President Donald Trump announced plans to end a $3.8 billion annual security aid program for Israel, which was set to end in 2028. The agreement, signed in 2019 by former President Barack Obama, was a ten-year commitment for military assistance. Trump said Israel, a prosperous nation, does not need the aid, though he pledged to help if needed.
The decision comes as Trump faces critical midterms elections, with critics, including Democratic Senator Abdul El-Sayed, questioning the support for Israel. Trump cited concerns over U.S.-Israel relations, particularly after Israel's October 2023 attack on Gaza, which sparked deep divisions in America. Netanyahu had previously expressed a desire to eliminate the financial dependency.
The move reflects broader tensions in U.S. politics, with some factions criticizing Israel's actions. While Trump's administration has signaled a shift, the decision is seen as a strategic move rather than a change in policy. The financial commitment, which began in 2019, has been a key part of U.S.-Israel military cooperation, and its termination could impact future relations and security arrangements.