United States Reaches Landmark Defense Deal with Israel

The United States and Israel recently reached a landmark agreement worth more than $38 billion. In the deal, the United States will continue to provide Israel with defense through 2028. This is the largest pledge the United States has made to an ally in its history.

Both countries say the deal is a testament to the strength of their alliance. In the deal, Israel will receive $3.1 billion in foreign military financing in 2017, and $3.3 billion in following years, as well as $500 million specifically designated for missile defense tactics. Israel will return money Congress might allocate in its 2017-2018 budget beyond that $3.1 billion figure.

These terms are binding through 2029, at which point the two nations will need to renegotiate.

United States President Barack Obama had the following to say about the deal:

“For as long as the State of Israel has existed, the United States has been Israel’s greatest friend and partner, a fact underscored again today. Ultimately, both this MoU and efforts to advance the two-state solution are motivated by the same core US objective that has been shared by all administrations, Democratic and Republican, over the last several decades — ensuring that Israelis can live alongside their neighbors in peace and security.”

National Security Adviser Susan Rice hailed the agreement as a win for both nations, ensuring Israel’s continued friendship with the United States, as well as the nation’s safety in an unstable region of the world. Israel’s National Security Adviser Yaakov Nagel negotiated the deal, and said Israel does not take it for granted.

We are very pleased to hear of this new deal, as it includes even greater commitment on the part of the United States to keep the Holy Land safe from terror and outside harm. We ourselves are committed to supporting a number of humanitarian aid projects throughout Israel, including projects geared toward assisting Israel’s armed forces in as many ways as possible.

We continue to pray for Israel’s safety, and pray that this deal helps to keep the people of Israel protected from the evil powers circling the region.