Abdul El-Sayed Backs Ending US Military Aid to Israel, Calls for Arms Sales Halt

Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed on Wednesday endorsed President Donald Trump's plan to cease American military aid to Israel. El-Sayed, a Democrat who defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan, stated in an NPR interview that he believes the president is correct on this issue. However, the senator-elect wants to go further by stopping U.S. arms sales to Israel. He reiterated his accusations of "genocide" and "apartheid," charges that Israel denies. El-Sayed also called for a review of U.S. military support for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Pakistan, arguing that the funds should be spent domestically. President Trump announced Tuesday that he had reached an agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu months ago to end military aid by the close of 2026. Trump clarified, however, that Israel could still purchase weapons from the U.S. and receive assistance if needed. The specifics of this early termination remain unclear. The current memorandum of understanding allocates $3.8 billion annually through fiscal year 2028. Netanyahu had previously suggested a gradual reduction of aid over approximately ten years.