By Islam El-Sakka
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States will stop providing funding to Israel by the end of 2026, following a new agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Deal with Netanyahu
Speaking on Fox News' "Fox and Friends," Trump stated that he and Netanyahu had made a deal months ago to give Israel $4 billion annually but agreed to cease payments by year's end. "Now we'll help Israel if they need it," Trump added, arguing that Israel no longer requires Washington's support.
Funding Details Unclear
It was not immediately clear which specific funding Trump referenced. An Obama-era memorandum of understanding provides $3.8 billion in annual military aid to Israel and expires in 2028. Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment on Trump's remarks.
Shift in Israeli Policy
Netanyahu has previously indicated a desire to reduce Israel's reliance on US military aid. In a May interview with CBS, he said he hoped to wean Israel off US military support within a decade, and in a June letter to a US congressman he wrote that the time had come for Israel "to move from aid recipient to partner."
Political Context
Trump's announcement comes as he faces pressure to end the unpopular war in Gaza ahead of US midterm elections that will determine control of Congress for the final two years of his presidency. Public support for Israel has declined since the 2023 Gaza war, particularly among Democrats. A June Quinnipiac University poll found 48% of voters and 66% of Democrats believe the US is too supportive of Israel, up from 16% and 20% in 2017.
