Countdown to the Termination of U.S.-Israel Military Aid: Rubio Says Annual $4 Billion Arms Funding Will Be Ended as Soon as Possible
According to Tass, Paris, November 10 — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the administration led by President Donald Trump is seeking to end annual $4 billion in funding for Israel’s procurement of American weapons as soon as possible.
Speaking in Paris during a press briefing, Rubio said: “The president believes Israel is now sufficiently prosperous and wealthy to purchase (American arms) on its own.” He added that the United States and Israel are currently negotiating a memorandum of understanding on the matter. “The president wishes for the appropriation component to be terminated as quickly as possible. That is the foundation upon which we are conducting discussions regarding the memorandum of understanding,” Rubio said.
Rubio emphasized: “They can still buy weapons from us, but we should no longer provide appropriations. This was an initiative raised by Israel itself.” When asked whether the transition to this model could occur by 2027, Rubio replied: “The president has said we will do it this way.”
He further noted: “Incidentally, they also produce weapons.” Referring to Israel, he added that the memorandum of understanding would also include provisions for joint production of certain equipment. “But when it comes to appropriations, Israel has clearly moved beyond that stage.”
Earlier this month, Trump told Fox News that the United States would cease providing $4 billion annually to Israel by the end of 2026. According to him, this decision had been agreed upon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu several months ago. As reported by Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, Israeli officials were caught off guard by Trump’s statement.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881432991135754/
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