Netanyahu says he wants to wean Israel off U.S. military aid over the next decade: 'let's start now'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he didn't want to wait for the next Congress to begin the process of reducing the $3.8 billion the U.S. sends to Israel every year.

Published: May 11, 2026 11:54am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he would like to "draw down to zero" the money Israel receives from the U.S. in support of its military. 

"Because we receive $3.8 billion a year. And I think that it's time that we weaned ourselves from the remaining military support," Netanyahu told "60 Minutes" on Sunday. 

When asked about a timeline, Netanyahu said the process should start immediately. 

"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," he said. 

A Pew survey released last month found that 60% of U.S. adults have an unfavorable view of Israel, an increase of 20 points over the last four years. Netanyahu told Garrett that the fall in support stems from social media. 

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