Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee and the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, today issued the following statement on news that the United States and Israel have agreed to a new 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on military assistance:
“I am pleased the United States and Israel have agreed to a new Memorandum of Understanding on military assistance, extending a productive partnership that has ensured Israel’s continued qualitative military edge and advanced the security of both nations.
“For nearly 70 years, the U.S.-Israel relationship has been based on shared values, mutual respect, and an enduring commitment to each nation’s security. Fostering and strengthening this relationship is our shared moral responsibility. This MOU - the largest bilateral aid package ever reached - builds on our unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security by providing certainty with regard to our foreign military assistance and missile defense funding through this decade and beyond. Israel will be in a better position to address turmoil and instability in the region and therefore be able to better protect its citizens and secure its borders.
“I congratulate the Obama Administration and the Netanyahu Administration on reaching this milestone agreement. As Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee and its State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, I will do everything in my power to fully support and implement the new MOU. I will also work to ensure that the United States continues to be the greatest force against efforts to delegitimize Israel in the international community as well as the greatest advocate for a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians and recognition of Israel by all of her neighbors."
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
