Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel must prepare for a new phase in its economic and strategic relationship with the United States, acknowledging that billions of dollars in American security assistance may not continue at the current level indefinitely.
In a television interview with Roi Katz on Israel's Channel 10, Netanyahu said the United States had changed and Israel could no longer assume that the same level of financial support would continue in the future.
Netanyahu noted that Israel had benefited from substantial American assistance over the years but stressed the need to prepare for a time when that support could decline or end.
His remarks highlight growing concerns within Israel about the long-term sustainability of its reliance on Washington for military financing and strategic support.
Netanyahu Warns of Possible Banking Sanctions
Discussing future economic challenges, Netanyahu also raised the possibility of sanctions against Israel, including restrictions targeting its banking sector.
He argued that Israel should develop an economy capable of withstanding financial pressure and overcoming potential barriers to international transactions.
According to the report, Netanyahu said his government was working on alternatives that could help Israel respond to possible restrictions. He pointed to the potential use of alternative currencies and financial technologies, including blockchain-based systems, to reduce vulnerability to sanctions.
The remarks reflect concerns about the possible economic consequences of deteriorating international relations and the need to safeguard Israel's financial system against external pressure.
However, his comments did not establish that new banking sanctions had been formally announced or imposed.
Israel Plans Greater Defence Independence
Netanyahu's comments also come amid discussions about strengthening Israel's domestic military production and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu has defended plans to allocate approximately 450 billion shekels towards strengthening Israel's defence capabilities and military industries over the coming years.
The reported investment is intended to expand domestic weapons production and improve Israel's ability to maintain its military capabilities even if access to foreign equipment or financial assistance becomes more difficult.
Reducing reliance on overseas suppliers could provide Israel with greater strategic flexibility, although building an independent defence industry would require substantial investment, technological development and long-term planning.
Netanyahu Raises Concern About Future US Leadership
The Israeli prime minister also warned that a future US administration could adopt a more hostile approach towards Israel.
He stressed the importance of diversifying international partnerships rather than relying too heavily on a single ally.
The comments suggest that Israel's leadership is considering the possibility of significant changes in American domestic politics and foreign policy, which could affect future military assistance and diplomatic backing.
The United States has historically been Israel's most important military ally and a major source of security assistance. Any substantial reduction in that support could have implications for Israel's defence spending, procurement strategy and broader economic planning.
A Shift in Israel's Long-Term Strategy
Netanyahu's remarks point towards a potential strategic shift: preparing for reduced American financial assistance while strengthening domestic defence production and developing alternatives to conventional financial channels.
Whether these preparations become necessary will depend on future US policy, Israel's international relationships and developments in the regional security environment.
For now, Netanyahu's statements signal that the Israeli government is considering scenarios in which continued American assistance cannot be taken for granted.
Source: Al Arabiya and reporting attributed to Yedioth Ahronoth.
