U.S. and Israel discuss moving from direct military aid to a strategic partnership

U.S. Representative Marlin Stutzman introduced a resolution in early June urging the United States to replace its traditional, large‑scale military assistance to Israel with a partnership based on trade, joint defence projects, joint investment and technology sharing. The proposal would see the end of the current memorandum that provides $3.8 billion a year – including $500 million for missile‑defence – after it expires in 2028.

Stutzman cited a conversation with Israeli contacts that suggested shifting from a $38 billion ten‑year aid package toward a commercial‑defence framework covering artificial‑intelligence, unmanned systems, cyber‑security and next‑generation platforms. The resolution aligns with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aim to reduce Israel’s reliance on U.S. aid and to build a more independent defence industry. Stutzman argued the change would make the alliance “politically more sustainable” amid growing criticism of foreign‑aid spending among younger American conservatives, saying, “I don’t want that to be the reason they become anti‑Israel; I want them to be pro‑America, pro‑Israel, pro‑freedom and pro‑democracy.”