Trump says US will halt about $4 billion in annual aid to Israel
Trump says he and Netanyahu agreed months ago to stop the transfers, adding that Israel no longer needs the money.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday an agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end annual U.S. financial support to Israel by the end of this year, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
Trump made the remarks in an interview on Fox News, saying the two leaders had reached the arrangement months ago.
WAFA put the annual support at about $3.8 billion, while Trump estimated it at around $4 billion.
Trump said, "We made a deal months ago that we're stopping," and added, "We won't be paying anymore."
He said Israel accepted the decision, arguing that the country no longer needs the aid.
"They've become a very successful country. They don't need it," Trump said.
Trump also said Washington would still help Israel if necessary.
"Now we'll help Israel if they need it," he said, calling Israel "a great ally."
The report did not give details on how or when the payments would be stopped in stages.
Washington has provided Israel with military assistance under a multiyear agreement for many years, and that aid has been a central part of the two countries' security relationship.
Israel has long been one of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign aid, most of it in military assistance.
