Netanyahu backs GOP plan to phase out US military aid to Israel, Rep. Marlin Stutzman tells 'Post'

Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Indiana) has introduced a non-binding congressional resolution proposing a shift in US-Israel relations. The resolution calls for negotiations on a new memorandum of understanding that would gradually end the annual $3.8 billion in American military assistance. Instead, it suggests a framework focused on defense cooperation, trade, and joint technological investment.

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The idea is to take the relationship between two great allies, the United States and Israel, to a more mature relationship with a trade agreement, a defense agreement, rather than supplemental aid from the United States to Israel.

Stutzman stated that the initiative reflects Israel's economic transformation and the evolving alliance between the two nations. "The idea is to take the relationship between two great allies, the United States and Israel, to a more mature relationship with a trade agreement, a defense agreement, rather than supplemental aid from the United States to Israel," he told The Jerusalem Post. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly supported the proposal, sharing a letter with Stutzman that emphasizes Israel's growing economic strength and its desire for greater self-sufficiency.

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

"The time has now arrived for us to move from aid recipient to partner," Netanyahu wrote in the letter. He highlighted Israel's population growth, approaching trillion-dollar GDP, and its strong economy as reasons for this shift. Stutzman stressed that ending direct military aid would not weaken the alliance but redefine it around shared strategic interests, focusing on mutual defense projects, joint economic investments, and technological cooperation.

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As I met with Prime Minister Netanyahu last week, he made mention to me that Israel is now at 10 million people. The economy is approaching a trillion dollars GDP. The country is strong.

The measure has begun attracting support among Republicans. The current 10-year MoU, providing $38 billion in military aid through 2028, is nearing its expiration. The proposed change aims to build a future partnership based on "mutual defense projects and joint economic investments and projects," with an emphasis on sharing technology developed in both countries.

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It was important to them that they stand on their own two feet and that the relationship between the United States be of mutual interest, independent countries standing together.