, led by Ze'ev Jabotinsky, pushed for a far larger state, encompassing lands beyond the 1947 UN partition plan. Jabotinsky’s vision of Greater Israel encompassed territories well beyond the Jordan River and became central to the expansionist ideologies that followed (See Ref #5).
The 1967 Six-Day War and Settlement Expansion
The Six-Day War in 1967 marked a turning point. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, transforming the Greater Israel ideology into policy. For many religious Zionists, this military victory was seen as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, spurring the creation of settlements in the occupied territories that persist to this day (See Ref #6).
Netanyahu’s 2024 UN Speech: A Vision of Expansion
At the UN General Assembly in September 2024, Netanyahu displayed a “New Middle East” map that shocked the international community. The map portrayed Israel absorbing all of historic Palestine, erasing the West Bank and Gaza, while also extending into Lebanon and Syria. This expansionist vision drew widespread condemnation for its implications on Palestinian sovereignty and regional stability (See Ref #1, 2).
Countries Depicted in Netanyahu’s Map: A Critical Assessment
Netanyahu's map divided countries into "blessing" and "curse" zones, reflecting Israel's alliances and perceived adversaries. This portrayal has significant implications for regional dynamics and international law:
Israel: The map shows Israel expanded over all of historic Palestine and parts of Lebanon and Syria, effectively annexing these territories. This not only erases internationally recognized borders but also violates the principles of state sovereignty and self-determination as enshrined in the UN Charter.
Palestine: By erasing the West Bank and Gaza from the map, Netanyahu dismisses the existence of Palestinian territories and the rights of the Palestinian people. This undermines the two-state solution endorsed by the international community and ignores numerous UN resolutions calling for the recognition of Palestinian statehood and an end to the occupation.
Lebanon and Syria: Depicting these sovereign nations as future territories under Israeli control is alarming. Israel's occupation of the Shebaa Farms in Lebanon and the Golan Heights in Syria has long been points of contention. The map's implications suggest a normalization of these occupations and an intent to further annex territories, which contravenes international law and threatens regional stability.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Jordan: Shown as potential allies, emphasizing normalization under the Abraham Accords. While these countries have engaged in diplomatic relations with Israel, the map's portrayal could strain these relationships by associating them with expansionist policies that undermine the rights of neighboring countries.
Iran, Iraq, Yemen: Depicted as threats to Israeli security, reinforcing regional divisions. Such portrayals exacerbate tensions and hinder diplomatic efforts towards peace and mutual understanding.
Netanyahu's portrayal of Greater Israel met strong resistance, particularly for its erasure of Palestinian lands and ambitions to reshape the region to Israel’s advantage. The international community has a responsibility to condemn such actions and uphold the principles of international law to prevent further escalation of conflicts in the region (See Ref #3).
Smotrich: The Advocate of Gradual Annexation
While Netanyahu broadcasted his vision globally, Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, continued to push for the annexation of Lebanon, Syria, and other territories. In October 2024, Smotrich stated that Jerusalem would expand to Damascus, directly aligning his rhetoric with the Greater Israel project. His gradual approach of annexation through incremental steps—"bit by bit"—mirrors the activities of settler groups on the ground (See Ref #2, 5).
Israeli Settler Organizations Expanding into Southern Lebanon
In recent years, several Israeli settler groups have actively pursued settlement expansion into southern Lebanon, bringing the Greater Israel ideology closer to reality.
The South Lebanon Settlement Movement
The South Lebanon Settlement Movement aggressively promotes properties in southern Lebanon on platforms like Telegram, advocating for the annexation of Lebanese lands as part of Israel's “Promised Land.” They call for the expulsion of Lebanese residents to make way for Israeli settlers, using religious justifications to support their claims (See Ref #8).
Use of Telegram and Technology
These groups exploit social media platforms like Telegram to disseminate their messages, organize activities, and recruit members. The anonymity and reach provided by these platforms enable them to spread their ideology rapidly while evading oversight. This raises concerns about the responsibility of tech companies in monitoring and regulating content that promotes illegal activities or incites violence.
AI Systems in Military Operations
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have integrated advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into their military operations, including systems like {Lavender} and {"Where's Daddy?"}. These AI programs have played a significant role in recent military campaigns, notably in Gaza, and raise profound ethical and legal concerns.
Lavender: The AI Targeting System
According to investigative reports, the IDF developed an AI-based program known as {Lavender} to rapidly process massive amounts of data and generate potential targets for military strikes. The system is designed to mark suspected operatives in militant groups as potential bombing targets. During conflicts, {Lavender} has reportedly marked tens of thousands of individuals for assassination with minimal human oversight.
Key aspects of {Lavender} include:
Automated Target Generation: {Lavender} processes vast amounts of surveillance data to identify individuals it deems as militants, assigning ratings to almost every person in the Gaza Strip based on their likelihood of being affiliated with militant groups.
Minimal Human Oversight: Reports indicate that human personnel often acted as a "rubber stamp" for the machine's decisions, sometimes spending as little as 20 seconds to approve targets without thoroughly checking the AI's reasoning.
Accuracy and Errors: The AI system is known to make errors in approximately 10% of cases, occasionally marking individuals with loose or no connections to militant groups. This statistical approach accepts that some civilians may be wrongly targeted.
High Civilian Casualties: The use of {Lavender} has been linked to significant civilian casualties, as the system sometimes targets individuals in their homes, resulting in the deaths of family members and non-combatants.
"Where's Daddy?": Tracking Targets
Another AI system, colloquially known as {"Where's Daddy?"}, is used to track targeted individuals and signal when they enter their family residences. This system enables the IDF to carry out bombings when targets are likely to be at home, which often includes their families.
Key concerns about {"Where's Daddy?"} include:
Family Homes as Targets: By focusing on individuals when they are in their homes, the system increases the likelihood of civilian casualties, including women and children.
Ethical Implications: Targeting individuals in their homes without ensuring the absence of non-combatants raises serious ethical questions under international humanitarian law.
Ethical and Legal Implications
The deployment of these AI systems in military operations raises several critical issues:
Violation of International Law: International humanitarian law requires distinction between combatants and civilians and mandates that attacks be proportional and necessary. The use of AI systems that accept a margin of error and target individuals in civilian settings challenges these principles.
Accountability and Transparency: The reliance on AI systems complicates the assignment of responsibility in cases where AI-driven decisions result in unlawful killings or war crimes.
Erosion of Human Judgment: The minimal human oversight in approving targets diminishes the role of human judgment and ethical consideration in life-and-death decisions.
International Response
Human rights organizations and international legal experts have expressed deep concern over the use of AI in military targeting:
Calls for Regulation: There are increasing demands for international regulations to govern the deployment of AI in military contexts to ensure compliance with humanitarian law.
Investigations into War Crimes: The use of AI systems that result in high civilian casualties may constitute war crimes, prompting calls for investigations by bodies such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Application in Lebanon
While these AI systems were initially reported in the context of operations in Gaza, there is growing concern that similar technologies are being employed in southern Lebanon. The potential use of {Lavender} and {"Where's Daddy?"} in Lebanon could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and lead to further violations of international law.
These developments underscore the urgent need for the international community to scrutinize the use of such technologies to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law and to protect the rights of affected populations (See Ref #17, 18).
Uri Tzafon
Another ultra-right organization, Uri Tzafon, was founded in early 2024 with the explicit goal of establishing Israeli civilian settlements in southern Lebanon. Their activities include:
Flyer and balloon campaigns targeting Lebanese villages, demanding that locals vacate their homes.
A map of southern Lebanon renaming Lebanese towns with Hebrew names, symbolizing their intention to claim the land (See Ref #9).
These groups, alongside others, signal a dangerous shift from rhetoric to reality, promoting the idea that Lebanon belongs to Israel under the pretext of biblical entitlement (See Ref #8, 9).
The Children’s Book: Indoctrinating the Next Generation
In an attempt to normalize the Greater Israel project for future generations, Israeli settlers have published a children’s book claiming that Lebanon belongs to Israel. The book teaches Israeli youth that annexation of Lebanese land is a birthright, further embedding expansionist ideology within younger generations.
{Ethical Implications}: Indoctrinating children with expansionist ideologies raises serious ethical concerns. It not only perpetuates conflict but also violates international norms on education, which emphasize promoting peace, tolerance, and mutual respect among nations and peoples (See Ref #10).
The Human Cost: Lebanon Under Siege
Since October 8, 2023, Israel’s military actions in southern Lebanon have caused immense suffering. By October 12, 2024, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported 2,255 deaths, with 10,524 people injured, the majority being civilians. In just the past 24 hours, 26 people were killed, and 144 injured (See Ref #2).
350,000 children have been displaced by the ongoing conflict, with 127 children killed, and over 100 of these deaths occurring in just 11 days. Hospitals have not been spared either—10 hospitals have been damaged, including a neonatal intensive care unit, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis (See Ref #8).
The numbers, however, only tell part of the story. The human suffering behind these figures is immense and deeply personal. Renowned Lebanese photojournalist {Nabil Ismail} has captured haunting images of displaced families living in cars and on the streets, highlighting the dire conditions faced by civilians.
His photographs, available on his Facebook page, depict:
Families Sheltering in Cars: Entire families are shown huddled in their vehicles, having lost their homes. Cars serve as makeshift shelters offering little protection against the elements.
Children Sleeping Outdoors: Images of children sleeping on sidewalks and open fields illustrate the vulnerability and trauma inflicted on the youngest victims of the conflict.
Elderly in Despair: The elderly are seen amidst rubble, their faces reflecting loss and hopelessness, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the suffering.
These visual testimonies bring to light the everyday realities of those affected by the conflict and underscore the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. {Nabil Ismail}'s work provides a stark visual representation of the crisis unfolding in Lebanon, serving as a powerful reminder of the individual lives disrupted and the collective trauma experienced by the Lebanese people.
The relentless Israeli bombardment has displaced over 1.2 million people, with UN reports stating that nearly a quarter of Lebanon’s territory is under military displacement orders. These attacks have also targeted Lebanese military personnel—killing two soldiers on October 11, 2024—and even UN peacekeepers, further escalating tensions (See Ref #11, 13).
US-Israeli Relations: Enabling Expansion
The United States plays a pivotal role in enabling Israeli military operations. In June 2024, US envoy Amos Hochstein warned Israeli officials that their confrontations with Hezbollah could provoke a wide-scale Iranian attack, yet American military aid to Israel continues unabated, funded by U.S. taxpayers. This support fuels the very war machine that I exposed before being restricted on Twitter/X (See Ref #14, 15).
Since the conflict escalated in October 2023, the damage to Lebanon's infrastructure has been catastrophic:
25 water facilities have been damaged, affecting access to clean water for nearly 300,000 people.
37 health facilities have been forced to close across the country, limiting medical access for civilians in critical areas.
At least 4,000 residential buildings have been completely destroyed, and 20,000 buildings have been severely damaged, leaving tens of thousands of families without homes (See Ref #10).
This extensive damage to infrastructure, combined with the massive displacement of over 1.2 million people, underscores the heavy toll that Israeli aggression has taken on Lebanon. Despite the humanitarian crisis, U.S. military support continues to bolster Israel’s capabilities, exacerbating the destruction (See Ref #10, 14, 15).
{Legal and Moral Responsibilities}: The U.S. government's continued military aid raises questions about its legal and moral responsibilities. Under international law, providing assistance to a state committing human rights violations may implicate the aiding state. American citizens and lawmakers must reconsider the implications of their government's foreign policy on human rights abroad.
The Normalization of Greater Israel
The rhetoric and actions of Netanyahu, Smotrich, and Israeli settler groups signal a dangerous normalization of the Greater Israel project. What once was fringe ideology is now openly embraced by Israeli political leaders, posing an existential threat to Lebanon’s sovereignty and pushing the region towards greater instability. Factors contributing to this normalization include:
Political Shifts within Israel: The rise of far-right parties has mainstreamed expansionist ideologies.
Regional Dynamics: Ongoing conflicts and power vacuums in neighboring countries have provided opportunities for territorial ambitions.
International Complacency: Lack of decisive action by the global community emboldens aggressive policies.
The media's role is also critical. Global coverage can either challenge or inadvertently support this normalization by the way it frames the conflict. It's imperative for media outlets to provide balanced reporting that highlights the realities on the ground and the legal implications of such expansionist agendas (See Ref #1, 2).
Call to Action: Defending Lebanon’s Sovereignty
As Lebanon continues to suffer under the shadow of Israeli expansionism, the international community must act. Netanyahu’s map, Smotrich’s rhetoric, and the activities of settler organizations pose clear threats to regional peace. It is essential to hold Israel accountable and demand global recognition of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
{Specific Actions}:
Diplomatic Pressure: Governments worldwide should condemn the expansionist policies and apply diplomatic pressure on Israel to adhere to international law.
Support Human Rights Organizations: Back organizations like Amnesty International, B’Tselem, and Human Rights Watch in documenting violations and advocating for justice.
Legal Recourse: Encourage the pursuit of legal action through international courts to address unlawful activities and human rights abuses.
Public Awareness: Spread information about the situation in Lebanon through social media, community events, and educational programs.
Humanitarian Aid: Provide support to displaced individuals and communities affected by the conflict through donations and volunteer work.
Advocacy: Contact elected representatives to express concerns about foreign policies that enable human rights violations and push for change.
Lebanon's future depends on global solidarity and concerted efforts to uphold justice and human rights.
{References}
1. "Netanyahu brandishes map of Israel that includes West Bank and Gaza at UN speech" – Times of Israel
2. "In UN speech, Netanyahu holds map showing West Bank, Gaza as part of Israel" – Middle East Monitor
[https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230923-netanyahu-un-speech-map/]
3. "Netanyahu under fire for using Greater Land of Israel map at UN" – Jerusalem Post
[https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-760562]
4. "Biblical roots of Greater Israel ideology" – Middle East Eye
[https://www.middleeasteye.net/features/israel-greater-ideology-biblical-roots]
5. "Revisionist Zionism and Greater Israel" – Jewish Virtual Library
[https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/revisionist-zionism]
6. "The Six-Day War and its aftermath" – Encyclopedia Britannica
[https://www.britannica.com/event/Six-Day-War]
7. "Greater Israel project explained: Netanyahu's UN vision" – Al Jazeera
[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/22/netanyahu-un-speech-map-greater-israel]
8. "South Lebanon Settlement Movement promoting annexation" – TRT World
[https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/south-lebanon-settlement-movement]
9. "Uri Tzafon and settler expansion into southern Lebanon" – Jewish Currents
[https://www.jewishcurrents.org/settlers-in-southern-lebanon]
10. "Flash Appeal: Lebanon Humanitarian Crisis October 2024" – ReliefWeb
[https://reliefweb.int/report/lebanon/flash-appeal-lebanon-humanitarian-crisis-october-2024]
11. "Lebanon: A Chronicle of Israeli Aggression – An Investigative Exposé of War, Occupation, and Violations of Human Rights" – Primal
[https://primal.net/e/note1ym8frd92pp2d49fk0fvzx4kjexc7nkptjpwgw8aurw5n0p6kgg9sv7x5y6]
12. "UN reports: Civilian impact of Israeli strikes in Lebanon" – Reuters
[https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-attacks-lebanon-civilian-impact-2024-10-11]
13. "Lebanese military personnel and UN peacekeepers injured in Israeli attacks" – Al Jazeera
[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/12/lebanese-un-peacekeepers-injured-in-israeli-strikes]
14. "U.S. Military Aid and Support to Israel: The Financial Burden on American Taxpayers" – Nostr
[https://primal.net/e/note193t0lg9ek60v3ty20ge8lmyvnkvny5nk37da3symj6ux3ad7d7asy3u953]
15. "Twitter X censoring me for exposing US taxpayer funding for Israeli war machine" – X
[https://x.com/LBResilience/status/1843895253616775530]
16. "My Nostr Public Key🔑: [Nostr: npub1hzz35pkl67w53lpj2g62zh56g63j5zvz4q3m2nxlsfg5hxcjpwssaynqels]"
17. "'Lavender': The AI machine directing Israel's bombing spree in Gaza" – +972 Magazine
[https://www.972mag.com/lavender-ai-israeli-army-gaza]
18. "Lavender and 'Where's Daddy?': The AI Systems Used by the IDF" – YouTube Video
[https://youtu.be/4RmNJH4UN3s?si=JjqzIn5hfairdbSU]
#Nostr #Bitcoin #MiddleEast #Israel #Palestine #Ghaza #Lebanon #Beirut #Syria #Yemen #Iraq #GreaterIsreal #FreePalestine #Censorship #Twitter #x #Youtube #lavender #whereisdaddy
U.S. Military Aid and Support to Israel: The Financial Burden on American Taxpayers
Introduction with Hook:
Imagine a nation consistently allocating billions of dollars to a foreign ally while struggling to meet its own domestic needs. Year after year, the U.S. has funneled vast sums of taxpayer money into a complex geopolitical alliance that, for many, raises a critical question: is this the best use of American resources?
Identifying the Problem:
Since 1948, the United States has provided Israel with more military aid than any other country, totaling over $158 billion in direct assistance. When adjusted for inflation, this figure skyrockets to $251.2 billion. Yet, this enormous financial commitment doesn’t stop there—alongside direct aid, the U.S. shoulders indirect costs, maintaining a massive military presence in the Middle East to support Israel’s security. In just one year, these combined costs reached a staggering $22.76 billion, prompting many U.S. taxpayers to wonder: is this level of support still justified, especially when urgent domestic challenges remain unmet?
To fully understand the weight of this financial burden, it’s essential to examine both the direct and indirect costs of U.S. aid to Israel. The historical context of direct military aid, coupled with the rising indirect costs of U.S. military operations in the Middle East, paints a complex picture of how this strategic alliance impacts American taxpayers.
The Scale of Direct Military Aid to Israel
The U.S. has provided Israel with over $158 billion in direct aid since 1948. When adjusted for inflation, this figure rises to approximately $251.2 billion (see references 1, 3). Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign aid since World War II, and much of this assistance has gone toward military support, including advanced weapons systems like the F-35 fighter jets and the Iron Dome missile defense system.
In 2016, the U.S. and Israel signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), committing $38 billion in military aid to Israel from 2019 to 2028. This averages out to $3.8 billion annually, reinforcing Israel’s military superiority in the region (see references 2, 5).
In response to the October 7, 2023, escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. approved an additional $17.9 billion in military aid over the following year—the highest single-year aid allocation to Israel since 1959 (see references 1, 3, 5). This sharp increase highlights the U.S. government's commitment to strengthening Israel's military operations during heightened conflict.
Summation of Direct Military Aid Costs:
- $251.2 billion in total aid since 1948 (inflation-adjusted).
- $38 billion committed over 10 years (2019-2028), with $3.8 billion annually.
- $17.9 billion in direct military aid allocated in the year following October 7, 2023.
Indirect Costs: U.S. Military Presence in the Middle East
Beyond direct aid, the U.S. maintains a considerable military presence in the Middle East to safeguard regional allies, including Israel. As of 2024, between 40,000 and 43,000 U.S. troops are stationed across the region (see references 4, 7). These forces are supported by at least a dozen warships and several Air Force squadrons, including F-22 Raptors, F-15E Strike Eagles, and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft (see references 5, 6).
This U.S. military presence is aimed at deterring threats from groups like Hezbollah and countering Iran’s influence in the region. However, these operations come with significant costs. U.S. military operations in the Middle East, linked to defending Israel and ensuring regional security, cost an estimated $4.86 billion in the year following October 2023 (see references 5, 7).
Additional indirect costs not fully reflected in the $4.86 billion figure include:
- $1 billion in munitions used by the U.S. Navy in the Red Sea (see references 1, 7).
- $6.5 million per day to operate an aircraft carrier strike group in the region (see references 1, 7).
Summation of Indirect Costs:
- 40,000 to 43,000 U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East.
- $4.86 billion in operational costs for U.S. military presence tied to Israel’s defense in the year following October 2023.
- $1 billion in munitions used by the U.S. Navy in the Red Sea.
- $6.5 million per day to operate an aircraft carrier strike group.
The Financial Burden on U.S. Taxpayers
When combining direct and indirect costs, U.S. taxpayers faced a bill of approximately $22.76 billion between October 2023 and September 2024 (see references 5, 7). This figure includes:
- $17.9 billion in direct military aid to Israel.
- $4.86 billion for U.S. military operations in the region to support Israel and counter threats from Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis (see references 5, 7).
- The U.S. Navy spent over $1 billion in munitions in the Red Sea during operations countering Houthi rebel attacks (see references 1, 7).
Operating an aircraft carrier strike group in the region costs $6.5 million per day (see references 1, 7). These daily operational expenses contribute to the growing financial strain on the U.S. military, which is simultaneously dealing with commitments in other regions, such as the Indo-Pacific (see reference 6).
Summation of Financial Burden on U.S. Taxpayers:
- $22.76 billion total spent in the year following October 2023.
- $6.5 million per day to operate an aircraft carrier strike group in the region.
The Question of Priorities
For many Americans, these costs are increasingly hard to justify, particularly given pressing domestic challenges such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic inequality. While U.S. foreign policy maintains that protecting Israel is a key component of regional stability, many taxpayers are asking whether the continued financial and military support for Israel is in America’s best interest.
Controversial Questions from a Taxpayer's Perspective:
- Domestic Infrastructure: Could the billions spent on supporting Israel be better used to improve roads, bridges, and public transportation in the U.S.?
- Healthcare: Could increased funding improve access to healthcare services in the U.S.?
- Education: Would reallocated funds bolster the American education system and increase global competitiveness?
- Moral Responsibility: Should American taxpayers continue to contribute to a foreign military, especially when some view Israel’s military actions as genocidal, targeting Palestinians and Lebanese populations for decades?
The U.S. government argues that military aid helps secure Israel's safety and promotes stability in the Middle East, a region vital to global energy supplies and American strategic interests. However, the total cost—over $251 billion since 1948, and more than $22 billion in just one year—raises concerns about whether these expenditures are yielding the intended benefits for U.S. citizens (see references 1, 7).
Conclusion: Total Summation of Costs and Breakdown
When considering both direct and indirect costs, the financial burden on U.S. taxpayers for supporting Israel is substantial:
Direct Military Aid:
- $251.2 billion (inflation-adjusted total since 1948).
- $3.8 billion annually through the MOU (2019-2028).
- $17.9 billion in military aid allocated in the year following October 7, 2023.
Indirect Military Costs:
- $4.86 billion in U.S. military operations in the Middle East tied to Israel's defense in the year following October 2023.
- $1 billion in munitions used by the U.S. Navy in the Red Sea.
- $6.5 million per day to operate an aircraft carrier strike group.
Global Cost Breakdown:
- Total annual cost: $22.76 billion (including direct and indirect support).
- Total monthly cost: Approximately $1.9 billion.
- Total weekly cost: Approximately $438 million.
- Total daily cost: Approximately $62.3 million.
References
1. Brown University Costs of War Project. (2024). *U.S. Spending on Israel Since 1948*. Retrieved from [Costs of War](https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/papers/2024/USspendingIsrael)
2. Council on Foreign Relations. (2024). *U.S. Aid to Israel: Four Charts*. Retrieved from [CFR](https://www.cfr.org/article/us-aid-israel-four-charts)
3. Watson Institute. (2024). *Costs of War: U.S. Support Since Oct 7, 2023*. Retrieved from [Watson Institute](https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/files/cow/imce/papers/2023/2024/Costs%20of%20War_US%20Support%20Since%20Oct%207%20FINAL%20v2.pdf)
4. Military Times. (2024). *U.S. Troops in the Middle East as Conflict Looms*. Retrieved from [Military Times](https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/09/22/as-conflict-looms-where-are-us-forces-in-the-middle-east/)
5. Politico. (2024). *U.S. Shifts Aircraft Carrier to Middle East Amid Fears of Iran Attack on Israel*. Retrieved from [Politico](https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/02/us-aircraft-carrier-middle-east-israel-iran-00106072)
6. Stars and Stripes. (2024). *U.S. Sending Additional Troops to Boost Security in the Middle East*. Retrieved from [Stars and Stripes](https://www.stripes.com/theaters/middle_east/2024-09-22/us-troops-middle-east-boost-security-2117566.html)
7. ScheerPost. (2024). *Support for Israel Has Cost U.S. Taxpayers at Least $22.76 Billion in One Year*. Retrieved from [ScheerPost](https://scheerpost.com/2024/10/08/support-for-israel-has-cost-us-taxpayers-at-least-22-76-billion-in-one-year/)
#Nostr #Bitcoin #MiddleEast #War #Economics #US #Israel #Palestine #Ghaza #Lebanon #Beirut #Iran #Iraq #Yemen #Syria
Got locked by X after posting the above as a thread https://x.com/lbresilience/status/1843895253616775530?s=46&t=LNQ6-kov6UqB3RxcLvy5DA
#Bitcoin has weathered the toughest stress-tests of the decade: from mining bans to COVID, to Ukraine, Russia, Israel, and Iran.
Unstoppable, uncensorable, resilient. Keep it secure and decentralised, and it will remain the best with no second best.
BREAKING:
🇮🇱🇺🇲 U.S. and Israel at the UN: Humanitarian Entry into Gaza
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, is now pushing for two immediate resolutions.
• Resolution 2735 calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, and the start of reconstruction efforts in the region.
• Resolution 2720 demands the opening of borders and the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The U.S. had previously voted against these resolutions.
https://video.nostr.build/ff7178642c6f15eadde2b75dfd73d7f4c1612d36f2cad02fa0668c3281996e48.mp4
The more cringe is having US tax payers pay for them 👇
https://primal.net/e/note193t0lg9ek60v3ty20ge8lmyvnkvny5nk37da3symj6ux3ad7d7asy3u953
Depending on the amount. NeoWealth can help advise them for free if they say you referred them. www.neowealth.xyz
The UN inquiry accused Israel of a concerted policy of destroying Gaza's healthcare system, actions it claimed amounted to both war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination.
#FreePalestine #EmbargoIsrael #BDS
https://news.sky.com/story/israel-accused-of-extermination-in-gaza-by-un-inquiry-13231586
U.S. Military Aid and Support to Israel: The Financial Burden on American Taxpayers
Introduction with Hook:
Imagine a nation consistently allocating billions of dollars to a foreign ally while struggling to meet its own domestic needs. Year after year, the U.S. has funneled vast sums of taxpayer money into a complex geopolitical alliance that, for many, raises a critical question: is this the best use of American resources?
Identifying the Problem:
Since 1948, the United States has provided Israel with more military aid than any other country, totaling over $158 billion in direct assistance. When adjusted for inflation, this figure skyrockets to $251.2 billion. Yet, this enormous financial commitment doesn’t stop there—alongside direct aid, the U.S. shoulders indirect costs, maintaining a massive military presence in the Middle East to support Israel’s security. In just one year, these combined costs reached a staggering $22.76 billion, prompting many U.S. taxpayers to wonder: is this level of support still justified, especially when urgent domestic challenges remain unmet?
To fully understand the weight of this financial burden, it’s essential to examine both the direct and indirect costs of U.S. aid to Israel. The historical context of direct military aid, coupled with the rising indirect costs of U.S. military operations in the Middle East, paints a complex picture of how this strategic alliance impacts American taxpayers.
The Scale of Direct Military Aid to Israel
The U.S. has provided Israel with over $158 billion in direct aid since 1948. When adjusted for inflation, this figure rises to approximately $251.2 billion (see references 1, 3). Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign aid since World War II, and much of this assistance has gone toward military support, including advanced weapons systems like the F-35 fighter jets and the Iron Dome missile defense system.
In 2016, the U.S. and Israel signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), committing $38 billion in military aid to Israel from 2019 to 2028. This averages out to $3.8 billion annually, reinforcing Israel’s military superiority in the region (see references 2, 5).
In response to the October 7, 2023, escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. approved an additional $17.9 billion in military aid over the following year—the highest single-year aid allocation to Israel since 1959 (see references 1, 3, 5). This sharp increase highlights the U.S. government's commitment to strengthening Israel's military operations during heightened conflict.
Summation of Direct Military Aid Costs:
- $251.2 billion in total aid since 1948 (inflation-adjusted).
- $38 billion committed over 10 years (2019-2028), with $3.8 billion annually.
- $17.9 billion in direct military aid allocated in the year following October 7, 2023.
Indirect Costs: U.S. Military Presence in the Middle East
Beyond direct aid, the U.S. maintains a considerable military presence in the Middle East to safeguard regional allies, including Israel. As of 2024, between 40,000 and 43,000 U.S. troops are stationed across the region (see references 4, 7). These forces are supported by at least a dozen warships and several Air Force squadrons, including F-22 Raptors, F-15E Strike Eagles, and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft (see references 5, 6).
This U.S. military presence is aimed at deterring threats from groups like Hezbollah and countering Iran’s influence in the region. However, these operations come with significant costs. U.S. military operations in the Middle East, linked to defending Israel and ensuring regional security, cost an estimated $4.86 billion in the year following October 2023 (see references 5, 7).
Additional indirect costs not fully reflected in the $4.86 billion figure include:
- $1 billion in munitions used by the U.S. Navy in the Red Sea (see references 1, 7).
- $6.5 million per day to operate an aircraft carrier strike group in the region (see references 1, 7).
Summation of Indirect Costs:
- 40,000 to 43,000 U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East.
- $4.86 billion in operational costs for U.S. military presence tied to Israel’s defense in the year following October 2023.
- $1 billion in munitions used by the U.S. Navy in the Red Sea.
- $6.5 million per day to operate an aircraft carrier strike group.
The Financial Burden on U.S. Taxpayers
When combining direct and indirect costs, U.S. taxpayers faced a bill of approximately $22.76 billion between October 2023 and September 2024 (see references 5, 7). This figure includes:
- $17.9 billion in direct military aid to Israel.
- $4.86 billion for U.S. military operations in the region to support Israel and counter threats from Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis (see references 5, 7).
- The U.S. Navy spent over $1 billion in munitions in the Red Sea during operations countering Houthi rebel attacks (see references 1, 7).
Operating an aircraft carrier strike group in the region costs $6.5 million per day (see references 1, 7). These daily operational expenses contribute to the growing financial strain on the U.S. military, which is simultaneously dealing with commitments in other regions, such as the Indo-Pacific (see reference 6).
Summation of Financial Burden on U.S. Taxpayers:
- $22.76 billion total spent in the year following October 2023.
- $6.5 million per day to operate an aircraft carrier strike group in the region.
The Question of Priorities
For many Americans, these costs are increasingly hard to justify, particularly given pressing domestic challenges such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic inequality. While U.S. foreign policy maintains that protecting Israel is a key component of regional stability, many taxpayers are asking whether the continued financial and military support for Israel is in America’s best interest.
Controversial Questions from a Taxpayer's Perspective:
- Domestic Infrastructure: Could the billions spent on supporting Israel be better used to improve roads, bridges, and public transportation in the U.S.?
- Healthcare: Could increased funding improve access to healthcare services in the U.S.?
- Education: Would reallocated funds bolster the American education system and increase global competitiveness?
- Moral Responsibility: Should American taxpayers continue to contribute to a foreign military, especially when some view Israel’s military actions as genocidal, targeting Palestinians and Lebanese populations for decades?
The U.S. government argues that military aid helps secure Israel's safety and promotes stability in the Middle East, a region vital to global energy supplies and American strategic interests. However, the total cost—over $251 billion since 1948, and more than $22 billion in just one year—raises concerns about whether these expenditures are yielding the intended benefits for U.S. citizens (see references 1, 7).
Conclusion: Total Summation of Costs and Breakdown
When considering both direct and indirect costs, the financial burden on U.S. taxpayers for supporting Israel is substantial:
Direct Military Aid:
- $251.2 billion (inflation-adjusted total since 1948).
- $3.8 billion annually through the MOU (2019-2028).
- $17.9 billion in military aid allocated in the year following October 7, 2023.
Indirect Military Costs:
- $4.86 billion in U.S. military operations in the Middle East tied to Israel's defense in the year following October 2023.
- $1 billion in munitions used by the U.S. Navy in the Red Sea.
- $6.5 million per day to operate an aircraft carrier strike group.
Global Cost Breakdown:
- Total annual cost: $22.76 billion (including direct and indirect support).
- Total monthly cost: Approximately $1.9 billion.
- Total weekly cost: Approximately $438 million.
- Total daily cost: Approximately $62.3 million.
References
1. Brown University Costs of War Project. (2024). *U.S. Spending on Israel Since 1948*. Retrieved from [Costs of War](https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/papers/2024/USspendingIsrael)
2. Council on Foreign Relations. (2024). *U.S. Aid to Israel: Four Charts*. Retrieved from [CFR](https://www.cfr.org/article/us-aid-israel-four-charts)
3. Watson Institute. (2024). *Costs of War: U.S. Support Since Oct 7, 2023*. Retrieved from [Watson Institute](https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/files/cow/imce/papers/2023/2024/Costs%20of%20War_US%20Support%20Since%20Oct%207%20FINAL%20v2.pdf)
4. Military Times. (2024). *U.S. Troops in the Middle East as Conflict Looms*. Retrieved from [Military Times](https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/09/22/as-conflict-looms-where-are-us-forces-in-the-middle-east/)
5. Politico. (2024). *U.S. Shifts Aircraft Carrier to Middle East Amid Fears of Iran Attack on Israel*. Retrieved from [Politico](https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/02/us-aircraft-carrier-middle-east-israel-iran-00106072)
6. Stars and Stripes. (2024). *U.S. Sending Additional Troops to Boost Security in the Middle East*. Retrieved from [Stars and Stripes](https://www.stripes.com/theaters/middle_east/2024-09-22/us-troops-middle-east-boost-security-2117566.html)
7. ScheerPost. (2024). *Support for Israel Has Cost U.S. Taxpayers at Least $22.76 Billion in One Year*. Retrieved from [ScheerPost](https://scheerpost.com/2024/10/08/support-for-israel-has-cost-us-taxpayers-at-least-22-76-billion-in-one-year/)
#Nostr #Bitcoin #MiddleEast #War #Economics #US #Israel #Palestine #Ghaza #Lebanon #Beirut #Iran #Iraq #Yemen #Syria
UN Says 900,000 Lebanese Displaced By War, A Quarter Of Country Now Under Israeli Evac Orders
UN Says 900,000 Lebanese Displaced By War, A Quarter Of Country Now Under Israeli Evac Orders
The United Nations has issued a statement estimating that 600,000 Lebanese have now been internally displaced from their homes amid the ongoing Hezbollah-Israel war, and as a massive Israeli bombing campaign on the capital of Beirut has continued. Another 300,000 have already fled the country. The UN called the situation "catastrophic".
"Lebanon finds itself facing a conflict and a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions," Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, https://www.arabnews.com/node/2574659/middle-east
. She described that the UN and Western leaders remain hopeful "that Israel too will now be ready to add its support to the many calls and appeals that are out there" for de-escalation and potential ceasefire.
Another official, Imran Riza, who is UN’s humanitarian coordinator described that Lebanon is facing "one of the deadliest periods" given that 600,000 civilians are internally displaced. He identified that over 350,000 these internal refugees are children. "Even wars have rules." This week the US State Department appeared to back off the idea of calling for immediate ceasefire. The US wants to see Hezbollah weakened and defeated.
?itok=-qfLNQvp
Israel has pushed back against the growing international criticism of its large-scale bombing of dense neighborhoods by saying, "We are not targeting civilians. But at the same time, if we will find Hezbollah activities or intention to launch rockets into Israel, we will do what any other country would do about it," according to the words of Israel’s ambassador to the UN Danny Danon.
Since Sept. 23, Lebanon's Health Ministry has said Israeli aggression has killed more than 1,323 people and injured nearly 3,700; however, Lebanon's government figures make no distinction between combatants and civilians. Overall, going back to Oct.8, 2023 in the wake of the Hamas terror attacks and the conflict's origin, Lebanon says a total of 2,141 have been called and over 10,000 injured.
As for what amounts to 900,000 displaced at this point, the NY Times https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/10/09/world/israel-iran-lebanon-hezbollah#:~:text=the%20United%20Nations.-,More%20than%20600%2C000%20people%20have%20been%20displaced%20within%20Lebanon%2C%20and,at%20more%20than%20one%20million.
:
More than 600,000 people have been displaced within Lebanon, and over 300,000 more have left the country since the war broke out last month, the U.N. said, a total nearly on par with the number of people displaced during Lebanon’s 2006 war with Israel. Lebanese officials have put the total latest displacement figure at more than one million.
Hezbollah, for its part, has stepped up deeper rocket attacks into Israel, the last several days sending hundreds of rockets on the north, and many dozens on the port city of Haifa, in some cases damaging infrastructure and causing injuries to Israeli civilians.
In southern Lebanon, Israel's military has ordered over 100 towns and villages to evacuate north. It is trying to create a buffer zone to precent Hezbollah launches into northern Israel.
The UN says a quarter of Lebanese territory is now under Israeli military displacement orders. "Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Israeli airstrikes have not only intensified but also expanded into previously unaffected areas and increasingly targeted critical civilian infrastructure," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/lebanon/lebanon-flash-update-33-escalation-hostilities-lebanon-7-october-2024
Wednesday.
"Displacement orders for more than 100 villages and urban neighborhoods across southern Lebanon continue to force people to flee," the report said. The IDF confirmed Wednesday it has hit southern Lebanon with 1,100 airstrikes since heightened operations began earlier this month.
Footage recorded on Wednesday shows the destruction in the southern suburbs of Beirut, after days and nights of Israeli strikes. https://t.co/kLYC29xyEp
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) https://twitter.com/MiddleEastEye/status/1844348024446689529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Prime Minister Netanyahu has urged the Lebanese people to "free" the country from Hezbollah or else face destruction on the level of Gaza. But the reality is that among the country's very divided political blocs and religious communities - the major ones being Maronite Catholic, Orthodox Christian, Shia, and Sunni Muslim - it is Shia Hezbollah which is by far the most well-armed. In the last couple decades of the 20th century, the country went through a horrific civil war, the lasting effects which can still be felt. It is some 40% Christian and about 60% Muslim. The Shias are mostly concentrated in the south, with most Sunnis in Tripoli in the north.
The Lebanese Army is not even close to Hezbollah in military capability, something which the US and Western powers have ensured. The US intentionally limits Lebanon's Air Force - which is made up of a small American-supplied propeller planes. Western sanctions have long throttled the types and quantities of arms Lebanon is able to receive. Even though there are many people inside Lebanon, especially among the Maronites, who've long wanted to see Hezbollah disarmed and its power diminished, making this happen from within remains practically impossible.
https://cms.zerohedge.com/users/tyler-durden
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 12:40
