Report shows U.S. military aid to Israel exceeded $17.9 billion in the past year

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has reached a critical point, with many experts citing the United States’ unwavering support for Israel as a significant factor in the protracted violence. As Israel’s closest ally, the U.S. has consistently supplied the country with military equipment. A recent report from Brown University, released on October 7, reveals that since that date last year, the U.S. has provided over $17.9 billion in military aid to Israel, marking an unprecedented level of support.

Historically, Israel has been the largest beneficiary of U.S. military assistance. Since 1959, the cumulative military aid allocated to Israel, adjusted for inflation, has reached an astounding $251.2 billion. Back in 1979, the U.S. made a commitment to provide substantial military support to Israel on an annual basis. Under the Obama administration, this support was formalized at $3.8 billion per year, which will continue through 2028.

The report emphasizes that the $17.9 billion in military aid since October 7 represents a record for single-year assistance. This substantial support comprises military financing, arms sales, and at least $4.4 billion worth of military stock and used equipment.

In stark contrast to the transparency surrounding U.S. military aid to Ukraine, the specifics of the assistance given to Israel over the last year remain largely ambiguous. It’s worth noting that the report was finalized before the recent escalation of conflict in Lebanon involving Israeli airstrikes, indicating that actual assistance figures could potentially be even greater.

Moreover, the U.S. has earmarked $4.86 billion to bolster its military operations in the Middle East, which includes counteractions against assaults from Yemen’s Houthi militants.

Critics have pointed out the apparent contradiction in U.S. policy: while calling for a cease-fire, the U.S. continues to funnel significant military support to Israel, raising questions about the underlying motivations and consistency of its approach.