- Jul 20, 2001
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The US spends approximately $3 billion/year on taxpayer-funded direct aid to Israel (loans with repayment waivers*) plus an additional $1 billion/year in private donations. In addition, the US has provided loan guarantees (real loans with the expectation of repayment) to Israel.
What are the practical benefits to the US for providing this aid and for providing political support to Israel? Here are a couple I've come up with. Please add your own.
Trade:
Israel and the US exchange about $30 billion/year in goods and services placing Israel roughly in the #20 spot for US trade partners with approximately 1% of total US international trade. Edit: The US runs about a $0.5 billion/yr trade deficit with Israel, as we run trade deficits with almost everybody.
Military and civilian technology development:
The US and Israel cooperate on some weapons system development as well as cooperation in research for non-military technologicl development.
* http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/47088.pdf
What are the practical benefits to the US for providing this aid and for providing political support to Israel? Here are a couple I've come up with. Please add your own.
Trade:
Israel and the US exchange about $30 billion/year in goods and services placing Israel roughly in the #20 spot for US trade partners with approximately 1% of total US international trade. Edit: The US runs about a $0.5 billion/yr trade deficit with Israel, as we run trade deficits with almost everybody.
Military and civilian technology development:
The US and Israel cooperate on some weapons system development as well as cooperation in research for non-military technologicl development.
* http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/47088.pdf