Series: The Future of US-Israel Relations Newsletter 2: How US Military Aid to Israel Works Today
Dear friends and supporters,
Right now, the US gives Israel $3.3 billion a year to buy military equipment, plus $500 million for missile defense. About a quarter of this money can be spent by Israel on its own defense industry. This special rule will end with the current agreement, which is why Israel wants to change things.
The new system would let Israeli companies work more closely with the US military, but there would be less political oversight. The US might say this is an investment in its own military and jobs, not just aid to Israel. However, some people warn that this could make it harder to question or control the US-Israel defense relationship, especially if Israel acts against US interests.
To keep things fair and open, any new agreement should:
Use clear ways to measure if Israeli involvement helps the US military.
Be transparent about the size, cost, and reasons for each military project.
Make sure different committees in Congress can watch over the programs, not just military ones.
The current US aid deal with Israel is a 10-year agreement from 2019 to 2028. Every year, the US gives Israel $3.3 billion to buy military equipment and $500 million for missile defense, adding up to $38 billion over ten years. Part of this money (about 25%) used to help Israeli defense companies by letting them spend it at home on their own equipment. But by 2028, this special rule will end, and Israel will only be able to use the money to buy American-made weapons. This means Israeli companies won't benefit as much, while American companies will.
This change is important because it removes a way for Israel to support its own defense industry using US money. Before, the US aid helped keep Israeli defense factories busy and supported jobs at home in Israel. Now, that support will mostly go to American businesses instead.
Next week: Newsletter 3: The shifting political landscape in both countries and why old arguments for aid are facing new challenges.
In Solidarity,
Gamy Enriquez, MPA
For further information and analysis on US military aid to Israel, consult the following nonpartisan organizations and resources:
- Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft ([responsiblestatecraft.org](https://responsiblestatecraft.org/))
- Congressional Research Service – "U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel" ([crsreports.congress.gov](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL33222))
- Stimson Center – Research on U.S. Security Assistance ([stimson.org](https://www.stimson.org/))
- Center for International Policy – Security Assistance Monitor ([securityassistance.org](https://securityassistance.org/))
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace – Middle East Program ([carnegieendowment.org](https://carnegieendowment.org/programs/middleeast))
