“U.S. can’t affect Israel’s actions”

The evidence they provided to support this statement did not contain this claim, making it a falsehood. Additionally, no, that argument is actually not common at all in any mainstream circles that I read. The argument is that we do not fully control them, not that we have no influence.

I’m not sure why you suddenly believe official Israeli statements and the investigations into their actions. It is a debated matter, regardless. So, did we make them shoot one of our citizens recently, as in the article you posted?

I am trying to convince you that we do not have full control of Israel. We have some influence. This is distinct from control. You asked me earlier if I disputed that we control them, and I do, and this is the beginning of my evidence.

Fair. I am not convinced that Russian and Chinese interests would not re-align if their main rivals were not in a vulnerable position. This is very hypothetical though.

No, I don’t think they need a strong sponsor. Unlike N Korea, they are much wealthier than their neighbors and a technologically advanced service-based economy. They have many, many things that many, many people would want.