Netanyahu wants to end US aid to Israel within decade

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that US financial assistance to Israel is “like welfare” and that he wants to gradually phase it out over the next decade, amid rising disagreements between Tel Aviv and Washington over Iran policy. “I want to stop US aid. It is like welfare. I do not want it,” Netanyahu said in an interview with Israel’s Channel 14. He argued that Israel’s economy is no longer small and is capable of independently covering its costs.

Economic capacity

Asked whether Israel should stop receiving US aid, Netanyahu replied: “Yes.” He said he wants a 10‑year phase that would gradually reduce Israel’s dependence on the United States, adding that Israel’s economy is approaching $1 trillion and would be able to finance itself starting next year. In a previous interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes” on May 11, Netanyahu said Israel should reconsider its financial relationship with the United States and that the process should begin immediately.

US-Israel tensions

The US is Israel’s largest ally, with a 10‑year agreement signed in 2016 covering 2019–2028 totalling about $38 billion in aid. Disagreements between Tel Aviv and Washington have recently increased over ongoing negotiations with Iran and the memorandum of understanding between the two sides. Israeli officials have said the Trump administration sidelined Tel Aviv from talks and did not fully take Israel’s interests into account. For Türkiye, which has long criticised US military aid to Israel, Netanyahu’s remarks are notable but unlikely to change Ankara’s position, which calls for a complete halt to all forms of support for Israel’s military operations.