Anti-Israel activists worry U.S. aid cut could free Jerusalem from Washington's leverage

Two of the most prominent anti-Israel voices in the United States, Richard Spencer and Nick Fuentes, are suddenly alarmed by the possibility that Jerusalem may give up U.S. military aid and become less dependent on Washington. In a clip from a conversation that resurfaced online after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to gradually reduce American assistance, the two warned that ending the funding would remove the “golden handcuffs” they believe have constrained Israel’s freedom of action.

The segment was recorded in December 2025, before Netanyahu formally unveiled the move. Spencer and Fuentes said that as long as Israel receives weapons and money from the United States, the administration and members of Congress can threaten to delay shipments or cut aid in order to pressure Israel to halt military operations and accept ceasefires. They argued that if the aid stops, progressive politicians such as Representative Ilhan Omar would lose one of their main tools for exerting pressure on Jerusalem.

Fuentes said an independent Israel would appear stronger and more dangerous to its opponents. He described Israel as a nuclear and technological power with cyber capabilities and expanding ties to Gulf states, and suggested it could become a strategic and economic hub linking the United States, China, Russia and India without being subject to Washington’s dictates.

Their comments now carry new meaning after Netanyahu said he intends to reduce U.S. military aid, currently about $3.8 billion a year, and end it completely within a decade. He said Israel should maintain security cooperation with the United States, but without direct financial dependence. The irony, the article notes, is that those who long campaigned to end aid in hopes of weakening Israel now fear they may have succeeded too well.