Israel is reportedly seeking to secure a sweeping 20-year Memorandum of Understanding with the United States, a dramatic extension beyond previous aid agreements and one that some analysts believe is aimed at locking in long-term American support as the political climate in Washington grows increasingly uncertain. With public backing for Israel slipping among segments of the U.S. electorate, particularly on the right, Israeli officials may see this moment as their best opportunity to cement a generational partnership before shifts in domestic politics limit future aid.
According to a report published Thursday by Axios, early-stage discussions between U.S. and Israeli officials have begun over a new security MOU that would replace the current 10-year agreement signed under the Obama administration in 2016. That pact, which guarantees Israel roughly $3.8 billion annually in military assistance, expires in 2028. Sources cited in the article said both sides hope to finalize the new deal sometime next year.
American and Israeli officials involved in preliminary talks told Axios that Israel is tailoring its pitch to better align with the political language and priorities of President Donald Trump and his voter base. This includes exploring a shift toward channeling more of the funding into joint research and development initiatives and tying elements of the package to the “Golden Dome” air defense project Trump has proposed building in the United States. The intent, according to officials, is to frame the agreement as mutually beneficial rather than a one-sided foreign aid commitment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly denied the Axios reporting in an interview Thursday, insisting that Israel seeks to reduce its reliance on American assistance. Despite this, many analysts believe such statements are aimed at domestic optics, while Israel simultaneously works behind the scenes to secure a long-term deal. With skepticism toward foreign aid rising among Republican voters and increasingly echoed by lawmakers, Israeli leaders may view the current Trump administration as the last reliably supportive government for years to come. That dynamic, observers argue, could be motivating Israel to pursue a 20-year agreement—far longer than past MOUs—to ensure enduring U.S. backing even if political trends in Washington continue to shift.