Ex-NSC Chief Eiland Warns US Military Aid Halt Threatens Israel's Security
Former NSC head Giora Eiland has warned that US President Donald Trump's decision to halt military aid to Israel will cause a 24 billion shekel deficit and harm strategic joint projects.
Major General (Res.) Giora Eiland, former head of the Israeli National Security Council (NSC), has sharply criticized US President Donald Trump's decision to halt military aid to Israel, warning of severe strategic and financial fallout. In an interview with Israeli media, Eiland stated that the abrupt termination of the aid agreement—slated to end in late 2026 rather than its scheduled 2028 expiration—will strip Israel of 24 billion shekels over the next two years.
While acknowledging that the sums represent a fraction of the state budget, Eiland stressed that losing 12 billion shekels this year and another 12 billion next year creates an enormous financial void. He explained that existing procurement contracts with American defense firms remain legally binding, meaning Israel must now fund these purchases directly without US military grants. Eiland also warned that the cut jeopardizes critical joint strategic ventures, such as laser defense development projects, which relied on matching US funds.
Reflecting on historical precedents, Eiland noted that US military assistance—ranging between $3 billion and $3.8 billion annually since the Yom Kippur War and the peace treaty with Egypt—had previously remained insulated from political disagreements. However, he warned that the current policy shift sends a dangerous geopolitical signal, framing Israel as a burden rather than a vital strategic asset. Eiland concluded that Israel's deteriorating image in the United States cannot be fixed through public diplomacy alone, pointing to deeper policy concerns.
