Does Guaranteeing Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge Still Serve U.S. Interests?

In January 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in an interview with the Economist that he aimed to "taper off" or potentially end the $3.8 billion in military aid from the United States. He also claimed that Israel is fighting to defend all "western civilisation" from "fanatic forces" seeking to revert society to the early Middle Ages. This statement contrasts with previous reports suggesting Netanyahu intended to renew military assistance.