‘They Don’t Need It’: Trump Says US to End $4 Billion Annual Aid to Israel by Year-End

US President Donald Trump has said Washington will end approximately $4 billion in annual assistance to Israel by the end of this year, arguing that the country no longer needs American financial support. The announcement has drawn criticism from Israeli opposition leader Yair Golan, who described the proposed move as a major setback for Israel's security.

Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Trump said the assistance would be discontinued at the end of the year.

“We were giving them $4 billion, but it gets cut off at the end of the year,” he said.

Explaining the decision, Trump described Israel as an economically successful country capable of financing its own military requirements.

“They don't need it. Israel is a very thriving country,” he said.

GOLAN CALLS MOVE A BLOW TO ISRAEL'S SECURITY

Reacting to Trump's remarks, Yair Golan, chairman of Israel's Democratic Party and a member of the anti-Netanyahu opposition bloc, criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the development.

In a post on X, Golan argued that the proposed withdrawal came at a particularly difficult time for Israel, which needs to replenish its weapons stockpiles and strengthen its air defence capabilities after a prolonged war.

“Precisely at a time when Israel's defence expenditures have reached enormous proportions, when Israel needs to replenish its offensive weapons stockpiles, and when its air defence capabilities have eroded after such a prolonged war—Netanyahu chalks up yet another colossal failure on his record,” Golan wrote.

He described the possible end of American assistance as “a severe blow to Israel's security and to the quality of life in the country”, arguing that the cost of meeting the country's defence requirements would ultimately fall on Israeli citizens.

“A responsible prime minister would fight to increase American aid, not dismantle it. Netanyahu is deepening the security and economic crisis and endangering Israel's future,” he added.

US-ISRAEL MILITARY ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT

The announcement comes against the backdrop of a longstanding US-Israel security assistance agreement that provides approximately $3.8 billion annually through 2028, according to Fox News. The arrangement includes $3.3 billion in foreign military financing and $500 million for missile defence cooperation.

Netanyahu has previously indicated that he wants to reduce Israel's dependence on American military assistance over the coming decade. In an interview with CBS News' 60 Minutes, he discussed the possibility of gradually moving away from US aid.

ISRAEL'S POLITICAL AND REGIONAL BACKDROP

The proposed change in American assistance comes amid continuing tensions over Iran and differences between Washington and Tel Aviv over how to approach Tehran.

According to Axios, Netanyahu had urged Trump to consider fresh military strikes against Iran after the US midterm elections, amid Israeli concerns over Washington's pursuit of a diplomatic solution with Tehran.

The development also comes as Israel's opposition parties seek to consolidate their challenge to Netanyahu. Leaders of the ‘Change and Repair’ bloc have reportedly rallied behind Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot as their candidate for prime minister and agreed to recommend him to President Isaac Herzog to form the country's next government.

With inputs from ANI