PMO does not dispute Trump's claim of halting aid to Israel, reframes it as ‘mutual investment'

PMO spokesman Spielman said that "... the prime minister has been working with President Trump to make the correct transition out from aid towards partnership."

In its first statement since US President Donald Trump announced that he intends to stop aid to Israel by the end of the year, the Prime Minister's Office said on Friday that it views the decision as a shift from military aid to "partnership."

PMO spokesman Doron Spielman told Fox News that "while the aid has been incredibly important, the prime minister has been working with President Trump to make the correct transition out from aid towards partnership and mutual investment."

In a statement accompanying a clip of Spielman's Fox interview on X/Twtitter, the PMO said that aid to Israel has "always been a cross-the-aisle agreement."

"Today, Israel has a strong and stable economy. The move by PM Netanyahu and President Trump from aid to partnership shows the strength and sophistication of our relationship, and its ability to adapt and stand strong over time," the PMO wrote.

Trump announces end to annual assistance to Israel before Blue Wave midterms

This comes after Trump announced, shortly ahead of the US midterm elections on Tuesday, that the prime minister proposed ending nearly $4 billion in annual American assistance to Israel

In a telephone interview with Fox News' Fox & Friends, Trump said the two leaders had reached an understanding several months ago under which the assistance would end by December 2026. Israel would remain free to purchase American weapons and could receive additional assistance if necessary.

The hosts repeatedly pressed Trump to clarify whether he was referring to military aid, direct financial assistance, or weapons deliveries. He maintained that the arrangement would come to an end in December, without offering further details.

“Now, as far as paying Israel, Bibi Netanyahu and I have made a deal that we give Israel $4 billion a year, and we made a deal months ago that we’re stopping,” Trump said.

“We won’t be paying Israel anymore,” he said, adding that the two sides had already agreed that “by the end of this year we won’t be paying Israel.”