Following US President Donald Trump's announcement that Washington would end its military aid to Israel, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid on Wednesday criticised the decision, calling it one of the most severe political and security failures in the country's history and questioning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the matter.
“Trump's decision is one of the most severe political and security failures in the state's history. It's inconceivable that Netanyahu capitulated to it, and even more inconceivable that he failed to prepare the security apparatus,” Lapid said.
Trump announced that the United States would end approximately $4 billion in annual assistance to Israel by the end of this year, arguing that the country was economically strong enough to purchase its own weapons.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Israel was thriving and no longer needed American financial assistance.
The announcement has raised concerns among Israeli opposition leaders over its potential implications for the country's defence preparedness, particularly amid ongoing regional security challenges.
Yair Golan, chairman of Israel's Democratic Party and a member of the anti-Netanyahu bloc, also criticised the proposed move, describing the halt in American assistance as a serious setback for Israel's security and public finances.
“The halt in American aid is a severe blow to Israel's security and to the quality of life in the country, because funding security needs at such a critical juncture will fall solely on the Israeli public,” Golan said.
He also pointed to the pressure on Israel's defence capabilities, including the need to replenish air defence systems and offensive weapons following sustained military operations.
The United States has been a major military and security partner of Israel for decades. Under a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2016, Washington committed to providing Israel with approximately $3.8 billion annually in military assistance through 2028.
The assistance includes funding for military equipment and missile defence programmes, making it a significant component of Israel's defence cooperation with the United States.