Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel should gradually end its dependence on financial assistance from the United States, arguing that the country’s economy and defense industry have matured enough to support greater self-reliance.
Speaking during a public address, Netanyahu said Israel should transition from being an aid recipient to becoming a strategic partner with the United States. He stressed that while Israel remains deeply grateful for decades of American support, the time has come to reduce reliance on foreign assistance and strengthen domestic capabilities.
“I don’t want it. We can finance ourselves,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel’s long-term objective is to become fully independent in financing its own defense and military needs. He also called for increased investment in Israel’s domestic arms industry to ensure the country can manufacture more of its own military equipment.
For decades, the United States has been Israel’s largest military ally, providing billions of dollars in annual defense assistance under long-term cooperation agreements. Netanyahu indicated that he envisions a gradual reduction of the financial component of that assistance rather than an abrupt end, while maintaining the close strategic relationship between the two countries.
The proposal comes as Washington and Jerusalem continue discussions over the future framework of their security partnership. Analysts say Netanyahu’s remarks reflect a desire to strengthen Israel’s economic and defense independence while preserving diplomatic, intelligence, and military cooperation with the United States.
Political observers note that any reduction in U.S. financial assistance would represent a significant shift in a partnership that has shaped Middle East security for decades. However, they also expect any transition away from American aid to occur over several years rather than immediately.
The announcement has generated debate among policymakers and security experts, with supporters arguing that Israel’s strong economy can sustain greater independence, while others caution that continued U.S. military assistance remains an important pillar of regional security.
