US Spending Bill Grants Military Aid to Israel
The National Security and State Department legislation sets aside $6.77 billion for the State Department’s Foreign Military Financing (FMF) initiative, including at least $3.3 billion in grants for Israel. These funds are to be distributed within 30 days of enactment and directed toward advanced weapons systems.
According to the bill’s provisions, US security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza will be withheld unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that Palestinians are meeting US-established benchmarks and taking steps to end alleged “torture” and other abuses by Palestinian security forces.
The legislation also prohibits such aid if Palestinians initiate or endorse investigations at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli nationals for alleged violations against Palestinians.
Additionally, the bill imposes a separate restriction preventing funds under the “National Security Investment Programs” category from being used to support the Palestinian Authority if Palestinians secure “the same standing as member states or full membership as a state” in the United Nations outside a negotiated settlement with Israel.
The $3.3 billion in annual military assistance for Israel forms part of a decade-long, $38 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2016, which is set to expire in 2028.
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