WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Trump said $4 billion in U.S. assistance to Israel will end at the close of the year.
  • The current security assistance agreement provides approximately $3.8 billion annually through 2028.
  • Netanyahu supports phasing out Israel’s reliance on American military aid, according to Trump.
  • Israel will remain able to purchase U.S. weapons after the assistance ends.

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that U.S. assistance to Israel will end at the close of the year. He argued that the prosperous country no longer needs American aid and can purchase its own weapons.

Trump delivered the announcement during an Election Day appearance on “Fox & Friends,” where he discussed the Middle East, his record and the crucial midterm elections.

“We were giving them $4 billion – we are – but it gets cut off at the end of the year,” Trump said. He described the support as military aid, cash, equipment or barter.

“I’m going to put it in any way you want to define it,” Trump said. “You can consider it barter. You can consider military aid or cash. It’s what we give them — $4 billion of things and money, and they don’t need it.”

Gun Laws Have Changed! Protect yourself by knowing where you can and cannot carry your firearm, so you can travel with confidence.

MORE NEWS: Jon Rahm Willing to Accept Penalties for PGA Tour Return

The current security assistance agreement between the U.S. and Israel provides approximately $3.8 billion each year through 2028. The timing and terms of any change to that agreement have not been detailed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously said he wants his country’s reliance on U.S. military assistance phased out. Trump said the two leaders have discussed ending the aid for years and that Netanyahu raised the proposal.

“I was approached by Bibi Netanyahu, and we’ve been talking about it for a couple of years because it’s a lot of money,” Trump said. “He brought it up. He said, ‘I think it would be appropriate if we do not receive aid.’”

Trump repeatedly argued that Israel has the resources to move forward without the annual assistance. He described Israel as “a very thriving country” while emphasizing the strength of the relationship.

Following recent reports that Congress is considering a nationwide voter ID requirement for federal elections, do you support requiring voters to show identification before casting a ballot?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

“They don’t need it,” Trump said. “Israel's our number one. We give them more than anybody else, and they no longer need it.”

The Election Day timing also carried an unmistakable political dimension. Trump pointed directly to Michigan’s battleground Senate contest between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers.

“Why should we suffer the slings from lunatics like an El-Sayed when they don't need it?” Trump said. El-Sayed has taken an aggressive position against providing aid to Israel.

Trump said the assistance had become a political target and that Netanyahu understood “this is one of their points of contention.” The president connected the decision to political attacks over continued American support for Israel.

Close

MORE NEWS: Jeffery Simmons Stifles Sam Darnold and Seahawks in Bears Debut

Netanyahu is also navigating a difficult election season as the balance of power in the Knesset remains dependent on the formation of a coalition government. His political future remains unsettled amid multifront wars involving terrorists and Iran.

Trump described the change as a new arrangement negotiated with Netanyahu, who approached him about eliminating the assistance. The proposal would end American aid while leaving Israel free to buy military equipment from the U.S.

Israel can still purchase U.S. weapons after the assistance ends, Trump stressed. The distinction means the planned cutoff concerns aid rather than Israel’s access to American military products through purchases.

Trump also tied the announcement to his administration’s 2024 campaign promises to curb free foreign aid and reduce government spending. He made the remarks just hours before voters were set to determine control of Congress for his final two years in office.

The president said the amount involved matters to his broader budget goals, declaring, “I'd love to be able to balance our budget.” He also argued that lower interest rates would help produce a balanced budget and criticized a Federal Reserve he described as populated by Obama and Biden people who refuse to do the right thing.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.