Netanyahu Seeks End to US Military Aid, Calls for Zero Support Within Decade

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a CBS News interview aired Sunday that he wants to end Israel's reliance on US military aid, aiming to reduce the $3.8 billion in annual funding to zero within a decade. The US has committed $38 billion in military assistance to Israel from 2018 to 2028 under a bilateral agreement, which remains in effect.

Netanyahu framed the proposal as a strategic move to strengthen Israel's autonomy and deepen defense ties with Gulf states, though he provided no specific timeline or plan for replacing the funding. He argued it was the right moment to reconsider the financial aspect of US-Israel military cooperation, saying, 'I don't want to wait for the next Congress. I want to start now.'

Public support for Israel in the US has declined since the Gaza war began in October 2023, with a March Pew survey showing 60% of American adults hold an unfavorable view of Israel and 59% lack confidence in Netanyahu. He attributed the shift to social media, claiming unnamed countries have manipulated online platforms to damage Israel's image.

Netanyahu also discussed the ongoing conflict with Iran, which he said began on February 28 alongside the US, though this claim is not independently verified. He said Iran's disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to global fuel price increases. While declining to disclose military plans, he suggested a collapse of Iran's regime could dismantle allied militant groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.

US officials have not responded to Netanyahu's proposal to end aid, and there is no indication the current funding agreement will be altered. The next review of US military assistance to Israel is expected in the coming years under standard bilateral consultations.