Photo: JACK GUEZ / AFP / Getty Images
President Donald Trump announced that the United States will stop providing $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of this year. He made the announcement during an interview with Fox News on Tuesday (November 3), as reported by NBC News. Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had suggested the idea, noting that Israel is a successful country and does not need the aid.
Trump's comments come amid the midterm elections, where U.S. aid to Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza have been significant issues for voters. He mentioned that the decision to halt aid was partly influenced by political considerations, as the $4 billion payment has been a point of contention among Democrats, particularly those critical of U.S. foreign policy.
The announcement has sparked reactions, with some viewing it as a potential shift in U.S.-Israel relations. According to AP News, Trump emphasized that while the aid would stop, the U.S. would still support Israel if needed. He described the aid as a significant expenditure for the U.S., suggesting that Israel no longer requires it.
A spokesperson for Netanyahu stated they were unaware of the details of Trump's announcement but would seek clarification. The decision has also been met with criticism from some of Netanyahu's political opponents, who argue that ending the aid could harm Israel's security.
The U.S. has provided substantial military aid to Israel over the years, with a memorandum of understanding set to expire in 2028. Discussions have been ongoing about the future of U.S. assistance to Israel beyond that date. The announcement has also impacted oil prices, with Brent crude oil falling by more than 3% following Trump's comments, as noted by Al Jazeera.