U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham proposed accelerating the termination of American military aid to Israel, potentially faster than the 10-year timeline outlined by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to redirect billions of dollars toward bolstering the U.S. military.
In a post on X on Friday, Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, described U.S. aid to Israel as a “great investment” that has strengthened both nations but said Israel’s “roaring economy” justifies a quicker shift to self-sufficiency. “We need not wait ten years,” he wrote, adding that saved funds “will and should be plowed back into the U.S. military.”
Graham’s comments came in response to Netanyahu’s interview with The Economist, where the Israeli leader expressed a desire to “taper off” U.S. military aid within a decade, citing Israel’s projected growth to a $1 trillion economy. Netanyahu said the process was already “in the works”, emphasizing appreciation for past support while highlighting Israel’s maturing capabilities.
Graham stated he would present a proposal to Israel and the Trump administration to “dramatically expedite the timetable,” aligning it with President Donald Trump’s goal of a $1.5 trillion national budget for the military, which he supports amid global conflicts and evolving warfare needs. Trump has advocated for increased defense spending, though details on the $1.5 trillion figure—potentially over multiple years—remain under discussion, according to defense analysts.
Israel has received over $300 billion in U.S. aid (adjusted for inflation) since 1948, per the Council on Foreign Relations, making it the largest recipient. The current $3.8 billion annual package under the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding includes $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing for weapons and $500 million for missile defense like Iron Dome, representing about 16% of Israel’s defense budget.
Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, the U.S. has provided additional aid estimated at $17.9 billion to $21.7 billion, according to the Costs of War project at Brown University. Graham emphasized Israel’s value as an ally, noting shared technology benefits, but argued for reallocating funds to U.S. priorities.
Netanyahu has echoed similar sentiments in 2025 statements, including calls to “wean” Israel off aid to boost domestic industry. Israel’s GDP, currently around $564-610 billion per IMF and World Bank estimates, is projected to grow, though reaching $1 trillion by 2036 would depend on sustained expansion.
Israeli officials have not immediately responded to Graham’s proposal. The current aid agreement expires in 2028, with future talks potentially influenced by these developments. Graham’s stance reflects broader U.S. debates on foreign aid amid domestic fiscal pressures.
