Netanyahu: Israel Must End Military Dependence on U.S., Build Own Arms Industry

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel must develop independent weapons-production capabilities and reduce reliance on U.S. military aid to sustain its fight against Iran and its proxies.

Speaking to reserve combat officers in Gush Etzion, West Bank, Netanyahu said Israel has struck Iran “hard” but the conflict is not over.

“I greatly appreciate the support we have received from our American friends. But today I say: We need our own independent weapons-production system. We must manufacture our own armaments,” Netanyahu said.

“Where we will be in 30 years depends on our strength. That is why what we are doing now is building even greater strength,” he added, calling for Israel “to have an independent armaments capability.”

Netanyahu has vowed for months to end U.S. military aid over the next decade. His remarks come amid tensions over Washington advancing a nuclear agreement with Tehran that Israel opposes and concerns about U.S. limits on Israeli operations.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said last week that two-thirds of defensive weapons protecting Israel in recent months were U.S.-made and funded by American taxpayers.

U.S. and Israeli officials said talks on a new 10-year security framework aim to “gradually transition” from aid “to a completely reciprocal partnership.”