Israel's finance minister openly said Israel benefits from the US fighting Iran while staying out of it — bad news for American troops and taxpayers.

• Bezalel Smotrich said Israel has no interest in joining the war, calling a US-Iran fight "the best" situation for Israel.
• He also admitted Israel's real goal is toppling Iran's government, a goal the US does not share.
• Americans are dying in a war that does not defend America, including a 19-year-old service member.
• Iran's strategy is to survive and hit US bases in the region, which would leave Israel exposed later.
• Trump's push to open direct flights to Lebanon looks like groundwork for more US military presence, not tourism.

Outlook: Expect the war to widen, with US bases and interceptor stockpiles under growing strain.