Political leaders applaud US-military aid to Israel

On Wednesday the Obama administration signed another record breaking aid package for Israel. Over the next ten years the US will provide Israel with $38 bn, representing a dramatic increase from the $3.1 bn that the US gives annually under the current deal.

The deal was signed despite a factious relationship between the White House and the current Israeli government and a significant level of personal animosity between President Obama and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

However all this was, apparently, forgotten today when the aid package received widespread backing from American law makers and from Netanyahu himself.

US National Security Advisor, Susan Rice – who made the formal announcement – made clear the significance of the deal

Today I was proud to announce the new MOU w/ Israel, the largest single pledge of military assistance in US history to any country.

— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) September 14, 2016

In her speak Ambassador Rice Made clarified what kinds of things she expected the aid to be spent on

This additional funding will, among other things, allow Israel to update the lion’s share of its fighter aircraft fleet, including the acquisition of additional F-35s and F-15s. It will also enable Israel to substantially enhance the mobility of its ground forces.

The aid package – unsurprisingly – won support from the democratic nominee for President,

Hillary applauds the agreement on a new memorandum of understanding regarding U.S. security assistance to Israel. pic.twitter.com/NDnDsVKODP

— Laura Rosenberger (@rosenbergerlm) September 14, 2016

While Netanyahu also expressed his appreciation in a video, making sure to thank his many, many friends in congress.

PM Netanyahu: This agreement illustrates a simple truth:relations between Israel and the US are strong and steadfast pic.twitter.com/UxP77rIHpS

— Embassy of Israel (@IsraelinUSA) September 14, 2016