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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the nation to break free from its military reliance on the U.S. and establish its own weapons production capabilities, a move seen as a strategy to fortify Israel’s stance in its ongoing conflict with Iran.

Netanyahu expressed his views during a meeting with reserve combat officers in the West Bank’s Gush Etzion on Tuesday. While he acknowledged the support received from the U.S., he stressed the importance of Israel having an independent weapons-production system, reported the Times of Israel.

“…But today I say: We need our own independent weapons-production system. We must manufacture our own armaments,” said Netanyahu.

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The Prime Minister stated, “We are now confronting Iran and its proxies. We have struck them hard. It is not over yet, but it depends on our strength.” He further added that Israel’s position in the next 30 years would be determined by its strength and independence in armament capability.

IDF Strikes Amid Diplomatic Friction

On Tuesday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck an armed group it identified as terrorists near the Ali al-Tahir ridge in southern Lebanon, stating the operation was aimed at removing immediate threats and preventing Hezbollah from targeting Israeli civilians and forces.

🎯STRUCK: Armed terrorists who posed an immediate threat to IDF troops operating in the Security Zone in southern Lebanon.

Following the identification, the soldiers struck the terrorists in order to remove the threat. pic.twitter.com/9Ta7qMFPNP

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 23, 2026

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Meanwhile, Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel smuggled thousands of Starlink, Space Exploration Technologies Corp‘s receivers into Iran to help anti-government protesters maintain internet access and communications despite government restrictions, reported Reuters.

The remarks come as U.S.-Iran tensions rise and Israel worries Washington’s diplomatic efforts could constrain its military options. Earlier this month, U.S. intelligence reportedly warned that Israel might seek to undermine a potential U.S.-Iran agreement to maintain pressure on Tehran and bolster Netanyahu’s political standing.

Last week, Vice President JD Vance said that roughly two-thirds of the defensive weapons protecting Israel in recent months were supplied and funded by the U.S.

Earlier this month, Section 224 of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) emerged as a flashpoint in Congress. The provision would deepen U.S.-Israel military and defense-industry ties through joint research, weapons co-production, licensing agreements, and broader industrial integration. Despite bipartisan concerns, a congressional panel voted against removing the measure, allowing it to remain in the defense bill.

Image via Shutterstock

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