Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel hopes to gradually end its dependence on U.S. military financial support within the next decade while strengthening ties with Gulf nations.
In an interview with CBS News 60 Minutes, Netanyahu stated that Israel currently receives approximately $3.8 billion annually in military aid from the United States.
The United States previously agreed to provide Israel with $38 billion in military assistance between 2018 and 2028.
Netanyahu said he wants to reduce the financial component of military cooperation with the U.S. to zero and begin restructuring the relationship immediately rather than waiting for future congressional action.
The remarks come amid growing debate within the United States over continued support for Israel following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in 2023 and the subsequent Iran war.
Netanyahu also linked declining American public support for Israel to the growth of social media, alleging that some countries had manipulated online platforms in ways that harmed Israel’s image internationally.
Addressing the ongoing conflict with Iran, Netanyahu acknowledged the strategic threat posed by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies pass.
He stated that Israeli planners initially underestimated Iran’s ability to disrupt shipping traffic through the strait.
Netanyahu further suggested that if the Iranian regime were significantly weakened or overthrown, it could lead to the collapse of Iran-backed groups including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.
However, he acknowledged that while such an outcome is possible, it is not guaranteed.
