Israel should no longer receive billions of dollars in annual American military assistance because its economy is strong enough to stand on its own, U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday, announcing that the funding would end in 2027.
Speaking by phone to Fox News, Trump said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had raised the prospect of ending the aid, and that the two leaders had discussed it for several years.
“Israel is a thriving country, it doesn’t need this. If it did, we would continue,” Trump said. He added that Washington would maintain arms sales to Israel, its closest regional ally, even after the assistance program ends.
The existing agreement provides Israel with $3.8 billion annually in military financing through 2028. Signed in 2016 under then-President Barack Obama, the 10-year arrangement is the largest U.S. military aid commitment to any country.
AFSI Insight
President Trump’s announcement that the United States plans to end its annual military aid to Israel, while abrupt and more immediate than expected, underscores the importance of Israel becoming increasingly self-reliant in defending its sovereignty and national security. While a strong U.S.-Israel strategic partnership remains vital, Israel must never have its security decisions dictated by foreign financial considerations. Civilian aid was ended long ago. This military assistance has primarily benefited American defense industries and served U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East. AFSI believes Israel must maintain the freedom and military strength to defend itself, by itself, while preserving an alliance with America based on shared values and mutual interests. Important context: The existing U.S.-Israel military assistance agreement runs through 2028, and the precise timing and mechanics of Trump’s proposed change remain unclear.