How Much Money Does The U.S. Invest In Israel And What Is It Used For?

President of the United States, Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - It is common knowledge that the United States (U.S.) is one of Israel's largest backers, especially in terms of funds and military equipment. But how much money does Abang Sam's country actually spend on Israel? And what's the budget for?

US President Joe biden got questions from some Democratic politicians about the amount of aid the US sends to Israel. The issue was also highlighted by Senator Bernie Sanders who said the U.S. should look closely at how the money was used. The issue of U.S. aid to Israel has become a sphere in recent times.

How much?

As quoted by the BBC, by 2020, the US will give US$3.8 billion (around Rp54.4 trillion) to Israel. The budget is part of an annual long-term commitment budgeted by the Obama administration. Almost all of this aid is used for the military.

The endorsement comes as part of an agreement signed by former President Barack Obama in 2016. The total aid budgeted at that time amounted to USD38 billion (around Rp544.5 trillion) for a decade from 2017-2028.

The budget increased by about 6 percent from aid in the previous decade. In addition, last year the U.S. gave 5 million U.S. dollars (about Rp72 billion) to israeli migrant settlements. The U.S. has long implemented this policy of Zionism.

Israel Defense Force (IDF) (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

What's the fund for?

Over the years, U.S. aid has helped Israel develop its military alutsistas making it one of the most advanced in the world. Thanks to that budget, Israel was able to buy advanced military equipment from the US.

For example, Israel has purchased 50 F-35 fighters that can be used to launch missile attacks. So far 27 aircraft worth 100 million US dollars each (around Rp1.4 trillion) have been sent to Israel.

Last year Israel also bought eight Boeing 'Pegasus' KC-46A for about 2.4 billion US dollars (around Rp34.3 trillion). It is capable of refueling aircraft such as the F-35 in the air.

Of the 3.8 billion U.S. dollars given to Israel by 2020, 500 million U.S. dollars (about Rp7.1 trillion) was allocated to missile defense including the Iron Dome, an enemy missile defense system. Since 2011, the total U.S. funds invested in iron dome amounted to USD1.6 billion (nearly Rp23 trillion).

In addition, Israel in collaboration with the US has spent millions of U.S. dollars in the development of military technology. For example, the development of a system to detect underground tunnels used to infiltrate Israel.

Iron Dome Israel (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Behind U.S. aid

There are a number of reasons why the U.S. is disbursing a lot of funds to Israel. One is due to the historic commitment of the U.S. to fully support the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948.

In addition, Israel is seen by the US as an important ally in the Middle East. Because Israel is one of the countries committed to upholding democratic values.

According to the U.S. Congressional Research Agency, U.S. foreign aid has been a key component in strengthening the relationship. "U.S. officials and many lawmakers have long regarded Israel as an important partner in the region," it said.

In addition, aid from the US is also considered to be Israel's "protection" from potential regional threats. "U.S. assistance is aimed at ensuring Israel is safe to take the historic steps necessary to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians and peace with the region comprehensively," the U.S. Foreign Aid Agency wrote.

Ensuring Israel can defend itself from regional threats has become a foothold in U.S. foreign policy for both Democratic and Republican presidents. That policy has been going on for decades.

Other BERNAS