Defense establishment shocked by Trump's Israel aid cut off, details unclear, sources tell 'Post'

The Israeli defense establishment was shocked by President Trump's early cut-off of military aid, with details still unclear, The Jerusalem Post has learned. Some officials downplayed the harm, but the earliest expected cut-off was 2028. Netanyahu has not addressed the matter, and uncertainty may lead to unilateral weapons freezes.

The Israeli defense establishment was shocked by US President Donald Trump's early cut-off of military aid, with details still unclear, The Jerusalem Post has learned. Some political officials downplayed the harm, arguing that ending aid and moving to a partnership model was already under negotiation, but the earliest cut-off was expected by end of 2028, possibly gradual until 2038. Several Israeli defense officials told the Post they were completely blindsided, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not addressed the matter. Wide uncertainty persists over the amounts and timing of the freeze. Until clarity emerges, both US government and private-sector officials may take unilateral action to freeze certain weapons transfers to avoid running afoul of Trump. The article notes that in May 2024, then-president Joe Biden instituted a partial freeze on 2,000-pound bombs, which had ripple effects. In contrast, Trump said the US will continue to sell Israel weapons it wants, unlike Biden's freeze. The cut-off may affect a 2023 deal for 25 additional F-35s and potential F-15 purchases, as Israel lacks capacity to rebuild its fighter jet industry, estimated to take 10 years.