United States replaces France as Israel's arms supplier

On February 5, 1966, a pivotal shift occurred in the dynamics of military support for Israel when the United States announced it would replace France as Israel's principal arms supplier. This decision followed French President Charles de Gaulle's declaration that France would cease all arms supplies to Israel, a move that stemmed from France's withdrawal from Algeria. The cessation of military support from France not only impacted Israel's defense capabilities but also marked a significant turning point in its international relations. The United States stepped in to fill the void, agreeing to provide Israel with A-4 Skyhawk tactical aircraft and other military assistance. This transition not only strengthened Israel's military capabilities but also solidified its strategic partnership with the United States, which would continue to evolve in the following decades. The U.S. commitment to Israel's defense marked a new era in Middle Eastern geopolitics, influencing the balance of power in the region and establishing a long-term military alliance that persists to this day.