Netanyahu Seeks to End Reliance on American Military Assistance

In a significant policy signal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is preparing to “wean” itself from U.S. military aid, mirroring the country’s earlier decision to phase out economic assistance. Speaking at a recent Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting, Netanyahu reportedly said, “I think we will get to a situation in which we will wean ourselves from this, as we did with the economic aid.”

The remarks reflect a broader movement within Israel’s leadership to redefine its defense relationship with Washington, steering away from dependency toward a model of sovereign partnership. Currently, Israel receives $3.8 billion annually from the United States under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016 and valid through 2028. Of that, $500 million is dedicated to missile defense cooperation, while the rest is spent within the U.S. defense industry.

This new shift first floated last week by Likud MK Amit Halevi seeks to transition from a rigid aid structure to a framework based on joint investments, co-development of technology, and strategic autonomy.

“Israel must first and foremost be a sovereign state that respects its sovereignty,” said Halevi, who chairs the Knesset subcommittee on National Security Doctrine and Force Buildup. “This isn’t about walking away from America. It’s about maturing the alliance. About freeing ourselves from structural pressures.”

Halevi and other advocates of the plan argue that while U.S. military aid has been crucial, it also imposes policy constraints and limits Israel’s ability to procure defense systems independently or invest in its domestic defense industry. The current aid arrangement, they say, benefits the U.S. defense sector more than Israel’s, with nearly all funds required to be spent on American-made equipment.

The initiative envisions a phased transition by the end of the current MOU in 2028. It aligns with ongoing legislative discussions in Israel, including recent proposals to expand joint Israeli-American research initiatives in national security, mirroring existing models like the BIRD and BSF Foundations.

This approach also resonates with U.S. conservative voices who favor reciprocal relationships over unconditional foreign aid. “Israel is not a welfare case we’re a critical ally that gives back more than we get,” said Marc Zell, chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel.

Netanyahu’s comments reinforce Israel’s readiness to embrace the next stage in its relationship with its most important ally one rooted not in dependency, but in dignity, innovation, and shared strength.

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