Overview
- In an interview with The Economist, Benjamin Netanyahu said he wants U.S. military assistance tapered to zero within the next decade and confirmed the target when asked directly.
- Netanyahu said he told President Donald Trump that Israel deeply appreciates past support but has "come of age," citing a growing economy and a push for greater self-reliance.
- He has outlined a 350 billion shekel investment plan to expand Israel's domestic arms industry as a practical path to reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
- The current U.S.-Israel memorandum of understanding provides $3.8 billion annually through 2028, and reporters note that negotiations for the next aid framework are underway.
- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham welcomed the goal and urged a faster phaseout, arguing funds could be redirected to the U.S. military; recent reporting tallies roughly $32 billion in U.S. aid to Israel over the first two years of the war.