US to end $4 billion annual aid to Israel by 2027, says Trump
President Donald Trump stated that Washington will stop annual financial assistance to Israel while continuing to sell military hardware to the country.
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States will stop providing $4 billion in annual aid to Israel starting in 2027. Speaking during a phone interview with Fox News on the day of the US midterm elections, Trump said the decision follows discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that have lasted for a couple of years.
According to The Indian Express, Trump noted that Netanyahu had approached him regarding the proposal. Trump described Israel as a thriving nation that no longer requires American financial assistance, suggesting the arrangement could be viewed as a barter of cash for military hardware.
The President indicated that while the annual payments will cease, the US will continue to sell weapons to Israel. He also mentioned that the funding had become a point of contention for Democratic candidates, specifically naming Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Yair Golan, the Democratic Party Chairman in Israel, criticised the move on X. Golan stated that the decision comes at a time when Israel's defence requirements are high and its air defence capabilities have been eroded by a prolonged war.
The current security assistance agreement, which began in 2019, provides Israel with approximately $3.8 billion annually until 2028. Trump also jokingly remarked during the interview that he could move to Israel and become prime minister due to his high approval rating there.