Trump says US will stop annual aid to Israel by year‑end

Trump declares end to annual US aid to Israel

In a telephone interview with Fox News on Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump said a deal reached “months ago” will see the United States stop providing $4 billion to Israel by the end of this year.

“We’ve already agreed that by the end of this year we won't be paying Israel,” Trump said. “Now we'll help Israel if they need it.”

The president did not specify which funds would be discontinued, though a memorandum of understanding that supplies $3.8 billion a year in military assistance is set to run until 2028.

The White House has been contacted for clarification, and the Israeli prime minister’s office has not yet commented.

Trump added that Israel no longer requires American financing, stating, “As far as paying Israel, Bibi Netanyahu and I have made a deal that we give Israel $4 billion a year, and we made a deal months ago that we're stopping.” He also blamed Democrats for using US aid to Israel as a “talking point” against Republicans.

He indicated that Israel could still purchase weapons from the United States if needed, but the specifics of any new procurement or investment arrangement remain vague.

In a prior interview with CBS, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed a desire to reduce US financial support to “zero” from the current $3.8 billion annual amount, suggesting a phased draw‑down over the next decade.

Since World War II, Israel has been the largest recipient of US foreign assistance, with a Congressional report last year tallying a total of $174 billion in non‑inflation‑adjusted aid.

While the US‑Israel relationship continues to enjoy bipartisan support, Democratic backing has shown signs of softening after the Gaza conflict began in October 2023.

As of now, the exact shape of future US‑Israel military financing remains uncertain, and the administration has not provided further details.