President Donald Trump announced on Election Day that the United States will end $4bn in military aid to Israel by the end of the year, a move aimed at addressing criticism from political opponents. The decision, which was made public during a Fox News interview, marks a significant shift in US foreign policy toward Israel.
In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump stated that the abrupt ending of aid was proposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He claimed that the decision was made to avoid criticism from vocal candidates like Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, who has been a vocal critic of US support for Israel.
The announcement comes at a critical time following Netanyahu's party losing its majority in the Knesset and the opposition's efforts to form a new coalition. Israeli officials were taken by surprise, with opposition leaders criticizing Netanyahu for damaging the US-Israel relationship. The move is expected to have broader implications for Israel's security and economic stability.
Israeli officials and opposition leaders expressed concern over the decision, with some calling it a dangerous move that could jeopardize Israel's future. The change in US policy is likely to have significant consequences for the strategic relationship between Israel and the United States.