Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly declared his ambition for Israel to become fully independent of US military aid within the next decade, aiming to reduce the current annual assistance to 'zero'. This significant announcement was made during an interview with The Economist, published on January 9, 2026, and subsequently reported by numerous global news outlets on January 10, 2026. Netanyahu justified this strategic shift by highlighting Israel's burgeoning economic strength, projecting its economy to reach $1 trillion within the same timeframe, and its increasingly sophisticated indigenous military capabilities. He conveyed this sentiment to former US President Donald Trump during a recent visit, expressing deep appreciation for past aid but emphasizing Israel's "coming of age" in defense capacity. Currently, Israel receives approximately $3.8 billion annually in military aid from the United States under a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2016, which is set to expire in September 2028. This package includes grants for military equipment and funds for missile defense systems. Israel has historically been the largest cumulative recipient of US foreign assistance since World War II. The Prime Minister's remarks have drawn reactions from the US, with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch supporter of Israel, welcoming the move and suggesting that the termination of military aid could be expedited, saving billions for US taxpayers. Netanyahu's vision for military self-reliance also aligns with his broader goal of enhancing Israel's global image and countering what he termed a "propaganda war" against the Jewish state. This declaration marks a potential pivotal moment in the enduring strategic alliance between Israel and the United States.