Trump Plans to End Military Funding for Israel by Year’s End

Trump’s Funding Announcement

Trump said the United States and Israel had agreed that US funding would end by the close of this year. He added that Washington would help Israel if it needed assistance, and argued that Israel no longer requires US support.

The president also said some politicians on the Left were using aid to Israel as a way to criticize Republicans. Netanyahu’s office had not immediately commented on Trump’s remarks.

Unclear Which Aid Is Affected

Trump did not identify the specific funding he meant. A memorandum of understanding from the Obama administration provides $3.8 billion in annual US military aid to Israel and is set to expire in 2028; discussions have been underway about continuing the funding.

In a May interview with CBS, Netanyahu said he hoped to reduce Israel’s reliance on US military support within a decade. In a June letter to a US congressman, he wrote that Israel should move from being an aid recipient to a partner.

Aid And Political Context

Israel has received more US aid cumulatively than any other country since its founding, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. The total exceeds $300 billion in inflation-adjusted economic and military aid since 1948.

At least $21.7 billion in military aid was transferred during the first two years after the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. Those attacks led to the Gaza war and preceded US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Netanyahu And Public Opinion

Netanyahu is seeking to remain in office after losing his majority in last week’s elections. Trump had endorsed him and said the United States might have to finish the fight against Iran alone if Israel had the wrong leader.