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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel aims to phase out US military aid within 10 years, citing what he calls growing self-reliance and rapid economic expansion.
In interview with British weekly The Economist, published Friday evening, Netanyahu says during recent visit to US President Donald Trump he expressed ‘deep appreciation’ for American military assistance over many years.
‘But we have also reached maturity,’ he says. ‘We have developed exceptional capabilities, and our economy will soon, within a decade, reach $1,000bn.’
Netanyahu adds Israel should gradually reduce military aid in coming years.
Israel defence industry, shaped by near-constant conflict since state establishment in 1948, sees steady growth over past years.
Despite this, Israel receives about $3.8bn annually in US military aid to purchase American weapons, under agreement signed in 2016, effective from 2019 until 2028. Amount represents around 15% of Israel defence budget, according to official media.
Israel also receives emergency US military assistance, particularly for air defence systems, including Iron Dome.
In 2021, US State Department says Washington provided Israel with more than $125bn in bilateral military aid since its founding.
In mid-May, amid apparent tensions between Netanyahu and Trump, Israeli prime minister hints Israel should ‘gradually give up’ US military aid, without further details.
Netanyahu, first sitting Israeli prime minister to face trial over corruption charges, denies wrongdoing and describes cases as political conspiracy against him.
He confirms intention to run for another term in next elections, due no later than end of October 2026.
AFP