Srinagar, July 5 -- By M A Hossain

Benjamin Netanyahu recently said Israel should eventually stop relying on American military aid.

The statement projected confidence and a desire for greater self-reliance.

Most countries want to secure themselves without depending on others, especially when it comes to national security.

But ambition and reality are often different.

In Israel's case, the gap between the two remains wide.

Modern Israel, as a military and diplomatic power, depends on the United States to an extent that makes true independence almost inconceivable.

This amounts to a strategic fact rather than a moral judgment, one that shows up clearly in dollars, hardware, and diplomatic votes.

Israel has spent decades cultivating ...