Washington:Israel and the United States are currently negotiating a new multiyear military aid agreement, as reported by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. The discussions are driven by Israel's aim to finalize the agreement before the new US Congress is sworn in January, due to concerns that political obstacles might affect the continuation of aid.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Democratic Party gained control of Congress from US President Donald Trump's Republican Party in the November 3 midterm elections. This political shift is influencing the negotiations, as US military aid to Israel is expected to undergo significant changes. Although direct military aid is not expected to end immediately, it is projected to be reduced by nearly half, with the usual 10-year framework being shortened to five years after the current agreement expires in 2028. Additionally, while direct military assistance will conclude post the five-year period, funding for joint air and missile defense systems development is anticipated to increase from the current level of $500 million annually.
Negotiations involve teams from both countries, including representatives from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's office and officials from Israel's Defense Ministry and its embassy in Washington. Israeli officials were reportedly taken aback by President Trump's announcement that US military assistance to Israel would cease by the end of 2026, with some interpreting the statement as a domestic political maneuver.
The emerging arrangement is designed to phase out aid gradually over five years following the expiration of the current agreement in 2028. Under the existing framework, Israel receives $3.3 billion annually through the US Foreign Military Financing program, totaling $33 billion over ten years. The proposed agreement is expected to maintain this level of aid but for only five years, after which direct military aid will end completely.
The assistance is primarily used to purchase US-made military equipment, and the conversion of part of the assistance into Israeli shekels for domestic arms purchases has already been phased out. However, the annual $500 million allocated for missile-defense cooperation is expected to increase, reflecting the growing threat from drones and missiles.
Some members of Congress oppose the reduction of military assistance to Israel for economic reasons, as much of the funding supports American defense companies and jobs. Israeli officials have been contacted by US senators to discuss the implications of ending military assistance, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the current aid model for both countries' economies.