Netanyahu shows desire to relinquish US security assistance – reports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Photo: ‘Maariv’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed a desire for a gradual reduction of security and military assistance received from the US, amid differences with the Trump administration, local media reported on Monday.

"I think we will need to wean ourselves off American military aid," Netanyahu told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee late on Sunday, according to the Israeli daily ‘Maariv’.

Netanyahu said Israel gets an annual amount of $4 billion to procure weapons, but Israel may move to abandon it, as was done with the economic aid.

The Israeli premier, however, did not provide further details on the motives behind such a surprise statement which comes at a time when Netanyahu's relations with US President Donald Trump see a clear tension, and amid reports that Trump cut off direct contact with Netanyahu, believing that Netanyahu is manipulating him.

According to Israeli media, Trump-Netanyahu differences and worsening relations are over Iran, the Yemeni Houthi group, the war conducted in Gaza, and stalled Gaza ceasefire efforts.

Trump cut off direct contact with Israeli Premier Netanyahu, believing that he is manipulating him, according to recent media reports.

Trump's visit to the Middle East could influence Washington's policy in the region. Israel is worried that Trump will establish better relations with leading Arab states. In the past the US was clearly on Israel's side. Times are changing...?

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