military assistance

Military assistance to Israel previously had bipartisan support in Washington. Now, Democrats are divided over whether to continue selling arms to Israel, shifting the focus from funding to arms sales.

President Trump is attending a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where tensions exist between the U.S. and some NATO allies. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasizes the alliance's role in defense and confirms increased military budgets and a $80 billion pledge for Ukraine in 2026 and 2027.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated at a Berlin summit that Russia is in its weakest position in recent years due to allied strategies and urged European nations to increase military aid to Ukraine, expedite Kyiv’s EU accession, and impose a total embargo on Russian oil.

Joe Kent, a former Trump administration official, suggested the US could strengthen a ceasefire agreement with Iran by reducing military and intelligence support for Israel and withdrawing troops from Gulf bases within range of Iranian missiles. He argued that Israeli leaders have historically opposed diplomatic settlements and that removing these factors would lower the risk of renewed conflict.

Joe Kent, an ex-Trump administration official, suggested cutting U.S. military and intelligence support to Israel and reducing the U.S. military presence in Gulf bases to strengthen the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement and reduce conflict risks.

Rep. Ilhan Omar was the only Democrat to vote against a House bill providing military assistance to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia, which passed with bipartisan support and challenged President Trump’s foreign policy.