Israel's acting prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said that the Israeli economy “is solid enough to eliminate, gradually, United States military aid,” in apparent contrast to the prior statements of United States President Donald Trump, who had pointed out that this support would end already in 2026, within about 50 days.
As the office of the head of Government explained in a social media post, “Prime Minister Netanyahu has said that Israel’s economy is solid enough to eliminate also, gradually, United States military aid,” adding that “both Israel and the United States are taking a significant step in the transition from a relationship based on aid to one based on partnership.”
The interim leader’s office has presented this change as a decision agreed between both leaders, a “joint initiative” by Netanyahu and Trump that “highlights the strength of the alliance between both nations and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances.”
Netanyahu’s remarks come after the statements of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who at the beginning of the week stressed that Trump believes Israel is “rich enough” to buy U.S.-made weapons without depending on military aid, which “absolutely” can be done without by the end of the year if he decides, despite the 10-year memorandum of understanding on Washington’s military assistance to Israel, which provides for 3.8 billion dollars annually (more than 3.4 billion euros) and is not due to be concluded until the end of September 2028.
The occupant of the White House, facing the “gradual” approach proposed by Netanyahu, said at the beginning of November — on the eve of the midterm elections that dealt a clear defeat to the Republicans — that the United States would suspend these disbursements before the year ends.
“They don’t need it. And we won’t pay anymore, Israel,” he said then, claiming he had reached an understanding with Netanyahu “months ago” to stop “by the end of this year” that aid, which he called “waste.”