Netanyahu office frames reported end of US military aid as a shift to partnership, while Herzog says Trump's announcement blindsided Jerusalem leaders

Benjamin Netanyahu’s office described Washington’s purported decision to end all US military aid to Israel by the end of this year as a move toward “partnership and mutual investment.” The office presented the shift as an evolution in the relationship amid growing political fallout over what the post describes as a sudden White House policy reversal.

In an official statement on social media, the office defended past US military assistance, saying Israeli forces used it “to defend itself and to confront enemies who threaten America and the West.” It also argued that Netanyahu’s and President Donald Trump’s move from aid to partnership showed “the strength and sophistication of our relationship.”

That positive portrayal contrasted with Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s remarks on Thursday that Trump’s announcement had hit political leaders in Jerusalem “like a bolt from the blue.” Netanyahu spokesperson Doron Spielman, speaking to Fox News, said the prime minister was actively working with the White House to transition away from direct aid.