Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said US financial assistance to Israel is “like welfare” and stated he wants to gradually phase it out over the next decade amid rising disagreements between Tel Aviv and Washington, particularly over Iran policy.
“I want to stop US aid. It is like welfare. I do not want it,” Netanyahu said in an interview with Israel’s Channel 14 broadcast on Tuesday evening.
He claimed Israel’s economy is no longer small and is capable of independently covering its costs.
“US funding represents a small part of gross domestic product and Israel now has enough financial capacity to cover the amount entirely from its own resources,” he said.
RelatedTRT World – Israel seals Hebron with 106 iron gates, seeks to impose full control of Ibrahimi Mosque — governor
Israel should ‘reconsider’ its relationship with the US
Asked whether Israel should stop receiving US aid, Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges related to war crimes in Gaza, replied: “Yes.”
“I want a 10-year phase that would gradually reduce Israel’s dependence on the US,” he said.
Netanyahu said Israel’s economy is approaching $1 trillion and would be able to finance itself starting next year.
