Abstract
The United States (U.S.) has allocated a total of more than U.S. $ 63 billion economic and over U.S. $ 141 billion military assistance to Israel, more than U.S. $ 200 billion in aggregate over the last six decades. While there are several fluctuations in the amount of aid, there is also a continuum. This paper examines how and why the U.S.-Israel aid relationship is so special and unique. Focusing on historical as well as contemporary U.S. economic and military aid to Israel, the paper explores that, despite some ups and downs, aid to Israel has always remained a constant feature of the ties between the two countries. Israel has not only received the largest amount of aggregate U.S. economic and military aid, but there are also certain other special concessions available to Israel that no other U.S. aid recipient is privileged to avail. The paper identifies key dynamics that play an integral role in keeping the unparalleled U.S.-Israel aid relationship intact. Existing evidence indicates that besides factors such as shared values, including so-called democratic norms, Judo-Christian values and common geo-strategic goals; the Jewish lobby within the U.S., particularly the extremely powerful and well-organized American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is one of the most influential players tilting U.S. foreign policy in favour of Israel. The paper illustrates that Israel is a unique aid recipient which has been receiving billions of dollars in U.S. civilian and security assistance on account of these factors, rather than purely because of Israel's poverty or developmental needs. The study concludes by highlighting the current state of U.S.-Israel aid ties and the implications of overall U.S.-Israel aid relations for Pakistan.
Highlights
[The United States (U.S.) has allocated a total of more than U.S $ 63 billion economic and over U.S $ 141 billion military assistance to Israel, more than U.S $ 200 billion in aggregate over the last six decades
The question arises as to why and how the relationship has evolved over the decades as it is today and that why the U.S has been so generous towards Israel in terms of the provision of substantial economic and military aid; and what are the factors always motivating the U.S to come to the rescue of Israel at international diplomatic forums whenever the latter is under severe pressure on account of its belligerent attitude and gross human rights violations
On account of various reasons, the U.S.-Israel aid relationship is special and unique as Israel has remained the largest recipient of U.S economic and military aid for decades, despite the fact that it is not a poor or underdeveloped country
Summary
1950s with small grants and it expanded modestly during the following years consisting of Export-Import Bank loans, Food for Peace aid and economic loans.[2]. There is no resident USAID mission to supervise and recommend the aid program of Israel for Washington’s review.[20] Unlike other U.S aid recipients, Israel gets special treatment as it is allowed to spend some of the aid funds in Israel for buying defence equipment and other military purchases.[21] Keeping in view these ‘special’ features of the aid relationship between the U.S and Israel, Bar-Siman-Tov has appropriately stated that, “The United States and Israel have a unique and unparalleled partnership.”[22] It is because of these special and exceptional attributes of the relationship between the two countries that their ties are termed “unique in history”.23. Atrocities against the Palestinians, Washington D.C. has always remained steadfast in support of Tel Aviv at international forums
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