Why does Israel want to be less dependent on US weapons? | Inside Story

Benjamin Netanyahu says he's grateful to the US for its military aid but that it's time for Israel to build its own weapons production capacity. The Israeli prime minister's announcement comes as tensions grow over the US agreement with Iran. But also as demand soars for Israel's weapons. Israel's decades-long occupation and the genocide in Gaza allow it to market its products as "combat-proven". And business is booming. Its arms exports hit a record $19 billion last year. Supporters say that strengthens Israel's ability to stand on its own. Yet, independence comes at a price. Can Israel afford to lose its greatest ally? Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault Guests Alexandre Vautravers - Security and defence policy specialist Michael Mulroy - Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Antony Loewenstein - Author of "The Palestine Laboratory" Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://X.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook:   / aljazeera   Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page:   / aljazeeraenglish   Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #Israel #USIsrael #Netanyahu #MilitaryAid #ArmsExports #WeaponsTrade #DefenseIndustry #Gaza #Iran #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #Security #WarEconomy #MilitaryIndustry #CombatProven #AIWeapons #DonaldTrump #BenjaminNetanyahu #US #UnitedStates #AlJazeeraEnglish