Netanyahu pushes plan to cut US defence funding to zero

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel intends to gradually reduce its reliance on US military financial assistance to zero, arguing that the country should “wean itself off” the funds.

“Absolutely. And I've said this to President Trump. I've said it in-- to our own people. Their jaws drop, but I said, ‘Look,’” Netanyahu said in an interview with CBS News.

He added, “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. 

Netanyahu noted that Israel currently receives about $3.8 billion annually from the United States. The aid is approved by the US Congress, with traditional support from both Democrats and Republicans. However, CBS reports that the assistance is now undergoing renewed political scrutiny due to shifting public attitudes toward Israel and foreign aid.

A recent Pew survey cited by the broadcaster found that 60% of American adults hold a negative view of Israel, nearly 25 percentage points higher than four years ago. The war in Gaza is identified as a key factor, with more than 70,000 reported deaths according to the local Health Ministry.

Netanyahu acknowledged declining support for Israel, attributing reputational damage in part to social media, which he described as an “eighth front of the war.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada