Overview
- In an interview with The Economist, Benjamin Netanyahu said he wants U.S. military assistance tapered to zero within a decade and would not seek a full renewal of the existing deal.
- Israel currently receives about $3.8 billion annually under a 2016 memorandum that took effect in 2018 and runs through 2028.
- Jewish Insider reports that Netanyahu pitched the plan to President Donald Trump in late December and that Trump questioned its benefits as negotiations over the next arrangement continue.
- Sen. Lindsey Graham welcomed Israel's push for self-sufficiency and said he would propose accelerating the timetable to end U.S. aid.
- Israeli officials are promoting a potential shift to jointly funded research, development and other cooperative projects as Israel raises defense spending in its 2025 budget.