Recently, the discussion about the future of American security aid to Israel returned to the headlines, when it was reported that Israel is seeking a new aid agreement for a period of 20 years.
On that same day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also gave an interview to Australian media and declared that he wants to make the Israeli weapons industry as independent as possible.
Several months ago, in discussions held in the Knesset, this issue was placed on the agenda. Already then I spoke about it and worked on the matter. I support Netanyahu's declaration, but believe we must go one step further - Israel needs to completely wean itself off American military aid, perhaps gradually but absolutely, and transition to purely commercial relations with the United States.
It's important for me to emphasize - this is not a call to harm the alliance with the United States. On the contrary. I greatly value the historical and strategic relationship between the two countries. I myself work extensively for this alliance - in diplomatic conversations, in meetings with government officials in the United States and Israel, in the media and before the public. But precisely out of respect for the alliance and out of a desire to strengthen it, the time has come to mature it into a model of true partnership between equals, instead of dependency relations.
Israel's aid model has problems with perception and politics
The main problem with the current aid model is not economic - it's perceptual and political. In my conversations with figures in the Republican Party and the Trump administration, I encounter again and again a problematic perception of Israel as an aid recipient, as a sort of American "welfare case." Growing opposition among the American right to foreign aid in general, and especially among the MAGA base, creates a situation where Israel is perceived as a burden instead of a strategic partner. Recently, I met with a very popular American right-wing journalist, highly influential among the conservative public, and this issue came up sharply. This is not just a budget issue - it's an issue of how Israel is viewed in America, and especially in the Republican Party, which is supposed to be our natural ally.
President Trump himself mentioned the aid during a meeting with Netanyahu: "We give Israel 4 billion dollars a year. That's a lot. Congratulations, by the way." The tone was patronizing and indicates a perception that Israel should be "grateful." The terminology of "foreign aid" and the perception that this is American "generosity" harms Israel and distorts the truth. Instead, we must change the discourse and clarify - this is a strategic partnership, not charity.
The issue of national sovereignty and strategic independence is central here. The aid grants Washington enormous leverage over Israeli decision-making. Over the years, we've seen how aid was used as a pressure tool, as happened in the Biden administration with the arms embargo. Israel of 2025 is not the Israel of 1979 - we are an economic and technological power with an advanced defense industry. The time has come for our political status to reflect this reality. Instead of begging to receive more money for more years, the time has come for us to stand on our own feet. This is not just an economic or security issue - it's an issue of national dignity and independence of a sovereign state.
Israel is not a welfare case - we give the United States no less than what we receive. We are a combat laboratory for the American defense industry. Every American weapons system tested in the field by the IDF receives a quality certification that has no substitute. Beyond that, Israel provides the US with vital intelligence, advanced technology, and innovations. This is a strategic partnership, not a charity relationship.
The new Israeli proposal to extend the aid agreement from 10 to 20 years and increase the amounts is a step in the wrong direction. Even if the proposal includes a component of joint R&D, extending the dependency to 20 years only deepens the fundamental problem - it continues to present Israel as needy instead of as a partner.
The time has come for Israel to transition to purely commercial relations with the United States. In this model, Israel would purchase American weapons systems on a commercial basis when they serve our interests. Israel would sell intelligence, technology, and innovations to the US. The two countries would develop joint projects together on an equal basis, and Israel could turn to other suppliers when it serves its needs. This is a maturation of the alliance, a transition from dependency relations to a true partnership between equals.
I am aware that such weaning would be challenging and would require a transition period. But the price of inaction is higher. The current proposal for a 20-year agreement with increased aid only deepens the dependency and strengthens Washington's leverage over us, and exacerbates the negative perception among the American right.
Instead, we must choose the more courageous path - a path of independence, national pride, and true partnership with the United States. Israel needs to become a completely independent strategic partner. This is the way to strengthen the alliance with America, not weaken it.
The author is Chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel and Vice President & General Counsel of Republicans Overseas, Inc. He is an Israeli-American attorney.