Trump Announces End to Billions in U.S. Military Aid to Israel

U.S. President Donald Trump has made a major foreign policy announcement amid critical Congressional elections, declaring that Washington will halt its annual $4 billion military assistance package to Israel by the end of the year, reports Reuters.

However, as reported by Reuters, the United States will continue commercial arms sales to its key Middle Eastern ally.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump explained that the decision was reached in agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. President stated that Israel no longer urgently requires the financial aid, claiming that left-wing Democrats have used the funding as political leverage against Republicans.

"It's a bad excuse. As far as aid to Israel is concerned, Netanyahu and I agreed months ago to wrap up this funding. The payments will cease by the end of the year, though we remain ready to assist if necessary," Trump noted.

The announcement sparked immediate political backlash within Israel. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot strongly criticized Netanyahu, accusing the government of compromising national security and expressing outrage over learning of such a crucial strategic shift through news outlets.

Recent public opinion polls indicate growing opposition within the American electorate - particularly among Democrats and elements of Trump's own supporter base - oward continued military aid to Israel. Political analysts suggest that Trump deliberately timed the statement for Election Day to maximize political momentum among voters.