Netanyahu Demands Trump Send Him $3.8BN MORE!

The U.S. Capitol building with its dome and columns under a blue sky

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demands an immediate end to $3.8 billion in annual U.S. military aid, proposing a decade-long phase-out that could save American taxpayers billions amid President Trump’s push for fiscal responsibility.[3][1]

Story Highlights

Netanyahu told CBS “60 Minutes” he wants to “draw down to zero” U.S. financial military support over the next 10 years, starting now.[3][1][2]
Israel currently receives $3.8 billion yearly under a 2018-2028 U.S. agreement totaling $38 billion, half for missile defense.[1][5]
Netanyahu claims he discussed the plan directly with President Trump, signaling alignment with America’s “America First” priorities.[2][3]
This echoes Netanyahu’s unfulfilled 1996 pledge to phase out aid, as U.S. support has since doubled despite promises.[4]

Netanyahu’s Direct Proposal on CBS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on CBS “60 Minutes” that aired May 10, 2026, his intent to eliminate U.S. financial military aid to Israel. He specified, “I want to draw down to zero the American financial support, the financial component of the military cooperation that we have.”[3][1] Netanyahu noted Israel receives $3.8 billion annually. He proposed a 10-year timetable, urging action before the next Congress. “Let’s start now,” he insisted.[3][2]

Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s growing defense independence and ties with Gulf states as reasons for the shift. He told interviewer Bill Whitaker that phasing out aid fits a reset in the U.S.-Israel financial relationship. This comes as Israel bolsters its own military industry amid regional threats.[1]

Historical Context of Aid Promises

Netanyahu’s current stance mirrors his July 1996 pledge before Congress to reduce U.S. economic aid as Israel achieved independence. Finance Minister Yaacov Ne’eman outlined a phase-out plan then.[4] However, U.S. military aid has not decreased. Mid-1990s levels hovered around $1.8 billion annually; today’s $3.8 billion under the 2018-2028 Memorandum of Understanding represents a doubling.[5][4]

From 2018 to 2028, the U.S. committed $38 billion total, including support for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense. Recent aid surges addressed Gaza operations, with billions in expedited weapons like guided missiles and artillery shells.[5] Netanyahu’s repeated rhetoric has not led to reductions over 30 years.[4][1]

Implications for U.S. Taxpayers and Trump Administration

President Donald Trump’s second term prioritizes cutting foreign aid waste, aligning with conservative demands to end overspending and globalist entanglements. Ending $3.8 billion yearly to Israel frees funds for American priorities like border security and energy independence.[2] Netanyahu confirmed discussing the phase-out with Trump, suggesting mutual interest in non-financial U.S.-Israel military ties.[3]

Israeli PM Netanyahu says he wants to draw US foreign aid down to zero.

"I think that it's time that we weaned ourselves from the remaining military support." pic.twitter.com/xywyC7swwA

— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) May 11, 2026

Conservatives view self-reliant allies positively, reducing burdens on U.S. taxpayers frustrated by fiscal mismanagement under past leftist regimes. Israel’s defense sector growth could model limited-government success, though skeptics note past unkept promises raise feasibility questions.[4][1] Trump’s administration must weigh strategic partnership benefits against aid costs.[5]