Why does Israel want to be less dependent on US weapons?

Benjamin Netanyahu says he's grateful to the US for its military aid but that it's time for Israel to build its own weapons-production capacity. The Israeli prime minister's announcement comes as tensions grow over the US agreement with Iran. But demand soars for Israel's weapons — its arms exports hit a record $19 billion last year. Supporters say that it strengthens Israel's ability to stand on its own. Can Israel afford to lose its greatest ally?

In this episode:

• Alexandre Vautravers, Security and defence policy specialist
• Michael Mulroy, Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East
• Antony Loewenstein, Author of 'The Palestine Laboratory'

Host: Folly Bah Thibault

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