1. This paper supports why the United States of America (US) must agree to Israel’s recent request to increase its defense aid to $5 billion per year. Main points of this paper include pros, cons, and further supporting pros of increasing the US defense aid to Israel.
2. Israel is one of the strongest US allies in the Middle East, and our continued relationship with them is vital to maintaining our military significance and power in the region. Israeli military knowledge and experience are instrumental in helping the US develop tactics in homeland security and counterterrorism.1 The Israel-US Defense Cooperation is a joint collaboration that develops missile defense systems that prevent and counter attacks on Israeli and US assets.2 In addition, the US uses Israel as a staging area for $800 million worth of defense material and medical equipment.3 Israel has the eleventh ranked military in the world and is ranked first in the Middle East.4 Israel also invests 4.4 percent of their GDP in military research, which is more than any other country in the world.5 This combination of power and innovation, as
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Israel has received $124.3 billion in US aid since World War II. Even though they are the 16th richest country in the world, Israel receives roughly one-third of the total US foreign aid budget.6 Israel’s Gross National Product is more than all of its’ bordering neighbors combined7 This economic data can create an argument that Israel is now self-sustainable and no longer needs US financial aid. Israel also has a record of using questionable tactics. In January 2009, Israel used US produced ammunition on civilians in the Gaza Strip and in December 2014 they were found transferring military technology to China.8 Recently, Israel has made statements contradicting US policy for a two-state solution for the West Bank.9 The resolution of the conflict in the West Bank is part of the US National Security Strategy, and Israel’s actions are conflicting to that