Allies in Word and Deed: The US-Israel Relationship

By CUFI

The Summit was an amazing success, and we are thrilled to announce that in response to our Virtual Summit, CUFI members have sent more than 300,000 emails to Congress in support of our 2020 Summit legislative agenda. As you may recall, this year’s agenda was focused on strengthen the cornerstones of US support for Israel:

1. The United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act (S.3176): This legislation codifies the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding signed by President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The ten-year military assistance agreement between the two nations is aimed at securing Israel against regional enemies and maintains Israel as a cornerstone of U.S. national security in the Middle East. In addition, this bill now includes an authorization for $12 million that seeks “to enhance partnerships between companies in the United States and Israel to develop innovative medical projects aimed at detecting, treating, and curing COVID-19.”

2. The 2021 House and Senate State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill:This annual legislation appropriates $3.3 billion in American military aid to Israel. This assistance ensures Israel’s ability to defend itself and directly benefits the US as well. 75 percent of this aid must be spent in the United States, thereby supporting American jobs and ensuring America maintains our quantitative and qualitative military manufacturing superiority in an uncertain world.

3. The US-Israel Military Capability Act (S.3775 & H.R.7148): This legislation would establish a permanent and dedicated working group for U.S. national security officials and their counterparts in the Israeli government to collaborate on the research and development of technology used for national defense.

If you’ve not already done so, we encourage you to contact your elected officials and express support for 2020 Summit legislative agenda.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once said that he believes CUFI to be “a vital part of Israel’s national security.” He was talking about you. We are deeply grateful for your continued support of Israel, the Jewish people and CUFI, and look forward to marching shoulder-to-shoulder as we defend the values we hold dear.

Blessings to you and those you love,