US Military Aid to Israel to Be Halved, Phased Out by 2033
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
The United States and Israel are finalizing a new agreement to gradually reduce military aid, phasing it out completely by 2033, according to Yedioth Ahronoth. Direct aid will decrease from $33 billion over ten years to $16.5 billion over five years, starting in 2028. However, U.S. contributions to joint air defense system development are expected to increase. Both countries hope to secure the deal before the end of the year.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- US military aid to Israel will be reduced by half and phased out by 2033.
- The current ten-year aid package of $33 billion will be replaced by $16.5 billion over five years.
- Reductions will begin in 2028, with aid disappearing completely by 2033.
- US funding for joint Israeli air defense system development is expected to increase.
- The new agreement aims to replace Donald Trump's earlier announcement of ending aid by 2026.
- Israel hopes to finalize the deal before the end of the year to avoid complications with a new US administration.
The United States is reportedly planning a significant reduction and eventual phase-out of its military aid to Israel, according to a report by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. Contrary to previous announcements by former President Donald Trump, a new agreement is being finalized that would gradually decrease direct military assistance starting in 2028, with the aid disappearing entirely by 2033. The current ten-year aid package, valued at $33 billion, would be reduced to $16.5 billion over five years. This reduction primarily affects the annual $3.3 billion allocated for purchasing American military equipment such as fighter jets, helicopters, and munitions.
In parallel, the U.S. is expected to increase its funding for the joint development of Israeli air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow programs. This contribution, currently at $500 million annually, is intended to bolster defenses against missile and drone threats and enhance technological cooperation. The specific amount for this increased funding has not yet been determined.
This proposed agreement contrasts sharply with statements made by Donald Trump, who had indicated an end to U.S. aid by the close of 2026. Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Trump's announcement surprised Israeli officials involved in the negotiations. The discussions are being led by U.S. teams associated with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and, on the Israeli side, by representatives from the Defense Ministry and the embassy in Washington.
Both nations aim to finalize the new memorandum of understanding before the end of the year. This timeline is crucial to submit the agreement to the current Congress before the new Democratic majority takes office in January, as Israeli officials are concerned that a change in administration could complicate future funding approvals. No definitive agreement has been officially announced yet.
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