How much financial aid does U.S. provide to Israel? | Explained  Premium

Against the backdrop of the current conflict in West Asia, The Hindu examines the ties between Israel and one of its staunchest allies- the United States

The story so far: The Biden administration on October 20 sought emergency assistance from the U.S. Congress amounting to $14.3 billion in aid to Israel amid the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza Strip. In an address to the nation, U.S. President Joe Biden declared his support for Israel [and Ukraine as well, against Russia] and said that the urgent funding for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian aid and border management is a “smart investment that’s going to pay dividends for American security for generations 

President Biden’s address came after his quick trip to Israel where he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and voiced his support for the country after an attack by Hamas militants on October 7.

“I understand. Many Americans understand,” Mr. Biden said as he wrapped up his stay in Tel Aviv, likening the October 7 Hamas assault to the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, that killed nearly 3,000 people. “You can’t look at what has happened here... and not scream out for justice,” he said. 

President Biden was also scheduled to meet Arab leaders but Jordan called off the planned after the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that at least 500 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike at the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza city on October 17. The Israeli military said it had no involvement and pinned the blame on a misfired Palestinian rocket.

The U.S. has historically maintained a supportive view of Israel. It was the first country to recognise Israel as a sovereign nation in 1948. Since then, it has backed the West Asian country in international forums, mediated discussions in the geopolitically troubled region, and provided financial assistance.

A report published by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) in March 2023 says that Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II. The U.S. has provided Israel with $158 billion (not adjusted for inflation) in bilateral assistance and missile defence funding till date.

Although the U.S. provided economic assistance to Israel from 1971 to 2007, almost all current U.S. bilateral aid to Israel is in the form of military assistance.