White House says US will stop paying Israel by end of year
The US government has said it expects to stop providing financial assistance to Israel by the end of the year, as debate intensifies over the future of American support for its Middle Eastern ally.
The announcement comes amid growing political pressure over the billions of dollars Washington provides to Israel, particularly in military assistance, as the conflict in the region continues to fuel public and congressional scrutiny.
US aid to Israel has traditionally been a central component of Washington’s Middle East policy, supporting the country’s military capabilities and security cooperation.
However, the issue has become increasingly contentious, with questions being raised over the scale, purpose and conditions attached to American assistance.
The White House has not provided further details in the reported statement on how the proposed change would affect existing commitments or whether it would involve a complete withdrawal of military and financial support.
The timing and implications of the announcement remain significant for Israel, which relies on US assistance for defence procurement and military cooperation.
Any change in the funding arrangement could also affect wider regional security calculations, given the close strategic relationship between the two countries.
The US government’s position comes as Washington continues to face competing demands over its foreign policy priorities and the use of public funds overseas.
via Reuters
