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Israel must build independent armaments network to end US aid dependency, Netanyahu says

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to phasing out American military assistance to Israel, aiming for "armaments independence."
  • He expressed deep appreciation for past US support but stressed the need for Israel to manufacture its own armaments to build strength against threats like Iran.
  • The comments align with a US congressional proposal to renegotiate the memorandum of understanding on military aid, shifting towards cooperative defense and trade.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his goal of phasing out American military assistance to Israel, emphasizing the nation's need for "armaments independence." Speaking to reservists, Netanyahu stated his deep appreciation for the support received from the United States over the years but stressed the current necessity for Israel to develop its own independent armaments network.

I want armaments independence. I deeply appreciate the support we have received, and which I have also brought over the years, from our American friends. Today I say: We need our own independent armaments network. We must manufacture our own armaments.

— Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his goal for Israel to achieve self-sufficiency in armaments.

"To break free from dependency, to build more and more power, to integrate more and more technology, and to train more and more generations of commanders like you, because that is what will ultimately determine where we will be," Netanyahu said. He linked this drive for self-sufficiency to Israel's strength in confronting regional threats, particularly Iran and its proxies.

To break free from dependency, to build more and more power, to integrate more and more technology, and to train more and more generations of commanders like you, because that is what will ultimately determine where we will be.

— Benjamin NetanyahuNetanyahu explained the strategic importance of building Israel's own strength and technological capabilities.

Netanyahu's remarks coincide with a proposal in the US Congress by Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Indiana). This resolution calls for renegotiating the existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Israel, aiming to transition away from the annual $3.8 billion in military aid towards a new framework focused on cooperative defense and trade.

The time has now arrived for us to move from aid recipient to partner.

— Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister Netanyahu expressed his view on the evolving relationship between the US and Israel in a letter to Congressman Marlin Stutzman.

According to Stutzman, Netanyahu has expressed support for this proposal, viewing it as a move for Israel to "stand on its own two feet." The prime minister believes the US-Israel relationship should be one of mutual interest between independent countries. Stutzman echoed this sentiment, suggesting that ending direct military assistance would redefine the alliance around shared strategic interests, including joint defense projects and economic investments.

One of the things that we want to, first of all, acknowledge is that the relationship between the United States and Israel is strong.

— Marlin StutzmanCongressman Marlin Stutzman commented on the enduring strength of the US-Israel alliance.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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