Biden facing questions from Democratic Party about the amount of aid the US sends to Israel.
Over the years, US aid has helped Israel develop one of the most advanced militaries in the world, with the funds allowing them to purchase sophisticated military equipment from the US. The Israeli government invests heavily in military equipment and training, using the aid to compensate for being smaller than many other regional powers.
Since World War Two, Israel has been the largest overall recipient of US foreign aid. In 2019, the most recent year to publish fully reported figures, Israel was the second-highest recipient of US foreign aid after Afghanistan, according to USAID.
A lot of the money given to Afghanistan has gone towards supporting the US military’s efforts to stabilize the country, which has been engulfed by war since the US invasion in 2001. There are a number of reasons why the US gives so much aid to Israel, including historic commitments dating back to US support for the creation of the Jewish state in 1948. Moreover, Israel is seen by the US as a crucial ally in the Middle East – with shared goals and a mutual commitment to democratic values.
The US Congressional Research Service says: “US foreign aid has been a major component in cementing and reinforcing these ties. “US officials and many lawmakers have long considered Israel to be a vital partner in the region.” The US government’s foreign assistance agency says: “US assistance helps ensure that Israel maintains its Qualitative Military Edge (QME) over potential regional threats.”
It also states: “US assistance… is aimed at ensuring that Israel is sufficiently secure to take the historic steps necessary to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians and for comprehensive regional peace.” Ensuring Israel can defend itself against threats in the region has been a cornerstone of US foreign policy for both Democratic and Republican presidents for decades.
The 2020 Democrat party election platform expressed “ironclad support” for Israel, but some on the left of the party are now questioning the US aid commitment.
