US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Washington would stop providing approximately $4 billion in annual funding to Israel by the end of this year, claiming he had reached an agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu several months ago.
Speaking during an interview with Fox News’ Fox & Friends, Trump said Israel no longer required the financial assistance and that the decision would address criticism from Democrats and left-wing politicians over continued American support for the country.
“Now, as far as paying Israel, Bibi Netanyahu and I have made a deal that we give Israel $4bn a year, and we made a deal months ago that we’re stopping,” Trump told the broadcaster.
“We’ve already agreed that by the end of this year we won’t be paying Israel. Now we’ll help Israel if they need it.”
The president suggested that the continued provision of US funding to Israel had become a political issue, with Democratic and left-wing critics using the assistance to challenge Republican policies.
Trump’s remarks indicate a potentially significant change in Washington’s financial relationship with Israel, one of the largest recipients of American military assistance.
However, he did not provide details about how the agreement would be implemented, which funding programmes would be affected or whether the proposed reductions would require congressional approval.
There was no immediate response from Netanyahu’s office confirming the reported agreement.
Trump also left open the possibility of future American assistance, saying Washington would continue to help Israel if necessary.
The announcement raises questions about the future of US financial commitments to Israel, although the precise scope and legal status of the reported agreement remain unclear.