Netanyahu claims Trump’s aid cut shows ‘strength and sophistication’ of US-'Israel' partnership

• Netanyahu's office describes Trump's decision to end US military aid as a transition toward a stronger strategic partnership.
• 'Israel' President Isaac Herzog said the announcement came "like a bolt from the blue."

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has described US President Donald Trump's decision to end military aid to 'Israel' as a transition toward a new partnership, arguing that the move reflects the strength of bilateral relations.

In a statement posted on X, Netanyahu's office said 'Israel' had used previous US military assistance not only to defend itself but also to confront enemies threatening the United States and the West.

"US military aid to 'Israel' has always been a cross-the-aisle agreement," the statement said.

It added that the transition from military aid to partnership, led by Netanyahu and Trump, demonstrated the "strength and sophistication" of the relationship and its ability to adapt over time.

Despite Netanyahu's positive portrayal of the decision, 'Israeli' President Isaac Herzog said on Thursday that Trump's announcement came "like a bolt from the blue."

His remarks highlighted the surprise surrounding the US president's decision to end military assistance.

Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for Netanyahu, defended the proposed shift during an interview with Fox News, saying successive Democratic and Republican administrations had recognized that US military assistance to 'Israel' also helped counter threats to Western interests.

He described the aid as "incredibly important" but said Netanyahu had been working with Trump to move away from direct assistance toward a model based on partnership and mutual investment.

Trump announced earlier this week that US military aid to 'Israel' would end at the close of this year, marking a potential shift in a longstanding component of the two countries' military relationship.