OPINION:
American aid to Israel is not charity. It is a two-way street.
In 2016, the U.S. and Israeli governments signed a 10-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) on military aid, covering FY2019 to FY2028. Under the terms of the MOU, the United States pledged to provide $3.8 billion in military aid annually.
What does America get in return?
It is estimated that if Israel were not America’s eyes and ears in the Middle East, the U.S. would need to place an aircraft carrier in the eastern Mediterranean and another in the Red Sea. An aircraft carrier costs over $13 billion to build and $1 billion annually to operate.
Contrary to what Vice President JD Vance has been bloviating, Israel spends every dollar in the U.S., providing employment for Americans.
Israel’s added value to U.S. weapons is incalculable. Firstly, Israel modifies all armaments, saving America years in research and development. America gets the upgrades for free and sells them to clients around the world.
Secondly, the tanks, planes and other equipment are being battle-tested. How much is that intelligence worth?
Both America and Israel see the value of ending the 2016 MOU. It will generate a lot less political commotion when both buy and sell goods and services to each other.
A cost-benefit program will not affect America. For Israel, it offers security from the vagaries of U.S. politics.
LEN BENNETT
Author, “Unfinished Work”
Deerfield Beach, Florida
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