Netanyahu says Israel will ‘taper off’ US military aid in the next decade

Netanyahu said Israel has “developed incredible capacities” and is moving toward an economy he expects to approach $1 trillion within ten years. He added that this growth should allow Israel to scale down the need for outside defense funding.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he wants Israel to function without American military assistance within the next decade, outlining his position in an interview published Friday as Washington continues to approve large weapons packages.

Netanyahu told The Economist that he informed President Donald Trump during a recent meeting that Israel is grateful for decades of US support but is preparing for a different economic and defense posture.

He said Israel has “developed incredible capacities” and is moving toward an economy he expects to approach $1 trillion within ten years. He added that this growth should allow Israel to scale down the need for outside defense funding.

When asked whether his goal was a full phase-out of US military aid, Netanyahu replied that he wants to “taper off the military aid within the next ten years,” confirming that the aim includes eventually reducing it “down to zero.”

The prime minister has previously said he does not want Israel to depend on foreign defense assistance but has not set a clear timetable until now.

Israel currently receives roughly $3.8 billion annually under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2016.

The arrangement, which took effect in 2019 and runs through 2028, totals $38 billion in support — $33 billion designated for arms purchases and $5 billion allocated for missile-defense programs.

Netanyahu has indicated he is not seeking a full renewal of that agreement.

In December, Netanyahu announced plans for Israel to invest 350 billion shekels, or about $110 billion, to strengthen domestic weapons production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

He has also predicted that the Abraham Accords could continue expanding, despite diplomatic friction linked to the absence of a political path for the Palestinians.

The United States has approved additional military sales in recent months to reinforce Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza, maintaining the close defense partnership that has guided the two countries for decades.