Rubio: "Israel can purchase weapons from us, we won't have to fund it anymore"

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that Israel has attained a level of economic prosperity that permits it to purchase American weapons without necessitating financial aid from the United States. According to Rubio, "Israel is now prosperous and rich enough to be able to be a sales country. They can buy weapons from us, but we no longer have to provide the financing." He further added that "it's something the Israelis themselves have offered us."

When asked if Israel was prepared to fund its own defense acquisitions beginning in 2027, Rubio affirmed that "that's what the president said we're going to do. So, ultimately, I think they could if they wanted to, yeah, absolutely."

Rubio underscored that Israel has achieved a level of economic development where it no longer requires the same financial assistance from Washington. "On the question of financing, I think Israel has clearly graduated beyond that," he stated.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump disclosed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had personally suggested ceasing nearly $4 billion in annual American aid to Israel. Trump recounted this during an interview with Fox News' Fox & Friends. He stated that the two leaders had agreed on an understanding several months ago, under which the assistance would terminate by December 2026. Trump clarified that Israel would continue to have the option to buy American weapons, and could receive supplementary aid if required.