Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with 60 Minutes that it is time for Israel to gradually eliminate U.S. military financial assistance. Israel currently receives about $3.8 billion annually from the United States in military aid.
Netanyahu said he has already discussed the idea with Israeli lawmakers and President Donald Trump, noting that the proposal surprised many officials. His plan would phase out the financial support over the next decade while replacing it with joint defense, intelligence, missile defense, and military technology projects between both countries.
According to Netanyahu, Israel has become a global leader in military and defense technology and is capable of building a more equal strategic partnership with the United States. He proposed a model in which both nations contribute funding equally and share the technological benefits and defense innovations produced.
The Israeli leader also addressed declining public support for Israel in the United States. He pointed to polling showing rising unfavorable views of Israel among Americans and blamed social media manipulation campaigns by foreign actors for damaging Israel’s image.
The interview comes amid growing international criticism over the Gaza war and increasing political pressure surrounding continued Western military support for Israel.
