Trump and Netanyahu Agree to End US Military Aid, Herzog Says He Was Unaware
Donald Trump announced he agreed with Benjamin Netanyahu to halt US military aid to Israel by year's end, but Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was unaware of such a plan, calling the news "a bolt from the blue." Herzog expressed deep concern during a meeting, noting the current US-Israel memorandum of understanding runs until 2028. Israeli finance officials said they received no official notice, warning a sudden cutoff could mean an $8 billion loss over two years. Trump told Fox News that Israel's strong economy no longer requires the $4 billion annual aid, framing it as a mutual agreement. The announcement came on US midterm election day, as military aid to Israel grows increasingly unpopular among both American parties.