Netanyahu calls for phasing out US aid to Israel over next decade: 'I want to draw down to zero'

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first interview broadcast in the United States since the war began, spoke about an issue that could reshape the debate surrounding American taxpayers’ money going to Israel.

Notably, the debate over US financial aid to Israel has seen a significant shift in public opinion, with many Americans questioning Washington’s “blank check” approach toward the country.

Benjamin Netanyahu wants to end US financial aid

In his first US broadcast interview since the war began, Benjamin Netanyahu sat down with CBS News journalist Major Garrett to discuss the current situation in the Middle East, the war’s accomplishments, and future plans.

Most importantly, Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s aspiration to redefine its relationship with the United States in terms of financial support.

Netanyahu expressed a desire to reduce Israel’s financial dependence on the United States while responding to Major Garrett’s question about whether Israel should reconsider its long-standing financial ties with Washington, which has provided military aid to the country for decades.

Garrett asked, “Do you believe it's time for the state of Israel to reexamine and possibly reset its financial relationship to the United States?”

Replying to the question, Netanyahu said he had even expressed "this" to President Donald Trump. “Absolutely. And I've said this to President Donald Trump. I've said it in-- to our own people. Their jaws drop,” the Israeli prime minister said.

“I want to draw down to zero the American financial support, the financial component of the military cooperation that we have. Because we receive $3.8 billion a year.”

“And I-- I think that it's time that we weaned ourselves from the remaining, military support,” Netanyahu explained.

Benjamin Netanyahu pushes to cut US aid now

As Netanyahu made it clear during the interview that he wants to stop taking military support from America, the journalist asked about the expected timeline for doing so.

Further elaborating on the plan, the Israeli prime minister said he wants his country to begin reducing its dependence on American financial aid immediately.

“I said, let's start now and do it over the next decade, over the next ten years, but I want to start now. I don't want to wait for the next Congress. I want to start now.”

According to a recent Pew survey, 60% of US adults now hold an unfavorable opinion of Israel, marking an increase of nearly 20 percentage points over the past four years. 

Netanyahu has largely blamed social media for the damage to Israel’s image, describing it as the “eighth front” of the war.