According to a report by the Times of Israel on Tuesday June 23, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his call for greater military self-reliance, arguing that Israel must gradually reduce its dependence on American weapons and expand its own defense manufacturing capabilities.

Speaking to reserve combat officers in Gush Etzion in the West Bank, Netanyahu said the country’s long-term security would depend on its ability to produce more of its own military equipment, particularly as it continues to confront Iran and allied groups across the region.

While expressing appreciation for years of American support, he stressed that Israel needs to build a stronger domestic arms industry capable of meeting its future security needs without relying heavily on outside suppliers.

“We need to free ourselves from dependence, continue building more and more strength, incorporate more and more technology, and train more and more generations of commanders like you — because ultimately that is what will determine our position,” Netanyahu said.

The prime minister also pointed to Israel’s ongoing confrontation with Iran and its regional proxies, saying recent military operations had dealt significant blows to those adversaries. At the same time, he cautioned that the struggle was far from over and argued that Israel’s future standing would be determined by the strength it develops today.

His remarks come against the backdrop of growing unease within Israel over Washington’s diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Israeli officials have voiced concerns that future agreements could place limits on Israel’s military freedom of action, particularly in areas where the two allies do not fully share the same strategic outlook.

Netanyahu has for months advocated a gradual end to US military aid over the coming decade, favoring a transition toward a model in which Israel relies more heavily on its own industrial and technological capabilities.

The discussion has gained additional attention following comments from US Vice President JD Vance, who noted last week that a substantial portion of the defensive systems currently protecting Israel were produced in the United States and funded by American taxpayers.

At the same time, officials from both countries have been engaged in talks over a new 10-year security cooperation framework. According to those discussions, the goal is to slowly reshape the relationship from one centered on aid into what both sides describe as a more reciprocal strategic partnership.

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