2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac

FOREIGN AID
long-range missiles, and Israel is building hundreds of upgraded tanks and armored vehicles to
better protect troops from advanced anti-tank missiles in the hands of Hamas and Hizballah.
Congress, Executive Branch Have Strongly Backed U.S.-Israel MOU
With these threats and costs in mind, both Congress and the president have supported the funding
of the MOU each year since the agreement went into effect in fiscal year 2009. Both President
Bush and President Obama submitted budget requests consistent with levels outlined in the MOU.
To date, Congress has approved funding for Israel that has been consistent with the MOU each
year through 2012, even during uncertain economic times and an irregular appropriations process.
Even with the generous support of the United States, Israel is still not able to develop and procure
all the necessary systems with its own funds, such as F-35s, naval vessels, and the Iron Dome
rocket defense shield, to defend itself from the escalating threats. America and Israel continue to
work together to find ways to fund these critical programs.
Aid to Israel Benefits the United States
Both countries have long recognized that their mutual interests in deterring war, promoting
stability and eventually achieving peace are only possible if the United States continues to help
ensure Israel’s QME. During the past few years, the two allies have greatly enhanced their
collaborative efforts to preserve that QME.
In the 40 years since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, U.S. support for Israel through annual security aid
has helped deter conflict by making it clear to potential foes that they cannot defeat the Jewish state
militarily. Israel has served as an anchor of stability in the region and helped thwart aggressors.
By helping the Jewish state maintain its military edge, American assistance has also promoted
peace with Egypt and Jordan. This support has provided Israel with the confidence necessary to
make dramatic concessions in peace talks and has enabled it to take risks for peace through farreaching
offers to Syria and the Palestinians.
U.S. assistance to Israel also serves other American interests. By law, 75 percent of U.S. aid to
Israel has to be spent in the United States, thus boosting America’s defense industry. In addition,
Israeli battlefield innovations have helped the United States dramatically improve both its
equipment and tactics. Israel also has provided invaluable intelligence and training to U.S. forces
in the region.
107