Donald Trump issues bombshell deadline to Israel
Donald Trump said the United States will stop its roughly $4 billion in annual funding to Israel after December 31, claiming he struck a deal months earlier with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mr Trump told Fox News on Tuesday morning as midterm voting got underway: "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."
TL;DR
- Donald Trump announced the U.S. will stop $4 billion in annual funding to Israel after December 31.
- Trump claims this was agreed upon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The reason cited is that Israel has become a "very thriving country".
- The U.S. will still "help Israel if they need it", suggesting potential emergency aid.
- Details of the alleged deal are unclear, and Israeli officials have not confirmed it.
- The announcement was made on midterm election day, potentially impacting political campaigns.
- Critics question the practicalities, as the current memorandum of understanding extends until 2028 and requires formal negotiation for early termination.