Change in US plans regarding Israel. We know the background of the new contract

Military aid remains, but in a new version

According to information provided by a senior Israeli official, direct U.S. military support for Israel will be reduced - both in amount and duration of the program. The new agreement provides that the aid will remain in force for another five years, after which it will expire. This means that American financial support for the Israeli army will continue to flow until 2033, but at a rate reduced by half.

Under the current program, valid from 2018 to 2028, Israel receives $3.3 billion annually, for a total of $33 billion over the decade. The new arrangements envisage maintaining a similar level of support for only five years, which translates to approximately $16.5 billion.

Although direct aid will be limited, the United States plans to increase spending on joint projects with Israel in the development of air and missile defense systems. According to the Ynet portal, currently USD 500 million is allocated for this purpose annually, but this amount is expected to increase - although the exact amount has not yet been determined.

Political background of the decision

According to an Israeli official quoted by Ynet, President Trump's recent statements were politically motivated.

Trump's words - who announced the end of financial assistance to Israel on the day of the US Congressional elections - were intended to strengthen Republican Party politician Mike Rogers, who was competing for a senator from Michigan with Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a sharp critic of Israel. Still, El-Sayed defeated Rogers and became the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate, the official says.

Israel aims to finalize a new agreement before the new, Democratic-dominated Congress begins work. While the memorandum does not require ratification, Congress must approve aid funding annually.

The reduction of American military aid to Israel raises objections from some members of Congress. As they emphasize, a significant part of these funds is spent in their states, supporting American producers of defense equipment.

"When Netanyahu publicly expressed his desire to permanently end American military aid, American senators asked Israeli representatives whether they were aware of the consequences of such a step," Ynet reports.