2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac

FOREIGN AID
U.S.-Israel Agreement Aims to Help Israel Face Increased Threats
A potential nuclear-armed Iran, Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza against Israeli civilians, a resurgent
Hizballah in Lebanon armed with 60,000 rockets and missiles, as well as growing uncertainty and
instability throughout the Middle East—these are just some of the unprecedented threats that Israel
faces. Such challenges require a significant increase in Israeli defense expenditures.
Recognizing these increased threats and costs, the United States has taken concrete steps to
solidify its commitment to Israel’s security. In 2007, the United States and Israel signed a 10-year
MOU that calls for the United States to provide $30 billion in security assistance during the 10
years of the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Israel received gradual increases in aid
during the first four years before reaching the $3.1 billion level, where it is to remain until 2018.
America’s increase in aid to Israel reflects the dramatically escalating military expenses Israel is
forced to incur to meet its new threat environment.
The 10-year agreement is a key component of America’s commitment to maintain Israel’s
“qualitative military edge”
(QME), which Congress has
defined in legislation as Israel’s
“ability to counter and defeat
any credible conventional
military threat from any
individual state or possible
coalition of states or from
non-state actors.” Direct U.S.
security assistance provided
in the annual foreign aid
bill is the most tangible way
that the United States helps
Israel maintain its military
superiority and deterrence
capabilities, counter the great
disparity in defense spending
between Israel and potential
adversaries in the Middle East,
and maintain peace.
STRONG SUPPORT: 10-YEAR PLAN FUNDING LEVELS
$2.55 $2.775 $3.0 $3.075 $3.1
$3.1
$3.1
$3.1
$3.1
$3.1
The 10-year U.S.-Israel
security agreement aims to
provide Israel with increased
aid to meet growing threats.
$3
$2
$1
$ in Billions
104