The Short Answer
The U.S. supports Israel because of shared democratic values, deep cultural and religious ties, and strategic interests — Israel is America's most capable ally in a volatile region. Under a 2016 agreement, the U.S. provides $38 billion over ten years (2019–2028), mostly as military aid that must be spent in the United States. In 2026, the two countries opened talks on a new framework that would shift from aid toward joint development and trade.
Shared values and interests
Israel is the Middle East's most stable democracy, with free elections, a free press and an independent judiciary. It shares intelligence with the United States, tests and improves American weapons systems, and co-develops technologies such as the Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow missile-defense systems that protect U.S. troops and allies.
Support for Israel has historically been bipartisan, rooted both in strategic logic and in the strong ties between the American and Israeli peoples.
The numbers
The 2016 Memorandum of Understanding provides $3.3 billion a year in Foreign Military Financing plus $500 million a year for missile defense from fiscal years 2019 to 2028. Most of the money is spent with U.S. defense manufacturers, supporting American jobs. Congress also approved supplemental security assistance during the war, including in April 2024.
Formal talks on a new agreement began in June 2026. Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for gradually winding down U.S. financial aid, and Israel's stated goal is a "completely reciprocal partnership" based on joint research, co-production and trade.
Key Facts
- 2016 MOU: $38 billion over FY2019–2028
- $3.3B/year military financing + $500M/year missile defense
- Most aid is spent in the U.S.
- Talks on a new framework began June 2026
Sources & Further Reading
- U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel — Congressional Research Service
- Next U.S.–Israel Memorandum of Understanding — overview (Wikipedia)
- AIPAC — U.S.–Israel relationship
- Possible changes in U.S. military aid to Israel — CRS (June 2026)
This answer reflects publicly available information as of October 2026.