Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday rejected a report that Jerusalem is pursuing a 20-year U.S. security-aid package, saying his “direction is the exact opposite” and adding that “it’s time to ensure that Israel is independent,” with an announcement expected “very soon.” He said he now wants Israel’s arms industry to be “as independent as possible.” Pressed on whether it is time to cut military aid entirely, he replied: “It’s time to ensure that Israel is independent.” Separately, officials told i24NEWS that Israel is considering a gradual reduction of American military aid, echoing Netanyahu’s call for a “much more independent” defense industry.
In January, a Knesset subcommittee held a hearing that examined how changing American politics — and delays in weapons deliveries at the time under the then-Biden administration — should shape Israel’s strategic posture. In May, it reported Netanyahu telling lawmakers Israel must begin to “wean” itself off U.S. military aid, drawing a line to the 1990s phase-out of economic assistance.
