Malawi Freedom Network 
By MFN Reporter
US President Donald Trump has demanded that Israel and other countries benefiting from American military protection reimburse the United States for billions of dollars spent during the conflict involving Iran and Israel.
Speaking in an interview with US broadcaster CBS, Trump argued that countries receiving American military support should take responsibility for the costs incurred in protecting them.
He specifically called on Israel to refund the money spent by Washington, claiming that the country would have struggled to defend itself without American military intervention.
“Israel should pay us back all our money because, without our soldiers, they would have been nothing,” Trump said.
The demand comes amid growing debate over America’s financial commitments to foreign conflicts and the extent to which its allies should contribute towards their own defence.
According to a report attributed to the US military department, the United States has spent more than US$42.1 billion, equivalent to approximately K82 trillion, on the conflict.
Trump’s remarks also come after his Republican Party reportedly performed poorly in elections held in the United States last week, adding to political pressure on his administration over its priorities and spending.
The US president has consistently pushed for countries benefiting from American military protection to contribute more towards their security rather than relying heavily on Washington.
Meanwhile, Trump has announced that the conflict, which reportedly began in February this year, has come to an end.
His latest demand is likely to reignite debate over the financial cost of America’s overseas military involvement, its defence commitments to allies and the future of its relationship with Israel.
