Netanyahu: Israel to End US Military Aid Within 10 Years
Isaac BennettNetanyahu targets ending US military aid in 10 years, bolstering Israel's own defense industry.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined a plan to end Israel's long-standing dependence on American military aid, setting a goal to achieve complete self-reliance within the next decade.
While Netanyahu has previously advocated for reducing reliance on foreign military support, he has now attached a firm timeline to this strategic shift.
A Vision for Military Independence
In an interview with The Economist, Netanyahu stated his ambition to "taper off the military [aid] within the next 10 years." When asked if this meant reducing the aid "down to zero," he confirmed, "Yes."
The Prime Minister also noted that he had communicated this perspective to U.S. President Donald Trump during a recent visit. Netanyahu said he expressed Israel's deep appreciation for America's historical military support but emphasized that the nation has "come of age and we've developed incredible capacities."
Investing in a Homegrown Defense Industry
This push for self-sufficiency is backed by significant financial commitment. In December, Netanyahu announced that Israel would invest 350 billion shekels ($110 billion) to develop its independent arms industry, directly aiming to reduce dependency on other countries.
This new direction comes even as a major aid package remains in effect. In 2016, the U.S. and Israeli governments signed a memorandum of understanding that provides $38 billion in military assistance over ten years, running through September 2028. The package includes $33 billion in grants for military equipment and $5 billion for missile defense systems.
Underscoring the growing strength of its domestic sector, Israel's defense exports saw a 13 percent increase last year. This growth was driven by major contracts for advanced Israeli defense technology, including its multi-layered aerial defense systems.
