Trump says US will end military aid to Israel as Americans vote in midterms
US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Washington will stop providing Israel with approximately $4 billion in annual military aid starting in 2027, as Americans head to the polls for midterm elections.
Trump explained that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had proposed the change, which they had been discussing for about two years. Unlike many European nations, the US has no electoral silence period, allowing politicians to make campaign announcements on election day.
Netanyahu's Response
Netanyahu's office has not yet commented on the announcement. However, Gadi Eisenkot, a political rival, criticized the lack of direct communication, stating it was dangerous that Israel's defense establishment learned of the policy change through media reports.
It was dangerous that Israel's defence establishment had learned of the change through the media, and called for the prime minister to be replaced.
Current Aid Agreement
The current 10-year, $38 billion military aid agreement between the US and Israel was signed in 2016 under President Barack Obama and is set to continue until 2028. Trump's announcement would effectively end this arrangement a year earlier than scheduled.
Gulf Tensions Escalate
Tehran had delivered a 'firm and rational response' to Washington and that it was now up to the US to prevent renewed war.
The announcement coincides with rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, where US officials confirmed defensive strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island, with Tehran claiming to have given a 'firm and rational response' to Washington.
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