Netanyahu Views US Aid Cut as Shift to Partnership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Friday that the relationship between Israel and Washington is transitioning from receiving aid to a partnership. This marks the first comment from his office following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement to cease security assistance to Israel by the end of 2026.

Netanyahu remarked in an English post that U.S. military aid to Israel has always been bipartisan and used for self-defense against threats to America and the West. He added that Israel now possesses a strong and stable economy.

A statement from the Prime Minister's office indicated that the shift from aid to partnership between Netanyahu and President Trump demonstrates the strength, maturity, adaptability, and enduring nature of their relationship.

President Trump had announced last Tuesday that he and the Israeli Prime Minister had agreed to halt the annual U.S. security assistance to Israel, valued at approximately $3.8 billion, by the end of the current year. This decision reportedly surprised Israeli security officials, who had not yet received details or clarifications on its implications.

Israeli Public Broadcasting (Kan 11) quoted a senior security official at the time saying the announcement was unexpected, especially its timing. The official noted that the Defense Ministry and military were surprised by the President's statements, despite ongoing communication with Washington. He added that the implications of the decision, whose details have not yet reached professional bodies, would be studied.

Trump's remarks came during an interview with Fox News, where he stated that he and Netanyahu had reached an agreement months prior to stop the annual financial transfers, which he estimated at around $4 billion. He added that both sides agreed to stop payments, as Israelis are a prosperous nation and no longer need the transfers.