The historic US move that will fundamentally change relations with Israel

One of the oldest and most central alliances in the world is facing a historic turning point. Faced with heavy political pressure from both sides of the political map in the US and the approaching expiration date of funding agreements, the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are promoting a dramatic outline: ending the transfer of annual grants of billions of dollars, and moving to a model of strategic and industrial partnership that combines the joint development of weapons and technology, as reported yesterday (Wednesday) in the New York Times.

As part of the bills placed on the table of Congress, a special office is planned to be established in the US Department of Defense that will be tasked with strengthening military-technological cooperation between the countries — similar to successful projects in the past such as the development of the Iron Dome and David's Sling systems. Alongside this, a separate bill is being promoted intended to expand the sharing of intelligence information between the countries, as long as it does not endanger American national security.

The move has received support from lawmakers from both parties, as well as from House member Marlin Stutzman, who presented an initiative to end the existing aid agreement that grants billions every year, and replace it with mutual commercial and economic relations.

Supporters of the plan argue that it will turn the relationship into an equal partnership that will benefit the economy and security of both countries, and will free up the need for constant annual budget approval in Congress. Conversely, many opponents warn that a legal obligation for too close cooperation could give a foreign government significant influence over US weapons systems and even harm its sovereignty.

The emerging change comes after public and political support in the US for continuing the transfer of funds to Israel has eroded in recent years, mainly against the backdrop of broad political criticism and deep generational gaps between young and older voters. The question of continued aid has become a focus of stormy political confrontations in Congress, and now — alongside President Trump's demand from allies to demonstrate greater independence in their security — the leaders are trying to find a creative solution that will maintain the close security relationship without relying on direct grant money.