Israel Responds to Trump's Threat to Halt Aid

Three days after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that economic aid to Israel would be halted, the Prime Minister's Office issued a response solely in English via Twitter. The statement emphasized that U.S. military aid to Israel has "always been bipartisan." It also addressed criticism within the U.S. regarding aid transfers, asserting that "Israel has used it to defend itself and to confront enemies who threaten America and the West."

The Prime Minister's Office highlighted the evolving relationship between the U.S. and Israel, noting that "Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump's transition from aid to partnership illustrates the strength and sophistication of our relations, and their ability to adapt and stand the test of time." This suggests a shift from reliance on aid to a strategic partnership model, reflecting Israel's strong and stable economy.

In his interview with Fox News, Trump had announced, "We will stop the payments," claiming he had an agreement with Prime Minister Netanyahu months prior to cease the $4 billion annual payments. Trump stated that Israel no longer needed the funds due to its success and that the aid would end "by the end of the year."

However, the article notes that the existing 10-year aid agreement, signed during the Obama administration, is set to conclude in 2028, not 2026. Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously proposed a decade-long gradual cessation of aid to Trump. The Israeli Ministry of Finance was reportedly unaware of any immediate plans to cancel security assistance prior to Trump's statement, as the aid was a significant component of the defense budget for 2027 and 2028.