Rubio: Israel rich enough to buy own weapons, Trump wants swift end to military aid

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that President Donald Trump believes Israel is "rich enough" to buy American weapons without military aid and wants the financing to end "as soon as possible." Rubio spoke at the G7 meeting in Paris, noting the administration is negotiating the MOU that provides $3.8 billion annually and expires in September 2028. Trump last week said aid would cease by year-end, surprising officials.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that President Donald Trump believes Israel is "rich enough" to buy American weapons without relying on military aid, and wants the financing to end "as soon as possible." Speaking at the G7 meeting in Paris, Rubio said the administration is working through how to negotiate the memorandum of understanding, but Trump's expectation is that Israel can now be a "sales country" that buys weapons rather than receiving financing. A 10-year MOU providing $3.8 billion annually expires in September 2028. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this year said he wants to move Israel off US aid over a decade, but Trump last week said there is an agreement for aid to cease by year-end, a statement that surprised many top officials. Rubio said Israel can "absolutely" get off aid by year-end if it wants, and noted potential co-production arrangements. The article notes Trump's declaration appeared "almost certainly false" given the MOU runs nearly two more years. Since 1948, Israel has received over $300 billion in US assistance, more than any other country since 1946. Israel's push to end aid also stems from frustrations during the Gaza war when allies, including the Biden administration, halted some arms supplies.