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Donald Trump says the US will stop funding Israel ‘by the end of this year’
Donald Trump said the United States would stop providing Israel with annual funding of about $4 billion by the end of this year, while continuing to sell it weapons and offer help if needed. He presented the move partly as a way to remove a political issue Democrats have used to criticise Republicans, signalling a possible shift in a long-standing relationship.
Trump gave no details on how the funding would end, although the current agreement for $3.8 billion in annual military aid runs until September 2028. US public support for Israel has fallen, particularly among Democrats: a June Quinnipiac poll found 48 per cent of voters and 66 per cent of Democrats thought the US was too supportive, compared with 16 per cent and 20 per cent in 2017. The announcement comes amid uncertainty over Israel’s government and US elections, as debate over military aid and the war with Iran becomes more politically contentious.
In short
- Trump says annual US funding for Israel will end after this year.
- He says weapons sales and other help could continue.
- The existing military aid agreement runs until September 2028.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Ending annual aid could reflect changing public priorities and reduce a politically divisive commitment, while leaving arms sales and other support available when needed. Supporters may argue that Israel is a wealthy partner capable of financing more of its own defence, and that a change would encourage a more balanced relationship without abandoning its security.
The case against
Keeping the aid could be defended as a longstanding investment in Israel’s security and a way for the US to maintain influence and cooperation with a close partner in a volatile region. Opponents of ending it may argue that an abrupt shift, especially without a clear transition plan, could weaken deterrence and create uncertainty for both allies amid regional tensions.
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