Trump says US military aid to Israel will end by year's close
President Donald Trump said in a phone interview with Fox News on US election day that Washington will end its annual military aid to Israel, worth nearly $4bn, at the end of this year. He said Israel does not need the funds, and the New York Times reported he described the move as part of an agreement reached months ago. Fox News quoted him as saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised the idea, and that Israel will still be able to buy US weapons.
Why it matters
US military aid has been a cornerstone of the Washington-Israel relationship for decades, so any change could affect arms and support dynamics across the region. The Guardian said the election-day timing appeared aimed at voters sceptical of US backing for Israel and the war in Gaza.
Background
US military aid to Israel is a recurring subject of debate in American politics. Trump's remarks come against the backdrop of the war in Gaza and divided American opinion over support for Israel, as The Guardian noted.
Key points
- The Guardian called the announcement a surprise and said it appeared aimed at voters sceptical of US support for Israel and the war in Gaza.
- According to The Guardian, Trump made the remarks in a phone interview with Fox News as voting began on Tuesday morning.
- The New York Times said the announcement showed how quickly the politics surrounding Israel in the United States have shifted.
How outlets covered it
The Guardian, The New York Times and Fox News agree on the core facts: Trump announced on election day that roughly $4bn in military aid would end by the close of the year. The Guardian stressed the political angle, calling the announcement a surprise that appeared aimed at voters sceptical of support for Israel, and quoting him as saying Israel does not "need" the money. The New York Times reported that he described the move as part of an agreement reached months ago, and placed it in the context of fast-shifting US politics on Israel. Fox News focused on his statement that Netanyahu raised the idea and that Israel can still buy US weapons. The material available from The New York Times and Fox News is limited to short excerpts.
How outlets headlined it
This is a brief summary. The full details and context are in the original coverage.
Read the full story at The GuardianFollow the story
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- Vance sends message to Iranian security chief to revive US-Iran talks
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- Khamenei orders military to respond without geographic limits as Trump holds off on decision
- Trump calls Netanyahu as US readies possible resumption of operations against Iran
- Five explosions heard on Iran's Qeshm Island near Strait of Hormuz
- Trump says US military aid to Israel will end by year's close
- Trump announces halt to US aid for Israel on election day, outlets report
In this story:United StatesIsrael
This summary was prepared with the help of AI based on the source's reporting and may contain errors. Spotted a mistake? Let us know
