Military aid to israel

Israel aims to build its own stealth fighter jets, autonomous combat aircraft, senior official says

A senior Israeli official says the country is ready to develop homegrown stealth jets and unmanned combat aircraft as part of a push to reduce reliance on US aid

Loyal Wingman drone from Boeing supporting fighters in 3D illustration.
US Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) speaks to the press as he exits a vote on Capitol Hill in Washington.

House rejects bill to strip Israel aid despite over 100 Democrats voting to cut funding

US President Barack Obama (C-R), escorted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C-L), view battery of Iron Dome, short-range missile defence system during a welcome ceremony at Ben Gurion International Airport on March 20, 2013 near Tel Aviv.

Editor's Notes: Israel-US alliance after the aid is gone must become a partnership, not an MoU

US Representatives Thomas Massie (R‑KY) and Ro Khanna (D‑CA) speak to the media, February 9, 2026; illustrative.

Congress blocks vote on restricting military funding to Israel after Democratic Party debate


36 senators, including Tim Kaine, press to add $320M for Israeli missile defense

The proposed increase in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act would go toward three US-Israeli missile defense programs and more purchases of Iron Dome systems.

Trial of the Iron Dome system in the US.

Kaine one of few senators not to sign letter to Obama urging increased MoU

Clinton, meanwhile, suggested support for a robust defense package during a speech in March to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Virginia Senator Tim Kaine with former Israel president Shimon Peres

The White House missile aid objection: An MOU negotiating tactic?

Failing to object to Congress’s quadrupling of the president’s missile defense budget – which was proposed at $147m. – would have had a direct consequence on the MOU talks.

An "Arrow 3" ballistic missile interceptor is seen during its test launch near Ashdod

Among White House objections to defense bill, Israel aid one of many

Objection has prompted speculation as to whether this unique move means President Barack Obama considers the addition a veto-worthy offense.

The South Lawn of the White House

White House rejects increased Israel missile defense funding

The Congressional requested $455 million was an historic quadrupling of the administration's stated proposal request.

An Iron Dome launcher fires an interceptor rocket in southern Israel

Israel wants to sign US aid deal before Obama departs

Negotiations over military aid package ongoing in Washington over level, whether part can be spent in Israel.

Trial of the Iron Dome system in the US.

Israel feels vindicated by congressmen pushing for more US military aid

83 senators send president letter asking to approve new defense package; Oren mocks Obama for saying world more peaceful; Shai: PM playing ‘dangerous game.’

US President Barack Obama speaks at the Righteous Among the Nations Award Ceremony, organised by Yad Vashem, at Israel's Embassy in Washington January 27, 2016

Obama’s presidency

If we disregard for the moment Obama’s success in terms of the United States, he should be saluted for his and his administration’s support for military aid to Israel.

US President Barack Obama delivers his final State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in Washington January 12, 2016.

US budget constraints affect Israel defense aid negotiations, US House Speaker Ryan says

The speaker said during his recent visit, US allies across the Middle East had expressed deep concern with the extreme "Middle East fatigue" of the Obama administration, as well as Trump's rhetoric.

US Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (L) sits across from his Israeli counterpart Yuli Edelstein (R) as he visits the Knesset‏

Report finds cases of 'severe' failings regarding donations to IDF

State Comptroller: Soldiers, officers directly communicated with donors to IDF; IDF: New Personnel Directorate body is regulating all donations.

IDF forces conduct search after a Palestinian assailant stabbed an Israeli woman in Tekoa, January 18, 2016