Republicans Open to Netanyahu Proposal to Phase Out U.S. Military Aid to Israel

Top Republicans are responding to a proposal by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to phase out all U.S. military aid to Israel over time. The annual assistance totals $3.8 billion. The idea, which would have been considered a major shift in policy a year ago, is now receiving support from some longtime backers of the assistance.

Netanyahu's plan would gradually end the direct funding while continuing to allow Israel to purchase weapons such as F-35 aircraft and missile defense systems from the United States. The change would shift the financial burden from the United States to Israel.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the phase-out should at least be considered because Israel knows its own national security interests. “I think it represents a show of resolve by Israel to be the master of their own destinies, and I think it’ll be well-received,” said Sen.

Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He added that the proposal would be well-received by Congress, the administration and the American people. The proposal comes as the United States prepares to renew an Obama-era memorandum of understanding that governs the current aid package.

That agreement runs through fiscal 2028. Netanyahu has said he wants to begin the phase-out immediately rather than wait for the next Congress. “Let’s start now and do it over the next decade, over the next 10 years, but I want to start now,” Netanyahu said.

“I think it represents a show of resolve by Israel to be the master of their own destinies, and I think it’ll be well-received." — Sen. In December 2025, Sen. Lindsey Graham called phasing out the aid a big mistake that would weaken the alliance. Weeks later, Graham reversed course and said he would ask the Trump administration to expedite a 10-year wind-down. He described the change as an opportunity for Israel to become self-sufficient and for the United States to redirect the funds to its own military. Wicker, who has called for increased defense spending, said that to the extent federal funds could be used elsewhere it would be helpful. Several other Republican senators expressed caution. Sen. Mike Rounds questioned how quickly the aid would actually end. Sen. Susan Collins said the proposal appeared contrary to the existing memorandum of understanding and described the partnership as vital. Sen. John Hoeven said his default position remains continued support for the aid.”

One senator described it as a sign of a maturing relationship, noting that American allies of comparable size do not receive equivalent assistance. Another called the comments an encouraging sign but questioned whether the Israeli government as a whole shares Netanyahu's position.

The proposal comes after Congress provided an additional $15 billion in military aid to Israel in 2024 for its war with Hamas. Democrats have grown less willing to approve new arms sales amid disagreements over military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu has cited Israel's growing economy as the reason it can now reduce reliance on foreign assistance.

The White House did not state President Donald Trump's position on the proposal. A White House spokeswoman said the United States has a tremendous ally in Israel whose military helped achieve objectives in Operation Epic Fury. She declined to detail private conversations between Trump and Netanyahu.