Israel should end reliance on US military aid: Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again called for greater military independence, saying Israel should reduce its dependence on American military support and strengthen its domestic defence production capabilities.
Speaking to reserve officers during a training course in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu said Israel deeply values the support it has received from the United States but must work towards building an independent military industry.
“I deeply appreciate the support we have received from our American friends, but we need to break free from dependency and build our own independent armaments network,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader stressed that the country should manufacture more of its own weapons and military equipment to ensure long-term self-reliance and strengthen its defence capabilities. His remarks came shortly after the United States and Iran reached an initial agreement aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East, a development that has faced strong opposition in Israel.
Netanyahu has repeatedly spoken about reducing Israel’s reliance on foreign military assistance. Earlier this year, he expressed hope that Israel could significantly reduce its dependence on US support within the next decade. According to available figures, Israel has received more than $300 billion in economic and military assistance from the United States since its establishment in 1948, making it the largest recipient of US aid during that period.
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Under a defence assistance agreement signed in 2016 and implemented in 2019, Israel receives around $3.8 billion annually for military purchases. The assistance accounts for approximately 15 percent of the country’s defence budget and is scheduled to continue until 2028.
Despite the strong alliance between Washington and Tel Aviv, differences have emerged in recent years regarding Israel’s military operations and regional policies. US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised Netanyahu in recent weeks, particularly over developments involving Hezbollah and concerns that escalating tensions could affect broader regional peace efforts.
Netanyahu’s latest remarks have reignited debate over whether Israel can fully develop an independent defence industry while maintaining its long-standing strategic partnership with the United States.
