The United States and Israel have signed a new aid deal that will give the Israeli military $38 billion over the course of 10 years. “The $5 billion in missile defense funding will allow Israel to fully implement the multi-tier missile defense systems of Arrow 3 and David’s Sling”.
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The $38 billion memorandum of understanding covers USA fiscal years 2019-2028 and succeeds the current $30 billion MOU signed in 2007, which expires at the end of fiscal 2018.
The secretary-general paid tribute again to Israel’s former president Shimon Peres expressing hope for his speedy recovery from a stroke and praising his tireless work “in seeking peace between Israelis and Palestinians”. Securing the deal ahead of the United States. presidential election in November also ensures that Mr Obama’s successor will not have to immerse him or herself in the issue during the first few months.
As the United States approves a US$38 billion military aid package to Israel, the largest in history, Israel is refusing to halt illegal settlement construction-despite stern USA statements-with data revealing that construction on occupied land has increased by 40 percent in the first half of 2016 compared to the previous six months. “We are proud that no other administration has done so much to enhance Israel’s security”.
It will also enable Israel to substantially enhance the mobility of its ground forces, she added.
Following months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, the State Department said the two countries had reached a 10-year agreement.
Pamela Chasek, chair of the government and politics department at Manhattan College, emphasizes that the secret nature of the negotiations makes it impossible to say with certainty what the motivations are on both sides of the agreement, but it seems like Mr. Netanyahu has doubts about how good a deal Israel could get with the next president.
It is the largest such agreement the U.S. has ever struck with any country. The letter was written after Congress refused to reduce funding to Obama’s approved levels, drawing sharp rebukes for Obama from many Republicans, including Sen.
However, he noted, the USA will allow Israel to ask for additional aid in the event of a war. “If we will face a confrontation – we will ask – and it will be given”. This was unique in US military aid packages.
He also noted that there was a “firewall” between talks about the defense package and the Palestinian issue, and at no time did anyone involved link the two. We are not giving, but receiving.
Nagel said the MOU will fund “a robust missile defense” to counter threats in the region.
“I would like to thank President Obama and his administration for this historic deal”. “Israel has no greater, nor more important, ally than the United States of America”, he said.
The aid package falls short of Congress’ plan to give Israel $3.4 billion, plus $600 million for missile defense starting in 2017.
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“These are disputes you have between family”, Netanyahu said. “This ten-year, $38 billion agreement represents a long-term investment in the US-Israel relationship that will significantly deepen the cooperation and friendship between our two countries”.
