GOP Congressman Says Ending U.S. Military Aid Could Strengthen Israel

Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman of Indiana told N12 that his proposal to end U.S. military aid to Israel is being coordinated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Stutzman said Netanyahu backed the idea in a private conversation late last month, and that the prime minister described it as a step he has wanted to pursue for a long time.

The proposal, introduced last week, calls for a new memorandum of understanding between the two countries that would end Israel’s annual $3.8 billion in military assistance from Washington. Stutzman argued that the move would cut U.S. spending and signal that Israel is not dependent on America. He said, "It is important that Israel stand on its own two feet."

Stutzman said his support comes from both his conservative budget views and his belief that military aid fuels anti-Israel and antisemitic narratives in the United States. He said, "I am an American first," and that he wants to reduce U.S. expenses wherever possible. He acknowledged that canceling the aid would not eliminate antisemitism, but said it could reduce criticism from Americans who question why the money is still being sent.

The congressman said the current aid framework expires in 2028, and he expects the next memorandum to remove the aid entirely. He said talks are already underway among the U.S. State Department, the Israeli government, the White House, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and added that U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also supports a trade-based arrangement. Stutzman said he wanted to speak with Netanyahu before going public so the plan would not be seen as anti-Israel, but as a way to deepen ties through trade, defense cooperation, and private-sector links.