Rubio: Israel Can Purchase US Weapons Without American Financial Aid

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Israel has become economically prosperous enough to purchase American weapons without relying on U.S. financial assistance, signaling a potential shift in Washington's military financing arrangements with its ally.

Speaking on Monday, Rubio said Israel had "graduated beyond" the need for financial aid, while emphasizing that it could continue purchasing military equipment from the United States without Washington providing the funding.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Rubio described the transition as "something the Israelis themselves have offered us."

Asked whether Israel would be prepared to fully finance its own defense purchases starting in 2027, Rubio confirmed that this was the direction outlined by the U.S. president.

"Well, that's what the president said we're going to do. So, ultimately, I think they could if they wanted to, yeah, absolutely," Rubio said.

The proposed shift would move Israel away from receiving U.S. foreign military financing toward purchasing American military equipment with its own funds, while maintaining its access to U.S. defense technology and weapons.

The remarks come amid broader calls by the Trump administration for wealthier allies to assume greater responsibility for financing their own defense capabilities.

Rubio's comments also come as Washington continues diplomatic efforts across the Middle East. He recently discussed regional developments with international counterparts at the G7, including concerns surrounding the International Criminal Court and ongoing regional security issues.

Meanwhile, on October 17, Rubio said Washington was "very disturbed" by videos showing violence against civilians and journalists in the occupied West Bank. He added that the United States had urged Israeli authorities to crack down on extremist settler violence.