Fast fact #2: A whopping $30 billion in U.S. military aid has been promised to Israel for the years 2009 to 2018, under the terms of an agreement signed by Israel and the United States on August 16, 2007.[5] This $30 billion of military aid represents a more than 25% increase over pre-existing military financing to Israel. [6]

• And that’s not all. For fiscal year 2010, the U.S. has already made additional appropriations of $205 million for Israel’s Iron Dome project and $202 million for other projects. [7] Former Ambassador Charles Freeman explains: “Thanks to congressional earmarks, we also often pay half the costs of special Israeli research and development projects, even when—as in the case of defense against very short-range unguided missiles—the technology being developed is essentially irrelevant to our own military requirements.” [8]

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[5] Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Israel and the United States. August 16, 2007

[6] Ruebner, Josh. Mock Congressional Hearing Report, 2010, p.19

[7] Ruebner, Josh. Mock Congressional Hearing Report, 2010

[8] Freeman, Charles. “Israel; asset or liability?” Prepared remarks delivered at the Nixon Center, July 20, 2010