U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 3rd local time that he has agreed with Israel to halt the annual aid package of $4 billion (approximately 5.4 trillion KRW) to Israel by the end of this year.

In a phone interview with Fox News on this day, which marked the main voting day for the midterm elections, President Trump stated, "We are giving Israel $4 billion, but that will stop at the end of the year."

He explained that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first proposed halting the aid, and that the two reached an agreement after months of discussion, adding, "Israel has become a very prosperous country and no longer needs that money."

He also mentioned Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, and remarked, "Why should we put up with criticism from a lunatic like El-Sayed?", suggesting that criticisms and political attacks regarding aid to Israel from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party served as part of the background for halting the aid.

He stated, "The left is using the $4 billion aid, which is no secret, as a symbol of unfairness," adding, "We cannot let that happen."

President Trump noted, however, that the U.S. could provide assistance if Israel needs help in the future, and that Israel will be able to continue purchasing U.S.-made weapons.

Emphasizing that "They (Israel) can buy whatever they want, and Europe can do the same," he highlighted, "We make the best weapons in the world."

Additionally, regarding trade negotiations with Canada amid an ongoing "tariff war," President Trump said, "We will reach an agreement very soon," adding, "Farmers will welcome this for a long time, and Canada will no longer take advantage of us."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)