US military aid to Israel is ultimately not expected to be eliminated at the end of the year, as Donald Trump had announced. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, a new agreement would provide for its gradual reduction starting in 2028.
Additionally, information published Monday by the Israeli daily, US and Israeli teams are currently finalizing the terms of a new memorandum of understanding. Direct military aid would shift from $33 billion over ten years to $16.5 billion over five years, before being phased out entirely in 2033.
This development would primarily affect the $3.3 billion paid to Israel each year for the purchase of American military equipment, including fighter jets, helicopters, and ammunition.
The US midterm elections and their impact US military aid to Israel
However, the United States is expected to increase its contribution to the joint development of Israeli air defense systems, currently set at $500 million per year. This funding supports, among others, the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow programs.
The increase would aim to address the growing threat from missiles and drones while strengthening technological cooperation between the two countries. The proposed amount has not yet been specified.
This new arrangement contrasts with statements by Donald Trump, who said last week that he had agreed with Benjamin Netanyahu to end US aid by the end of 2026. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the announcement surprised the Israeli officials in charge of the negotiations.
On the US side, the talks are being conducted by teams associated with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and on the Israeli side by representatives of the Defense Ministry and the embassy in Washington.
The two countries hope to finalize their agreement before the end of the year so that it can be submitted to the current Congress before the new Democratic majority takes office in January. Israeli officials fear that the change in majority could complicate approval of future military funding. However, no final agreement has yet been announced.