While the package constitutes the most United States military aid ever given to one country, it entails concessions by Mr Netanyahu, according to officials on both sides.
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As per the MoU, the US commits to providing Israel USD 38 billion in military aid over ten years, including USD 33 billion (over Rs 2.20 lakh crore) in foreign military financing funds and an unprecedented commitment of USD 5 billion for missile defence. It will be the only country in the Middle East to have the jets, a situation created to help Israel maintain what is known as its qualitative military edge.
“I applaud the Obama Administration and the Netanyahu Government for reaching this landmark deal, and I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues to continue to strengthen the U.S. -Israel relationship”. I also thank our many, many friends in the American Congress and the American people for their support, bi-partisan support from the United States, ” Mr Netanyahu said.
Rice said it is a reminder of the US’ unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security.
“This commitment to Israel’s security has been unwavering and is based on a genuine and abiding concern for the welfare of the Israeli people and the future of the State of Israel”, he said.
According to the deal, the United States will give Israel US$38 billion (S$52 billion) in military aid over a decade, the largest such aid package in US history.
Bishara said, citing Israel’s peace agreements with neighbours such as Egypt and Jordan, as well as Iran’s recent nuclear deal.
“Under our old agreement Israel was allowed to develop cutting-edge military technology and was required to share this technology with the United States”, he said.
-$500 million a year for Israeli missile defense funding, the first time this has been formally built into the aid pact.
Reactions to the signing came from several Jewish politicians as well, including NY Congressman Steve Israel, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, who called the MOU a “historic agreement”. And Israel also can’t spend the money on fuel for its military, either.
“Moreover, the technological advances developed by Israel will better protect American troops and improve their effectiveness on the battlefield”, he said.
According to the White House, under the arrangement Israel will lose its right, unique among USA allies, to spend 26.3 percent of its United States funding with its own arms manufacturers and will instead have to buy American technology.
The opportunity of the deal was supported also by the USA military. The new deal phases that out. This amount is the largest the USA has ever given to another country.
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The “Quartet” sponsoring the stalled Middle East peace process, which includes the US, Russia, the European Union and the UN, are scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN next Thursday, according to Russia’s UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said.
