New York, NY, September 13, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today hailed the announcement of a military aid agreement between Israel and the United States, calling it “a resounding and tangible” demonstration of the enduring U.S.-Israel relationship. The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides Israel with the largest defense aid package in American history - $38 billion over the next decade.
The existing aid agreement expires in 2018. The agreement is set to be signed on Wednesday.
“Given the difficult budget environment around government funding these days, President Obama’s and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s commitment to reaching this agreement is a resounding and tangible testament to the enduring U.S.-Israel relationship,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Israel today faces a region wracked by instability and emerging threats from Iran, ISIS, Hamas and Hezbollah and others, who are armed with rapidly evolving weapons and technologies. With this agreement, the United States is demonstrating that vital support for Israel’s strategic military edge is a key pillar of America’s strategy to secure stability in an increasingly volatile Middle East.”
Marvin D. Nathan, ADL National Chair, added: “It is equally significant that with the gridlock and polarization that characterize the debate around so many policy initiatives, this agreement has enjoyed robust, bipartisan support from Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who have consistently worked together to ensure the strongest possible package of resources for Israel’s ability to defend itself. We now look to Congress to uphold the funding levels agreed to by the U.S. and Israel.”