Explainer | What military support does the US provide to Israel?
- Washington has come under renewed pressure to restrict military support for Israel
- Israel’s military campaign continues to lay waste to the Gaza Strip and kill civilians
The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has prompted calls for Washington to put conditions on the billions of dollars in military funding and other assistance it provides to Israel, which has received more US foreign aid since World War II than any other country.
The following are details of US support for Israel as it fights Hamas militants in Gaza.
What aid is mandated by law?
In 2016, the US and Israeli governments signed a third 10-year Memorandum of Understanding, covering the period from October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2028. The MOU provides a total of US$38 billion in military aid over the 10 years, US$33 billion in grants to buy military equipment and US$5 billion for missile defence systems.
What advanced weapons systems does Israel get?
Israel is the first international operator of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, considered the most technologically advanced fighter jet ever made. Israel is in the processes of buying 75 F-35s and – as of last year – had taken delivery of 36, paying for them with US assistance.
The United States has also helped Israel develop and arm its Iron Dome short-range rocket defence system, developed after the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah. The United States has repeatedly sent Israel hundreds of millions of dollars to help replenish its interceptor missiles.
Washington has also helped fund the development of Israel’s “David’s Sling” system, designed to shoot down rockets fired from 100km to 200km (62 miles to 124 miles) away.
Will Israel get more for its campaign against Hamas?
Last year, President Joe Biden asked Congress to approve a US$95 billion supplemental spending bill that included US$14 billion for Israel, in addition to US$60 billion for Ukraine, support for Taiwan and billions in humanitarian assistance.