Blinken and Pompeo downplay end of US military aid to Israel

Former US secretaries of state Antony Blinken and Mike Pompeo said ending American military aid to Israel would not harm bilateral ties, during a joint appearance in Washington. Their comments followed President Trump's declaration that the annual $4 billion aid would be cut off at year's end.

Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an interview with CNBC that Israel can afford to pay for what it needs for its defense. Blinken expressed support for continued arms sales to Israel but believes there should be a shift from American funding to Israeli-financed purchases. According to him, we have reached a point where direct American funding is no longer necessary. Blinken emphasized that the United States has an interest in Israel's security and that aid must comply with American law. He referred to the memorandum of understanding governing security assistance, which is valid until 2028, and said its future depends on decisions by the next White House and Congress. When asked about voices in his party raising the possibility of refraining from arms sales to Israel, including new Senator Abdul El-Sayed, Blinken warned against opposition that goes beyond criticism of Israeli policy and touches on Israel's very existence. He predicted that attitudes toward Israel will be a focus of controversy in the coming years, both within the Democratic Party and outside it.