In an interview aired on May 10, 2026, on CBS News’ 60 Minutes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his intention to phase out U.S. military financial support to Israel over the next decade.
Netanyahu told host Major Garrett that he wants to “draw down to zero” the $3.8 billion in annual military aid currently provided by the United States.
Goal of Financial Independence
Netanyahu stated that it is time for Israel to “wean” itself from the remaining military support it receives from the U.S.. He emphasized that he wants to begin this process immediately rather than waiting for the next Congress. The Prime Minister noted that while the transition could happen over the next ten years, he is eager to see the support decline as quickly as possible.
This position aligns with a broader strategy to develop an independent domestic arms industry, which has reportedly involved significant investment in Israel’s own defense sector. Analysts have noted that this move arrives as Israel seeks to strengthen its strategic ties with Gulf states.
Netanyahu confirmed that he has discussed this shift in the financial relationship with President Donald Trump
The current bilateral framework involves a commitment from the United States to provide $38 billion in military assistance to Israel over the decade spanning 2018 to 2028. By proposing this timeline, the Prime Minister is signaling a shift away from the renewal of these long-standing, multi-year assistance packages