From the Liveblog of
Friday, June 5, 2026
Israel, US launch talks on new defense framework aimed at transition from aid to ‘reciprocal partnership’
Nava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.
The Defense Ministry and the US Trump administration have launched formal talks on a new security cooperation framework to replace the current ten-year memorandum of understanding signed under the Obama administration, which is set to expire in 2028, according to a statement from the ministry.
An inaugural meeting between the sides was held this week, and further sessions are planned in both countries in the coming weeks, according to the statement, which says that Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram and Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter will lead the Israeli team. US State Department Counselor Daniel Holler and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will lead the American team.
The new framework “is designed to strengthen the IDF’s qualitative military edge through expanded joint investment in research, development and co-production, deepen the US-Israel partnership demonstrated during [the 2026 US-Israeli campaign against Iran] Operation Roaring Lion, and gradually transition from aid to a completely reciprocal partnership,” according to the statement.
The last MOU, a 10-year deal signed in 2016 that went into effect two years later, granted Israel $3.8 billion per year in military aid, much of it to purchase US-made arms.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said he seeks to end US military aid to Israel within a decade, amid division within the Republican voter base over the issue, and following frustrations during the Gaza war when several allies, including the Biden administration, halted arms supplies, which held up the transfer of some munitions.
The Times of Israel Community.