Netanyahu says Israel should "free" itself from arms dependency on US
Tel Aviv, June 23
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel must achieve independence from US military reliance by developing domestic weapons-manufacturing capabilities, a shift he argues is essential for the ongoing conflict with Iran and its regional affiliates.
During a meeting with reserve combat officers in Gush Etzion in the West Bank, Netanyahu said, "I greatly appreciate the support we have received - and that I have secured over the years -- from our American friends. But today I say, we need our own independent weapons-production system. We must manufacture our own armaments."
Addressing the security landscape, he added, "We are now confronting Iran and its proxies. We have struck them hard. It is not over yet, but it depends on our strength. Where we will be in 30 years depends on our strength. That is why what we are doing now is building even greater strength," noting his ambition for Israel "to have an independent armaments capability".
While Netanyahu has maintained a policy of phasing out US military assistance over the coming decade, these comments come during a period of heightened friction.
Jerusalem has expressed growing apprehension regarding potential US constraints on its operational freedom, particularly as Washington pursues an agreement with Tehran that Israel largely rejects.
"We need to free ourselves from dependence, continue building more and more strength, incorporate more and more technology, and train more and more generations of commanders like you -- because ultimately that is what will determine our position," the Prime Minister noted.
The statement follows remarks made by US Vice President JD Vance during a press conference last week, in which he noted that, over the past several months, "two-thirds of the defensive weapons that have protected [Israel]" were supplied and financed by the United States.
According to The Times of Israel, both US and Israeli representatives have recently entered into negotiations regarding a new 10-year security cooperation framework intended to "gradually transition" the current arrangement from aid to a completely reciprocal partnership".
— ANI
Reader Comments
Every country wants strategic autonomy, but Israel's situation is unique. They're surrounded by hostile neighbours and have ongoing conflicts. Dependence on US might give Washington leverage to dictate terms. I get why Netanyahu wants independence. But can a small nation really match US production capacity? Yeh mushkil hai. 😐
As an Indian watching this, it's fascinating. We've seen how US arms dependencies can create problems - look at Pakistan's F-16 saga. Israel makes excellent tech but scaling up for full-spectrum weapons manufacturing? That's a massive undertaking. Plus, US-Israel relations have deeper roots than just arms sales. Good luck to them! 🇮🇱
Respectable ambition but somewhat unrealistic. US provides not just weapons but intelligence, diplomatic cover at UN, and financial support. Cutting that cord would be extremely difficult. Netanyahu is playing domestic politics here - sounding strong to his base while knowing full well the reality. Just my two cents. 💭
Good for Israel! As someone who follows defence news, I've seen India struggle with Russian sanctions, American restrictions on tech transfer. Self-reliance is the only way. Israel's defence industry is already world-class - Iron Dome, Trophy system, drones. They can do more. But 10-year transition? That's optimistic. Rome wasn't built in a day, yaar. 🇮🇳
I have mixed feelings. On one hand, strategic autonomy is important. On the other, Israel faces existential threats and US support has been crucial. Cutting off that lifeline too fast could be
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