'Must Replace Him': Gadi Eisenkot Slams Netanyahu After Trump Cuts US Aid
Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan demand Netanyahu's replacement after Donald Trump announces the end of $4 billion in annual US aid to Israel.
The political atmosphere in Israel has reached a boiling point following a stunning announcement from US President Donald Trump, who revealed that Washington will terminate approximately USD 4 billion in annual financial assistance to Israel by the end of this year. The move has triggered a fierce backlash from Israel's opposition, with prominent leaders claiming that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership has become a "genuine danger" to national security.
Eisenkot Demands Leadership Change
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party and a leading voice in the anti-Netanyahu bloc, did not mince words in his reaction to the news. Taking to X, Eisenkot emphasized that the "special relationship" between Israel and the United States is a cornerstone of Israel's national security. He expressed outrage that the Israeli security establishment and the general public are discovering this strategic shift through media reports rather than through official government channels.
"The fact that the security establishment, along with Israeli citizens, is learning about a change in the strategic relationship framework through the media highlights just how much Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct poses a genuine danger," Eisenkot stated. He concluded his critique with a direct call for a change in government, asserting, "We can no longer rely on him and must replace him."
Eisenkot further accused the Prime Minister of a lack of transparency, stating that Netanyahu is unable to look his citizens in the eye and tell the truth, demanding immediate answers to the public.
Yair Golan: A 'Colossal Failure'
Adding to the pressure, Democratic Party Chairman Yair Golan described the loss of aid as a "severe blow" to both the security and the quality of life within Israel. Golan highlighted the precarious timing of the decision, noting that Israel is currently grappling with massive defense expenditures and the need to replenish offensive weapon stockpiles following a prolonged conflict.
Golan argued that the erosion of air defense capabilities makes this financial cut particularly perilous. He claimed that the burden of funding these critical security needs will now fall squarely on the shoulders of Israeli taxpayers.
"A responsible prime minister would fight to increase American aid, not dismantle it. Netanyahu is deepening the security and economic crisis and endangering Israel's future," Golan remarked, labeling the development as another "colossal failure" on Netanyahu's record.
Why Trump is Cutting the Aid
The controversy stems from an interview President Donald Trump gave to Fox News, where he explicitly stated that the annual $4 billion in assistance would be cut off at the end of the year. Trump justified the decision by pointing to Israel's economic success, suggesting that the nation has become sufficiently prosperous to handle its own defense spending.
"They don't need it," Trump told Fox News, adding that Israel is a "very thriving country" capable of purchasing its own weaponry without relying on American funds.
The Strategic Backdrop
This decision marks a significant departure from existing arrangements. According to reports, a security assistance agreement was already in place to provide approximately USD 3.8 billion annually through 2028. The sudden reversal of this commitment has left Israeli political opponents questioning the stability of the strategic alliance under the current administration.