Moshe Dayan on Declining Advice
on Thursday, September 18, 2014Moshe Dayan Money Quotation saying foreign aid is given with advice that is accepted, but rarely taken as readily as weapons and cash. Moshe Dayan said:
“Our American friends offer us money, arms, and advice. We take the money, we take the arms, and we decline the advice” — Moshe Dayan
In this quote, former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dayan seems to be commenting somewhat tongue-in-cheek on Israel’s relationship with the United States. Dayan acknowledges that the U.S. provides significant financial and military (“money [and] arms”) support to Israel.
However, he suggests Israel does not always follow the strategic “advice” that may come attached to that aid. Dayan’s quote implies Israel is willing to accept the tangible benefits offered by its ally, while still maintaining independence over its own decision-making.
The quote conveys Dayan’s view that Israel appreciates American assistance, but reserves the right to self-determine its course of action rather than feel beholden to follow all of the U.S.’s recommendations.
Birthday: May 20, 1915 – Death: October 16, 1981