Netanyahu Plans to End US Military Aid Within Decade

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in an interview with The Economist that Israel intends to taper off its dependence on United States military aid over the next decade, eventually reducing the annual $3.8 billion assistance to zero. Netanyahu cited the country's increasing economic capacity, with a projected economy of $1 trillion within ten years, and the strategic necessity for domestic munitions production following the October 7 attacks as primary drivers for this shift.

To facilitate this transition, Netanyahu stated Israel would invest 350 billion shekels ($110 billion) into its independent arms industry. He informed President Donald Trump that while Israel appreciates past American support, the nation has developed the capacity to move toward independence. Netanyahu indicated that the next Memorandum of Understanding, due for renegotiation in 2028 following the current 2016 agreement, should serve as the final framework for aid.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham supported the move and proposed expediting the timetable to redirect taxpayer funds back into the U.S. military to meet President Trump's budget goals. Conversely, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the plan, arguing that abandoning security cooperation would weaken Israel's military-technological edge and increase the domestic tax burden.