NEW YORK (Press Release) — The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Tuesday, Spet. 13, hailed the announcement of a military aid agreement between Israel and the United States, calling it “a resounding and tangible” demonstration of the enduring U.S.-Israel relationship. The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides Israel with the largest defense aid package in American history – $38 billion over the next decade.
The existing aid agreement expires in 2018. The agreement is set to be signed on Wednesday.
“Given the difficult budget environment around government funding these days, President Obama’s and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s commitment to reaching this agreement is a resounding and tangible testament to the enduring U.S.-Israel relationship,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO.
“Israel today faces a region wracked by instability and emerging threats from Iran, ISIS, Hamas and Hezbollah and others, who are armed with rapidly evolving weapons and technologies. With this agreement, the United States is demonstrating that vital support for Israel’s strategic military edge is a key pillar of America’s strategy to secure stability in an increasingly volatile Middle East.”
Marvin D. Nathan, ADL National Chair, added: “It is equally significant that with the gridlock and polarization that characterize the debate around so many policy initiatives, this agreement has enjoyed robust, bipartisan support from Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who have consistently worked together to ensure the strongest possible package of resources for Israel’s ability to defend itself. We now look to Congress to uphold the funding levels agreed to by the U.S. and Israel.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — AIPAC applauds the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) announced on Tuesday between the United States and Israel which, subject to annual congressional approval, will provide $38 billion in U.S. security assistance to Israel over the next 10 years. This historic MOU will also incorporate joint missile defense funding, which will provide Israel a stable planning environment to counter mounting threats. This MOU represents the largest U.S. aid package ever.
We commend President Obama and his administration for forging this landmark agreement. It demonstrates America’s strong and unwavering commitment to Israel. We also commend the bipartisan majorities of the House and Senate who have urged the administration to come forward with a dramatic increase in U.S. support for the Jewish state, and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure the full amount is funded.
The United States has long defined Israel’s survival and security as a key national security interest. In an increasingly uncertain Middle East, Israel is the one stable democratic ally upon which America can depend. U.S. security assistance is critical for helping the Jewish state defend itself, by itself. With these funds, Israel will be able to modernize and better equip its armed forces. And this MOU will send a strong message of deterrence to America’s and Israel’s regional adversaries that these two allies stand together amid increased instability and growing chaos in the Middle East.
In 1998, the United States and Israel signed their first 10-year MOU to increase security assistance to Israel while phasing out economic aid. Under that agreement, the United States committed to providing Israel $21.3 billion in security assistance. In 2007, America committed to provide $30 billion under the current 10-year MOU, which expires in 2018.
Preceding provided by the Anti-Defamation League and the America Israel Public Affairs Committee.
The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued the following statement on Sept. 14:
Leaders of the Conference of Presidents today welcomed the announcement of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Israel and the United States that will provide Israel with an historic level of defense and security assistance at the conclusion of the current agreement in 2018.
“The new MOU sends a strong message reinforcing the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and Israel’s role as a vital ally and stabilizing presence in the region”, said Stephen M. Greenberg, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Conference.
“At a time when Israel is facing mounting threats on its borders from the devastating war in Syria, Hezbollah’s expanding arsenal of sophisticated and longer range missiles and rockets aimed at Israel’s civilian population, and the ongoing menace of Hamas and other terror organizations in Gaza, all supported and driven by the deadly hegemonic ambitions of Iran, extending the MOU and increasing the amount of security aid sends a strong message reinforcing the close cooperation, common interests, and shared objectives of the two democratic allies.
Enhancing Israel’s security makes the U.S. more secure. Technological advances developed by Israel shared with the U.S. are used to improve the safety of our troops and our civilians at home. Tens of thousands of jobs are created in the U.S. defense and related industries by Israeli purchases. This is best manifest in the successful joint U.S.- Israel missile defense projects including Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s Sling. These remarkable systems are a tribute to the cooperation between the U.S and Israel.
A safer and more secure Israel remains essential to America’s foreign policy in the Middle East and directly contributes to our nation’s security interests.
The Administration and strong bipartisan support for Israel in Congress continue to be the bulwark for insuring Israel will be better able to defend itself over the long course against current and future threats to the safety and security of Israel and its people.”