Trump Announces End to $4 Billion Annual US Military Aid to Israel, Citing Deal with Netanyahu

President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that an agreement has been finalized with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cease US military aid to Israel following the conclusion of the current year. During an interview with Fox News, Mr. Trump stated that this accord was reached several months ago, emphasizing his strong relationship with Israel. "Now, as far as paying Israel, Bibi Netanyahu and I have made a deal that we give Israel $4 billion a year, and we made a deal months ago that we're stopping," Mr. Trump explained. "They're fine with it." He also assured that the United States would provide assistance to Israel if needed.

This announcement was made on the morning of the US midterm elections, a strategic move by Mr. Trump to rally support for the Republican Party amidst historically low approval ratings. The election results are set to determine control of Congress for the final two years of his presidency. Should Democrats regain control of either the House of Representatives or the Senate, they could impede Mr. Trump's legislative agenda and initiate investigations into his administration's conduct. On Monday, Mr. Trump characterized the election as "the most important midterm, I believe, in our lifetime."

The decision comes at a time of diminishing support for Israel among Democrats and certain segments of Mr. Trump's own Republican base. Public opinion polls indicate a significant shift in American sentiment regarding Israel and US policy toward the nation. Military aid has faced increased scrutiny, particularly in the aftermath of the war in Gaza, which resulted in over 75,000 fatalities.

Mr. Trump attributed his decision, in part, to criticism from Democrats and left-wing politicians, specifically mentioning Abdul El-Sayed, an Egyptian American Senate candidate in Michigan. "Why should we suffer the slings from lunatics like El-Sayed when they don't need it? It's a bad talking point," he stated. Mr. El-Sayed has previously characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide and advocated for the termination of US military aid to the country, a message that has resonated with voters, especially younger Americans. Mr. Trump has frequently referred to Mr. El-Sayed as a "jihadist lunatic" during the campaign. "Because they don't need it," Mr. Trump reiterated regarding the cessation of aid, adding that Mr. Netanyahu had proposed the measure.