Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel needs to stop relying on US military assistance and instead develop its own weapons systems, Al Jazeera reports.

“I greatly appreciate the support we have received from our American friends, but we need to free ourselves from dependence and build our own independent armament system,” said Netanyahu while addressing troops last week, according to a video shared today by the Israeli premier’s office.

The comments come as Israel is under increasing pressure from the US to reel in its attacks on southern Lebanon, where it illegally occupies large swathes of territory.

Netanyahu has insisted Israeli troops will continue to occupy southern Lebanon and “demolish” Hezbollah infrastructure.