https://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/271289/killing-the-lavi
Ultimately, the cancellation of the Lavi was not merely a question of losing an indigenous Israeli manufacturing capability, that would be difficult if not impossible to resurrect decades later. Rather, without the possible threat of an indigenous Israeli option, Israel's ability to influence the kinds of aircraft that the United States might offer for sale to the IDF has been seriously curtailed. Without that leverage, the IDF is no longer the master of its own destiny when it comes to the kinds of combat aircraft available for Israeli use, and the degree to which Israeli sensors, navigation and weapons systems are allowed to be integrated into future Israeli warplanes.
This has become the lasting, unexpected legacy for the cancellation of the Lavi.
