Netanyahu: US Aid Cut Shows Strength of Alliance
תומצת מתוך Channel 13 על ידי baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the US decision to halt financial aid demonstrates the strength of the US-Israel alliance and a transition to partnership. This move, initiated by Israel, aligns with Netanyahu's long-term goal to phase out aid. However, Israel's defense establishment was reportedly blindsided by the announcement, raising concerns about future military procurements and joint projects. Critics, like Gadi Eisenkot, accused Netanyahu of endangering national security and failing to be transparent with the public.
הידיעה ב-5 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the US aid cut illustrates the strength of the US-Israel alliance.
- The decision to halt aid was reportedly proposed by Israel and aligns with Netanyahu's goals.
- Israel's defense establishment was reportedly unaware of the aid cut, causing surprise.
- Concerns exist about the impact on future military procurement and joint defense projects.
- Critics accuse Netanyahu of endangering national security and lacking transparency.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded Wednesday to US President Donald Trump's announcement of a halt to American financial aid, stating that the move "illustrates the strength of the alliance" between the two countries. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office emphasized that Israel has a strong economy and that the transition from aid to partnership is a significant step. Netanyahu had previously stated in 1996 that Israel would gradually cease US financial aid, then totaling $1.2 billion, a commitment he fulfilled. Thirty years later, he indicated Israel's economy was robust enough to also phase out military aid.
Netanyahu had outlined this direction in May during an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes," expressing a desire to reduce US financial aid to zero. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed this in Paris, noting it was "a step the Israelis themselves proposed to us."
Netanyahu's remarks come three days after Trump's initial announcement. In a prior English statement, Netanyahu acknowledged that US military aid to Israel had always enjoyed bipartisan support and was used for self-defense and to counter threats to America and the West.
The US announcement reportedly surprised Israel's defense establishment, which was unaware of such understandings. A senior IDF official described Trump's announcement as "falling on the defense establishment like a thunderclap," warning of impacts on the procurement of fighter jets, combat helicopters, and advanced munitions. Another security source expressed uncertainty about whether Trump would truly cancel the agreement, which is valid until 2028, or halt joint projects for the "Arrow," "Iron Dome," and "David's Sling" missile defense systems.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of "Yashar," criticized Netanyahu's handling of the situation, calling it a "real danger" and stating that the prime minister cannot be trusted. He argued that the defense establishment and the public learning about changes in the strategic relationship through the media demonstrates Netanyahu's failure to be truthful with Israeli citizens and demanded immediate answers.
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