Netanyahu Says Israel Should Phase Out US Aid Over Decade

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Channel 14's Patriots program that Israel should begin a 10-year phaseout of American aid, saying he appreciates the assistance but wants Israel to finance itself as its economy nears $1 trillion. C14 and Bhol quote him saying the process can begin in the coming year, while CBS's May transcript records the same decade-long target for drawing U.S. financial support down to zero. Times of India and Rediff report the statement as a call to end dependence on U.S. aid. Strategic self-reliance should strengthen, not weaken, the U.S.-Israel alliance: Israel can stand on its own while cooperating with America against Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah.