Bill bolsters US-Israel strategic alliance

Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Chris Coons (D-DE) recently introduced legislation designed to strengthen the U.S.-Israel strategic alliance.

The United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2020 authorizes $3.3 billion in annual security assistance consistent with the Memorandum of Understanding. It supports Israel’s ability to address both conventional and emerging threats.

“The people of Israel face unprecedented threats from Iran’s terror-sponsoring regime in Tehran, Iranian-backed proxies like Hezbollah, and other malign actors in the region,” Rubio said. “In the wake of recent threats from the Iranian regime and their proxies, we must ensure that our allies in the region are prepared to defend themselves. This important bipartisan legislation advances America’s interest in the region and helps to keep Israel safe.”

Rubio and Coons previously introduced the bill two years ago, and it was incorporated into the Senate-passed Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act of 2019. The House has not acted on that legislation, spurring the lawmakers to introduce the bill on its own.

“The events of the past few days are a stark reminder of the importance of U.S. assistance to Israel’s security,” Coons said. “While we work to de-escalate tensions in the region, I remain committed to the security of our allies in the Middle East. The assistance included in this bill will help Israel protect itself in a time of great uncertainty in the region; deter – and, if necessary, defend against – Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas; and deepen bilateral U.S.-Israel ties for decades to come.”