Trump announces end to Israel aid

IDF surprised by Trump aid freeze

Senior defense officials say they were blindsided by the US president's announcement ending direct military assistance: We have regular dialogue with the Americans, you could say we were surprised

Jfeed Staff

NOV 3, 2026 17:37

2 min read

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Senior officials in the Defense Ministry and the IDF were caught off guard by US President Donald Trump's dramatic announcement that America will stop military aid to Israel, Kan News reported Tuesday.

According to the report, the officials said they "did not expect this announcement, certainly not today." A senior figure in the defense establishment said: "We have regular dialogue with the Americans, you could say we were surprised. We are studying the implications of the decision, which have not yet reached the professional staff."

Trump announced Tuesday that Israel and the United States have reached an agreement under which direct American military aid to Israel will come to an end. During an interview with Fox News, Trump claimed that "Israel 'helps' us, the relationship is just great," but said "we made a deal with the Israelis; we're not going to pay them anymore."

The president explained at length: "We were paying Israel, I and Bibi Netanyahu reached a deal, already months ago that we're stopping this, they're happy with it, they've become a very successful country, they don't need it, and we're not going to pay them anymore. We already agreed on this, we'll help Israel if it needs it, it's an excellent ally and we're the best ally they have and of many other countries."

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