US Military Aid Cutoff by Trump Sparks Israeli Concern
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Professor Eitan Gilboa expressed concern over President Trump's announcement to end US military aid to Israel two years early, from 2028 to 2026. While Gilboa believes the aid model needs reform, he suggests negotiating a new strategic partnership agreement instead of relying on aid. He worries about future congressional support for Israel and urges a long-term accord to ensure continuity in defense planning and strategic relations.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Professor Eitan Gilboa is concerned about President Trump's early termination of US military aid to Israel.
- The current $3.8 billion annual aid package was set to end in 2028 but Trump announced an end in 2026.
- Gilboa suggests replacing the aid model with a new strategic partnership agreement.
- He links Trump's announcement to the US midterm elections and aid becoming a political issue.
- Gilboa fears the next US Congress may be less supportive of aid to Israel.
- He urges negotiating a new long-term agreement before the current one expires.
Professor Eitan Gilboa, an expert on Israel-US relations, has voiced concerns over President Donald Trump's announcement regarding the early termination of American military aid to Israel. While Gilboa believes it is time to revise the aid model, he finds the manner and timing of Trump's declaration troubling. The current military aid agreement, signed in 2016 and set to expire in 2028, provides $3.8 billion annually, including $500 million for missile defense systems, which Gilboa notes also serves US security interests.
Gilboa suggests Trump's announcement, which stated the aid package would end in 2026 instead of 2028, was linked to the US midterm elections. He points out that the aid has become a contentious issue, with critics arguing it diverts funds from domestic needs and even finances Israeli military actions. Gilboa also referenced a video campaign in Michigan criticizing US taxpayer support for Israel.
However, Gilboa advocates for a fundamental shift in the US-Israel security relationship, moving away from the term "aid." He proposes establishing a new strategic agreement based on existing US legislation that mandates maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge. This new framework would govern Israeli defense procurement in the US and military cooperation, recognizing Israel as a strategic partner that contributes to US security through joint weapons development, intelligence sharing, and logistical support.
Gilboa stresses the importance of honoring the existing ten-year agreement until its expiration in 2028 while simultaneously negotiating a new, long-term accord. He fears that the upcoming composition of Congress could hinder consensus on future support for Israel, particularly with the rise of progressive and social democratic elements critical of aid. He notes that Trump has a limited window to negotiate with the current Congress before the new one convenes, but completing the practical and technical aspects of a new agreement within such a short timeframe is challenging.
Gilboa contrasts Trump's abrupt announcement with Prime Minister Netanyahu's previous discussions about a gradual, decade-long transition of the aid model. He emphasizes the need for clarification on agreements and their implementation. Looking further ahead, Gilboa believes that securing a new, long-term strategic agreement during Trump's presidency is crucial, as the political landscape in the US may shift significantly after his term ends.
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