Herzog Says U.S. Military Aid Suspension Came as Complete Shock

Herzog spoke at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem during talks with Yashar party representatives. He said American aid “worries me greatly,” Times of Israel and Israel National News reported.

In a Clash Report video clip, Herzog said the suspension of U.S. aid “came as a complete shock to me.”

Hebrew reports cast the same remark as a “bolt from the blue.”

MOU Runs Through 2028

Herzog stressed that the U.S.-Israel military-aid memorandum remains in force through 2028. The 10-year MOU pledges about $3.8 billion a year.

That baseline covers Foreign Military Financing grants plus joint missile-defense funding. Congress still appropriates the money each year.

Trump’s Year-End Cut

On Nov. 3, as Americans voted in the midterms, President Donald Trump addressed Israel aid. He said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed months earlier to stop “paying” Israel by the end of 2026.

Clash Report covered how Trump said the U.S. will stop paying Israel by year-end under a Netanyahu deal. Trump said Israel does not need the aid.

He said Washington would still help if needed. He also said Israel can keep buying American weapons.

Government Formation Pressure

Herzog tied the aid question to Israel’s political deadlock. Protecting U.S. ties is a reason to form a government and avoid another election, he said.

After the Oct. 27 vote, Herzog has a short window to nominate a coalition candidate. Clash Report reported that Gadi Eisenkot is expected to secure 67 endorsements after Joint List backing.