Netanyahu Confirms Gradual US Military Aid Cut
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that U.S. military aid to Israel will be gradually phased out, a move he stated is a transition to partnership. This initiative, proposed by Israel, aims to reduce aid to zero over five years. While initial reports suggested a complete cutoff, the aid is expected to be halved and concluded by 2028, with continued funding for joint defense system development. The move is seen as a reflection of the strong U.S.-Israel alliance.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced U.S. military aid to Israel will be gradually phased out.
- Netanyahu stated Israel's economy is strong enough to transition from aid to partnership.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the proposal originated from the Israeli side.
- Reports indicate aid will be halved and concluded within five years, not end this year.
- Negotiations are ongoing for a new military aid agreement before January.
- Funding for joint missile defense system development will continue.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that U.S. military aid to Israel will be gradually phased out. A statement from his office indicated that Netanyahu had previously stated in 1996 that Israel would cease receiving $1.3 billion in U.S. financial aid, a prediction that came to pass. He further asserted that Israel's economy is now robust enough to discontinue military aid as well, marking a transition from aid to partnership between the two nations.
Netanyahu had previously outlined this intention in May during an interview with "60 Minutes," expressing a desire to reduce U.S. financial aid to zero. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly confirmed these statements this week in Paris, noting that the proposal originated from the Israeli side. The Israeli government statement characterized this joint initiative between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump as a testament to the strong and adaptable alliance between the two countries.
Earlier reports from "Yedioth Ahronoth" suggested that U.S. military aid would not cease entirely by the end of the current year, contrary to a previous announcement by President Trump. Instead, the aid is expected to be halved and concluded within five years, with an increase in funding for air defense systems. Negotiations are reportedly underway between U.S. State Department and Israeli Ministry of Defense representatives to finalize a new military aid agreement before the new Congress is inaugurated in January.
Israeli negotiators were reportedly taken aback by Trump's initial announcement regarding the aid cutoff. However, a senior Israeli official speculated that Trump's statement was politically motivated, aimed at supporting a Republican candidate in Michigan. The plan reportedly involves reducing annual military aid from $3.3 billion over ten years to the same amount over five years, starting after the current agreement expires in 2028. Funds would be allocated for American-made weaponry, aircraft, and ammunition, alongside $500 million annually for joint development of missile defense systems like Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow.
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