Sen. Peters’ Statement on Memorandum of Understanding Reached with Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the new, long-term security assistance Memorandum of Understanding that was reached with Israel today:

“The safety and security of Israel is in the national security interests of the United States, which is why I applaud the new long-term security assistance Memorandum of Understanding agreed upon today. Israel is America’s strongest ally and a stalwart of democracy in a very troubled region.

“When I met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Rivlin, and other Israeli government officials in Israel earlier this year, they underscored the importance of U.S. security assistance and the need to complete this new agreement.

“This agreement will provide Israel with the means to defend itself by itself --maintaining its qualitative military edge, serving as a deterrent to regional adversaries, and funding missile defense capabilities to counter rocket attacks.

“The agreement will increase security assistance to Israel from $3.1 billion to $3.8 billion per year. As the largest military aid package provided to any country in U.S. history, this agreement reflects the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship and our unwavering commitment to the Jewish state.”