US to halt annual aid to Israel, Trump announces

“They don’t need it,” Trump told Fox & Friends earlier in the day.

He elaborated, “We give them more than anybody else, and they no longer need it. We’ve been doing it for years. I’ve been doing it, but Israel is a very thriving country. They don’t need it.”

The president attributed the decision to a suggestion from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, potentially to preempt criticism from Democrats regarding US funding for Israel.

“He brought it up. He brought it up,” Trump said. “He said, ‘I think it would be appropriate if we do not receive aid,’ because he understands that this is one of their points of contention.”

Trump characterized the aid as a valuable talking point for “lunatics on the left,” referencing Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who has frequently addressed the issue.

“You take that off the table,” Trump stated.

Despite the change in aid, Trump confirmed that Israel will continue to be able to purchase American weaponry.

“Oh yes, they can buy whatever they want,” he affirmed.

The president also highlighted the recent establishment of US Patriot and Tomahawk missile factories during the interview, as voters prepare to elect members of Congress.

The current agreement, signed in 2016, provides Israel with $3.8 billion annually through fiscal year 2028. It remains unclear if the “end of the year” timeframe indicates an early termination of the existing agreement.