11.05.2026 07:11
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that they want the U.S.'s annual $3.8 billion military aid to Israel to end over time. Speaking to CBS, Netanyahu argued that Israel's economy has strengthened, saying "it's time to move from aid to partnership." Claiming that Iran is in its "weakest state," Netanyahu alleged that China supports Iran's missile production. He also stated that they have destroyed a large portion of Hezbollah's missile capacity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Major Garrett on the CBS program "60 Minutes." Netanyahu stated that Israel has a highly advanced, giant economy and expressed a desire to reduce U.S. financial aid to Israel, currently at $3.8 billion per year, and the "financial component of military cooperation" to zero.
"IRAN IS AT ITS WEAKEST NOW"
Netanyahu claimed that as a result of joint U.S. and Israeli attacks, Iran is currently "at its weakest," adding that many of Iran's facilities producing weapons and sustaining its economy have been destroyed.
Arguing that the current administration in Iran is not as strong as previous ones, Netanyahu said they are maintaining pressure and control over Iran, particularly through a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, in coordination with the U.S.
CHINA CLAIM: "IT SUPPORTED MISSILE PRODUCTION"
When asked whether China has supported Iran, Netanyahu responded, "China has provided a certain amount of support and some components for missile production. I didn't like that. But I can't say more than that."
"90% OF HEZBOLLAH'S MISSILES DESTROYED"
Referring to Israel's attacks on Lebanon, Netanyahu also claimed that Hezbollah had 150,000 missiles and rockets before the war, of which they have destroyed about 90%.
Netanyahu said that, separate from the ongoing talks between the U.S. and Iran, the "fight against Hezbollah" will continue.
"SOCIAL MEDIA MANIPULATED WITH BOTS"
Offering assessments on the decline of U.S. public support for Israel, Netanyahu argued that it is not related to his administration's policies.
Netanyahu said, "Several countries have manipulated social media using fake accounts and bot farms to break the American people's sympathy for Israel and to disrupt the U.S.-Israel alliance."
"TIME TO MOVE FROM AID TO PARTNERSHIP"
Stating that they want to end the $3.8 billion annual U.S. support to Israel, Netanyahu said, "Our economy is booming. After three years of war, our currency is stronger than it has been in the last 50 years, perhaps even longer."
Netanyahu stated, "I think it's time to end American military aid gradually, on an agreed-upon schedule, and move from aid to partnership."