JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he intends to phase out Israel’s reliance on U.S. military aid, drawing down the annual $3.8 billion in financial support to zero over the next decade.

In an interview broadcast on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Netanyahu said he has already conveyed the plan to President Donald Trump and to Israeli officials, some of whom reacted with surprise.

“I’ve said this to President Trump. I’ve said it to our own people. Their jaws dropped, but I said I want to draw down to zero the American financial support, the financial component of the military cooperation that we have — because we receive 3.8 billion dollars a year,” Netanyahu said.

“I think that it’s time that we weaned ourselves from the remaining military support,” he added. “I want to start now.”

Netanyahu indicated the process could move faster than a full 10 years but should begin immediately rather than wait for future congressional negotiations. He framed the move as reflecting Israel’s growing economic strength and advanced domestic defense industry, which he said has reduced the need for external assistance.

The current memorandum of understanding providing $3.8 billion in annual U.S. aid to Israel runs through 2028. American military assistance to Israel has long enjoyed strong bipartisan support in Washington.

Netanyahu has previously told The Economist and other outlets of his intention to taper off the aid, describing it as a sign of Israel’s maturity as a strategic partner.

No immediate reaction was available from the White House or U.S. lawmakers.