US President Donald Trump says Washington’s roughly $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel will be halted completely by the end of this year. He said the move reflects Israel’s growth into a strong state that no longer needs outside support.
Donald Trump made the announcement in an interview with Fox News. The US president said he had struck a deal with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu several months ago to end military aid to Israel.
Trump stressed that the decision was agreed by both sides and that Israel is not opposed to the move. He said it reflects the fact that the country can now fully sustain itself economically and militarily.
The US leader said Israel no longer needs outside assistance, which is why financial support will stop once the year is over.
At the same time, Trump said the United States stands ready to help Israel again in the future should the need arise. He described Israel as a loyal and reliable partner for Washington.
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