Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that Israel plans to invest over $100 billion in its domestic arms industry over the next decade, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign weapons suppliers – a lesson drawn from recent conflicts.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for Israeli Air Force pilots, Netanyahu said he had approved a long-term funding plan totaling approximately 350 billion shekels (around $108 billion) to strengthen Israel’s independent production of munitions and military systems.

“We want to reduce our dependence on all players, including friends,” Netanyahu stated, referring to restrictions some allies have placed on weapons sales to Israel since the Hamas attack on Simchas Torah 5784.

As reported by Anash.org, Netanyahu has already signaled a shift toward dramatically reshaping Israel’s defense policy. Several months ago, he stated that Israel is poised to move toward “much greater independence” and expects to announce a plan to reduce reliance on U.S. funding, including the $4 billion annual security aid package that has long served as a central pillar of U.S.–Israel ties.

In a closed-door meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in May, Netanyahu reportedly told lawmakers, “I think we will need to wean ourselves off American military aid,” according to Maariv.

For half a century – dating back to the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War – the United States has provided Israel with billions in annual defense assistance. Under the current terms, however, almost the entire sum must be spent on American-made weapons, effectively subsidizing the U.S. defense industry. Israeli officials now argue that this model no longer reflects today’s realities: Israel’s economy has expanded significantly, global weapons technology has evolved, and political resistance to the aid package is growing in Washington.

“People call it aid,” one senior official told Israel Hayom, “but in reality, these have been cooperative frameworks for years. Israel is worth five CIAs to the U.S. The money comes from American taxpayers but cycles right back into the U.S. economy. It may be time to move to something different.”

The debate comes amid what Maariv has described as “a relationship in crisis” between Israel and Washington. Once regarded as one of the strongest alliances in the world, the partnership has frayed in recent years, with some U.S. administrations taking steps that blindsided Israeli leadership.

According to officials familiar with ongoing discussions, Israel is now exploring an entirely new framework- shifting away from traditional “aid” toward a genuine strategic partnership. Instead of direct financing, the emerging model would emphasize joint weapons development, shared military technologies, and expanded co-production agreements.

Netanyahu also highlighted that global demand for Israeli defense technology continues to grow, with multiple countries seeking Israeli-made systems despite political tensions.

Without naming specific nations, he added that Israel would take action to prevent adversaries from acquiring advanced fighter aircraft that could threaten its security. Netanyahu emphasized that maintaining air superiority remains central to Israel’s defense strategy, relying on both skilled pilots and cutting-edge aircraft.

Decades before today’s leaders began voicing concerns, the Rebbe was already calling for Israel to wean itself off American military support. While Israel presents itself as a sovereign state, the Rebbe warned that its deep dependence on the United States – especially for weapons and strategic backing – left it functioning like a client state, compromising its long-term security.

At a farbrengen on Chanukah in 5730 (1970), the Rebbe said real independence means not relying on any one country, no matter how friendly. The Rebbe urged Israel to cultivate relationships with other nations that share its values and to avoid becoming overly dependent on American support.

The Rebbe placed particular focus on military self-reliance, consistently urging Israel to strengthen its domestic defense industry and diversify its sources of weaponry. Relying solely on U.S. arms, he warned, would leave Israel vulnerable to political pressure, such as when American administrations condition aid on policy concessions or restrict how certain weapons can be used. A diversified defense posture, the Rebbe argued, would not only enhance Israel’s resilience but also strengthen its negotiating position with the United States.

One notable example was the Lavi fighter jet project of the 1980s – a cutting-edge Israeli aircraft that could have positioned Israel as a global defense innovator. Despite its technical success, the Lavi was scrapped under intense U.S. pressure, largely due to fears it would compete with American jets in the international market. The Rebbe saw this as a historic mistake: the project represented a real opportunity for Israel to free itself from dependence on foreign weaponry.

Now that Israel is beginning to publicly question its dependence on the U.S., the Rebbe’s message remains more relevant than ever. The only real way to secure Israel’s future is through self-reliance and a broad, independent strategy – not by leaning on any outside power. Until that goal is fully achieved, Israel must take a firm, principled stand on its security needs, regardless of U.S. or other external pressure. An unshakable commitment is the only way to deter pressure and protect Israel’s security.