In the final few days of 2020, Congress adopted many critical pieces of pro-Israel legislation that AIPAC activists like you helped support.
These bipartisan initiatives – including full U.S.-Israel security assistance for Israel – will help keep our ally safe, strengthen U.S.-Israel partnerships, and expand cooperation in new and important ways.
But the dangers to Israel are far from over, and neither is our work.
In the year ahead, we must continue work to build meaningful relationships with those who are in a position to shape America’s alliance with Israel and advance policies that help keep our ally safe.
Sincerely,
Brian Shankman
Director of Regional Affairs and Development
P.S. Below are the complete details of the pro-Israel provisions included in the defense bill, which was enacted into law on January 1. Thank you for your support of AIPAC. I look forward to working with you in 2021.
The U.S.-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act
Why it matters
The threats facing Israel today are real and growing. As some are calling to cut or condition America’s support for Israel, this bipartisan legislation strengthens and expands this support. It also authorizes funds for other U.S.-Israel partnerships, in areas like homeland security, healthcare, energy and the environment.
What it does
Authorizes the full $3.3 billion in annual U.S. security assistance to Israel for the next eight years, as called for in the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on security assistance.
Extends authorization for the U.S. War Reserve Stockpile in Israel for five more years and authorizes an additional $200 million annually in stocks. This stockpile prepositions equipment for our troops and, in time of emergency, Israel is able to tap into this reserve to bolster its own supplies.
Authorizes the President to exceed the current limitations on the transfer of precision guided munitions in a non-emergency setting for Israel’s use under certain conditions.
Authorizes a total of $14 million for U.S.-Israel cooperation in energy, water, agriculture, cyber and alternative fuel technologies.
Authorizes $12 million over the next three years to enhance U.S.-Israel partnerships to combat COVID-19.
U.S.-Israel Operations-Technology Working Group
Why it matters
As emerging threats—such as drones, cyberattacks, and the proliferation of advanced missiles—are growing, the U.S.-Israel Operations-Technology Working Group helps America and Israel combat shared threats—now and into the future.
What it does
Establishes a dedicated U.S.-Israel working group to streamline bilateral defense cooperation.
Deepens the defense relationship between America and Israel.
Helps both countries combat growing and shared threats—now and into the future.
$500 Million for Life-Saving Missile Defense Cooperation
Why it matters
Israelis are surrounded by Iranian-backed terrorist groups with more than 150,000 rockets and missiles, and Iran continues to advance its precision guided missile capability and ballistic missile program. U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation saves lives and infrastructure, and helps Israel avoid war.
What it does
Fully funds U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation as called for in the 2016 MOU.
$73 million for procurement of Israel’s Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system.
$50 million for procurement of Israel’s David’s Sling medium-range missile defense system.
$77 million for procurement of Israel’s Arrow long-range missile defense system.
$300 million for research and development to improve these and other American and Israeli missile defense systems.
The mission of AIPAC is to strengthen and expand the U.S.-Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of the United States and Israel.
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