Breaking
US President Donald Trump announced on the morning of the midterm elections that the United States will end its $4 billion annual military aid package to Israel by the end of 2026. The announcement reportedly surprised Israeli officials, as the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) governing military assistance is not scheduled to expire until the following year.
The timing of the announcement—coinciding with US midterm elections—drew particular attention. Israeli officials have not formally commented on the decision, though former Defence Minister Moshe Eisenkot publicly demanded answers regarding the implications of the aid reduction.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet issued an official statement in response to Trump’s announcement. The decision represents a significant shift in US-Israel military cooperation and comes amid ongoing security challenges facing Israel in the region.
The $4 billion annual military aid package is one of the largest components of US defence assistance to Israel and has been a cornerstone of bilateral military cooperation for decades.
Sources: Walla, Times of Israel
Update 21:01: Multiple Israeli sources (Ynet) report on this developing story with political responses from opposition
Update 21:15: Major development in US-Israel strategic partnership
Update 22:01: Trump has announced the end of US military aid to Israel, shocking Israeli defence officials. The move threatens the fundamental relationship between Israel and the American defence establishment.
