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Israel can afford to lose US aid

This story appeared in Today, Explained, a daily newsletter that helps you understand the most compelling news and stories of the day. President Donald Trump may have to settle for the hand-me-down Nobel Prize medal that he scored several months ago. Despite their best efforts, his envoys don’t seem to be having much luck advancing a […]

Israel can afford to lose US aid

The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to be a contentious issue, with many Americans holding unfavorable views of their ally. In a bid to compel Israel to end the war in Gaza and alter its approach in the West Bank, some Democratic lawmakers and pro-Palestinian activists are proposing the removal of military aid to Israel.

However, despite the United States providing a significant portion of Israel's defense budget, the country's economy remains robust at $600 billion, and it can comfortably allocate the necessary funds to maintain its military capabilities. In 2025, Israel's defense spending reached 7.9 percent of its GDP, and without US support, it would only need to increase its allocation by 0.6 percent.

While there are valid concerns about US involvement in potential war crimes and genocide in Gaza, cutting military aid may not be the most effective leverage to achieve desired outcomes, such as the two-state solution or any other resolution.

Written by urgent.news from Vox's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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