Donald Trump said the United States would end its military aid to Israel at the end of 2026, making the announcement during a phone interview with Fox News on Tuesday, November 3, the day of the midterm elections. He offered no details about how the change would be carried out.
The current U.S.-Israel aid arrangement is a nonbinding, 10-year memorandum covering 2019 to 2028. It provides for $3.8 billion in military assistance each year.
Trump said the close relationship with Israel had become a liability in public debate, pointing to criticism from Abdul El Sayed, the Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan. He argued that Israel receives more U.S. aid than any other country and no longer needs it.
Trump also said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had suggested ending the assistance, describing the move as appropriate because the issue had become controversial. According to Trump, the two leaders reached the decision several months ago.
Sources: Le Monde International.