Trump said on Fox News that the United States could end nearly $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel, describing an idea Israel had raised and that the two countries had discussed for several years.

The remarks came during Election Day live coverage and were presented as posturing and speculation tied to the midterm results, not as a formal policy proposal.

The current aid arrangement is governed by a 10-year bilateral memorandum of understanding negotiated during the Obama administration and running through 2028; much of the funding supports Israel’s purchase of U.S.-made weapons and equipment.

Any effort to modify or cancel the foreign military financing would involve congressional approval, leaving unclear how a unilateral announcement could alter the existing agreement.

Analysts said an aid cutoff could be largely symbolic in the near term because of the agreement and extensive military cooperation already in place.

Experts questioned the timing and security consequences of a withdrawal, noting that the comments were political in character and came amid ongoing strategic discussions.

The debate points to an alliance that remains intact but is becoming more militarily integrated and politically contested, with growing disagreement over strategy and the terms of U.S. support.

That debate reflects increasing demands from American voters, including Jewish and non-Jewish constituents, for Israel’s actions to respect international law and human rights.

Critics including Rep. Ro Khanna warn that deeper U.S.-Israeli military integration could limit U.S. control over its own defense policy.

Even as aid comes under scrutiny, the countries could continue or expand cooperation in missile defense, defense technology and intelligence sharing.

Congressional hurdles, security concerns and existing contracts make a rapid change to the aid relationship unlikely, despite the possibility of a broader strategic shift.