Military relations betweenIsrael and theUnited States have been extremely close,[1] reflecting shared security interests in theMiddle East.[2][3] Israel is designated as amajor non-NATO ally by the U.S. government. A major purchaser and user of U.S. military equipment, Israel is also involved in the joint development of military technology and it regularly engages in joint military exercises with United States and other forces.[2][3] The relationship has deepened gradually over time, though, asAlan Dowty puts it, it was "not a simple linear process of growing cooperation, but rather a series of tendentious bargaining situations with different strategic and political components in each".[4]
Until February 2022, the United States had provided Israel US$150 billion (non-inflation-adjusted) in bilateral assistance.[5] In 1999, the US government signed a Memorandum of Understanding through which it committed to providing Israel with at least US$2.67 billion inmilitary aid annually, for the following ten years; in 2009, the annual amount was raised to US$3 billion; and in 2019, the amount was raised again, now standing at a minimum of US$3.8 billion that the US is committed to providing Israel each year.[5]
In addition, the only foreign military installations on Israeli soil are US bases, including anAN/TPY-2 early missile warning radar station on Mt. Keren.[6]
.jpg)
Following theSecond World War, the “new postwar era witnessed an intensive involvement of the United States in the political and economic affairs of theMiddle East, in contrast to the hands-off attitude characteristic of the prewar period. "[U]nder Truman the United States had to face and define its policy in all three sectors that provided the root causes of American interests in the region: theSoviet threat, thebirth of Israel, andpetroleum.”[7]
During the first twenty years followingIsrael's independence, United Statespolicy in the Middle East was driven by two major policy concerns: The prevention of an arms race in theNear East,[8] and the prevention of the spread ofSoviet influence. TheTruman Administration promulgated theTripartite Declaration of 1950 for these reasons, as well as to guarantee the territorialstatus quo determined by1949 Armistice Agreements. Israel's main military patron at the time wasFrance, which supported Israel by providing it with advanced military equipment and technology, such as theDassault Mystèrefighter-bomber aircraft. Initially, the U.S. government resisted pressure by Israel andArab countries in the region to sell them advanced weapons. In response to the supply of advanced fighter aircraft by theUSSR toIraq and theUnited Arab Republic, the U.S. government agreed to sellMIM-23 Hawk anti-aircraft missiles to Israel in 1962, as a "specific action designed to meet a specific situation" which "by no means constitutes change in U.S. policy in the area.". The Hawk system was approved on the grounds that it was a "purely defensive" weapon.[8] Later, whenJordan threatened to turn to theUSSR for weapons, the U.S. agreed to sell tanks and jet aircraft to Jordan in order to prevent the spread of Soviet influence, and in return, agreed to sell similar systems to Israel.[9]
During the early 1960s, the U.S. government sought to establish a regional arms limitation agreement in the Middle East. The initiative lost steam in early 1965 after it was disclosed that the U.S. had been indirectly supplying weapons to Israel viaWest Germany since 1962, under the terms of a 1960 secret agreement to supply Israel with $80 million worth of armaments. The remainder of the agreement was fulfilled publicly, following its disclosure by the U.S., with Israel receiving shipments ofM48 Patton tanks in 1965 andA-4E Skyhawk attack aircraft in 1968.[10]
U.S. policy changed markedly after theSix-Day War of 1967, in response to a perception that many Arab states (notably Egypt) had permanently drifted toward theSoviet Union. In 1968, with strong support fromCongress, U.S. PresidentLyndon B. Johnson approved the sale ofF-4 Phantom II fighters to Israel, establishing the precedent for U.S. support for Israel'squalitative military edge over its neighbors. The U.S., however, would continue to supply arms to Israel's neighbors, particularlyLebanon,Jordan andSaudi Arabia, in order to counter Soviet arms sales and influence in the region.[citation needed]
During theYom Kippur War in 1973, the U.S. mounted a major airlift codenamedOperation Nickel Grass to deliver weapons and supplies to Israel. Over 22,000 tons oftanks,artillery,ammunition, and othermateriel were delivered to aid the Israeli military in response to a large-scale Soviet resupply effort of the Arab states. The operation was paralleled by a large-scale sealift of some 33,000 tons of materiel and the transfer of 40 F-4 Phantoms, 36 A-4 Skyhawks and twelveC-130 Hercules transport aircraft to replace Israeli war losses.[11]
Bilateral military cooperation deepened under theRonald Reagan administration in the 1980s. In 1981, U.S.Secretary of DefenseCaspar Weinberger and Israeli Minister of DefenseAriel Sharon signed theStrategic Cooperation Agreement, establishing a framework for continued consultation and cooperation to enhance the national security of both countries. In November 1983, the two sides formed aJoint Political Military Group, which still meets twice a year, to implement most provisions of the MOU.[12] Joint air and sea military exercises began in June 1984, and the United States has constructed facilities tostockpile military equipment in Israel.
In 1987, the United States granted Israel the status ofmajor non-NATO ally, enabling it to compete equally with NATO and other US allies for contracts and purchase advanced US weapons systems. Israel became the largest recipient ofUnited States military aid in the world (seemilitary aid and procurement below).[3] In 1988, Reagan and Israeli Prime MinisterYitzhak Shamir signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize and perpetuate the work of the bilateral US-Israel military, security and economic working groups.[12]
In an effort to prevent Israel from retaliating againstIraqiSS-1 Scud missile attacks during thePersian Gulf war of 1991, and thereby breaking up the US-Arab coalition, the US dispatchedMIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile batteries to Israel. The effort met with very limited success, with less than 10% and perhaps as few as none of the Scuds fired against Israel intercepted successfully.[13]
Under theBill Clinton administration in the 1990s, the US government made efforts to bolster the Israeli government's military edge by allowing it to purchase $700m of the latest U.S. military equipment, including advanced fighters, attack helicopters and theJoint Direct Attack Munition system. A series of major joint military technology development projects was also instituted.[2]
Further extensive military cooperation took place under theGeorge W. Bush administration, with Israel placing major orders forF-16I multirole fighters. During the2006 Lebanon War, the United States provided a major resupply of jet fuel andprecision-guided munition to replenish depleted Israeli stocks.[2]
The United States and Israel cooperate closely in a number of areas of military activity.The U.S. underwrites some of Israel's research and development of weapons, and has contributed significant amounts of money to Israeli defense projects such as theMerkava main battle tank and theIAI Lavi ground-attack aircraft. Israel is a participant in theF-35 Lightning II fighter development program and was offered access to theF-22 Raptor program, though it turned this down due to the high costs.[3]
The U.S. and Israel also cooperate jointly on a number of technology development programs, notably theArrow missile system and theTactical High Energy Laser (also known as Nautilus).[3]The two countries carry out regular exercises together, including carrying out biennial exercises codenamedJuniper Cobra intended to test interoperability between the two militaries. In addition, the Israeli port ofHaifa is the main port of call in the eastern Mediterranean for theUnited States Sixth Fleet, and Israel provides other logistical and maintenance support for U.S. forces in the region.[2] The two countries also share intelligence and maintain a joint anti-terrorist working group,[3] and in April 2007 their air forces committed to share information about mutually relevant procurements.[14]
The United States has stored military equipment in Israel since the early 1990s and may store additional equipment in Israel when withdrawing from Iraq.[15]
Currently the only active foreign military installations on Israeli soil are American bases, including anAN/TPY-2 early missile warning radar station on Mt. Keren.[6]
War Reserves Stock Allies-Israel also known asWar Reserve Stockpile Ammunition-Israel or simplyWRSA-I was established in the 1990s and is maintained by theUnited States European Command.[16] It is one of the United States' biggest War Reserves, located within Israel.[17] Initially the WRSA-I stock had $100 million worth of reserves;[18] however, prior toOperation Protective Edge the WRSA-I had nearly $1 billion worth of reserves,[19] with an authorization to increase this to $1.2 billion.[20] In 2014 with the passing of the2014 United States—Israel Strategic Partnership Act, the US agreed to increase the stock to $1.8 billion.[21]
The stock includes ammunition, smart bombs, missiles, military vehicles and a military hospital with 500 beds. These supplies are situated in six different locations throughout Israel.[22] If needed, Israel could request to access the WRSA-I stock, but it would need to be approved by the US congress.[23] During Operation Protective Edge, the US authorized Israel to access 120 mm mortar rounds and 40 mm grenade launcher ammunition.[17] These munitions were part of a set of older items in the stock, and were due to be replaced soon.[24]
In October 2012, the United States and Israel began their biggest joint air and missile defense exercise, known asAustere Challenge 12, involving around 3,500 U.S. troops in the region along with 1,000 IDF personnel.[25] Germany and Britain also participated.[26]
The close military relationship between the U.S. and Israel has engendered a number of controversies over the years.Operation Nickel Grass—the U.S. resupply effort during theYom Kippur War—led to retaliation by theArab states, asOAPEC members declared a complete oil embargo on the United States, provoking the1973 oil crisis.
The United States stipulates that U.S. military equipment provided through the FMS program can be used only for internal security or defensive purposes. Consequently, after allegations were made that Israel had usedcluster bombs for offensive purposes during the1982 Lebanon War, the United States suspended shipments of cluster bombs to Israel.[27] Similar allegations were made regarding Israeli use of weapons supplied by the U.S. in the course of the2006 Lebanon War and the Palestinianintifadas.[5]
American use of its military aid for political pressure on Israel, as well as the economic and strategic restrictions attached to it, has made some Israelis question the value of American military aid. Israeli columnistCaroline Glick has argued that Israel's interests may be best served by ending the military assistance, and urged her government to initiate a conversation on cutting back on the assistance package.[28] Former Israeli Defense MinisterMoshe Arens also opposes continued US aid, arguing that Israel no longer needs it. Several Israeli political parties, includingNational Union, oppose the aid and propose a gradual reduction in dependency on it.
The Kirk-Menendez-Schumer bill would for the first time commit the United States to provide "diplomatic, military and economic" support for offensive actions by Israel.[29]
In January 2014, it was reported that Israel and the United States had been quietly discussing the prospect of ending US aid, with representatives from both countries agreeing at bilateral meetings that Israel no longer needs US military aid. According toDaniel C. Kurtzer, a former US ambassador to Israel, "we may be reaching a point that after discussion of how to assure the security and intelligence cooperation, we can actually phase out the security assistance".[30]
Following the2014 Israel–Gaza conflict, when the United States temporarily suspended arms shipments to Israel, Israel reportedly reassessed its views on US aid, particularly on the view that it could always depend on a US resupply during wartime, and initiated new weapons projects to reduce its dependence on US weapons in favor of locally made ones.[31]
In December 2023, SenatorBernie Sanders introduced a privileged resolution invoking Section 502(b) of theForeign Assistance Act,[32] calling on the State Department to investigateIsraeli crimes against humanity in its conduct of thewar in Gaza.[33] The resolution would freezeUS military aid to Israel unless the State Department issues a report within 30 days.[34] The proposal was defeated, 72 to 11.[35]
In May 2024, Israel used two U.S.-madeGBU-39 bombs during theTel al-Sultan massacre.[36] GBU-39 bombs were also identified in other attacks on dense civilian areas, including theAl-Sardi school attack and theAl-Tabaeen school attack.[37] In July 2024, the Biden administration resumed shipments of the500-pound bombs to Israel, which were halted in May due to concerns about the high number ofcivilian casualties in Gaza.[38]
In June 2025, the IDF used a warplane todrop a 500-poundMark 82 bomb on the crowded beachfront cafeteria in the Gaza Strip, leaving a large crater and killing at least 41 Palestinians, including photojournalistIsmail Abu Hatab.[39]
.jpg)
In terms of total money received,Israel is the largest cumulative recipient ofmilitary assistance from theUnited States sinceWorld War II,[5] followed byVietnam,Egypt,Afghanistan, andTurkey.[41][needs update] About three quarters of the aid is earmarked for purchases of military equipment from U.S. companies and the rest is spent on domestic equipment.[42][43]
Since 1987, the U.S. has provided an average of $1.8 billion annually in the form ofForeign Military Sales (FMS),Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and funds to support research and development.[2] A bilateral memorandum of understanding was signed in January 2001, at the end of the Clinton administration, under which defense aid was increased to $2.4 billion annually from $1.8 billion, while the $1.2 billion ofeconomic aid would be eliminated. This was predicated on the basis of the defense aid being increased by $60 million per year until the full amount was reached in 2008, while the economic aid is decreased by $120 million per year until eliminated.[3][44] In 2007, the United States increased its military aid to Israel by over 25%, to an average of $3 billion per year for the following ten-year period (starting at $2.550 billion for 2008, growing by $150 million each year).[45] The package started in October 2008, when regular aid to Israel's economy ended.[46] Officials have insisted the aid is not tied, or meant to balance, simultaneous American plans to sell $20 billion worth of sophisticated arms to its Arab allies in the region, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia.[46] Former U.S. PresidentGeorge W. Bush assured Israeli Prime MinisterEhud Olmert that the U.S. would help keep a "qualitative advantage" to Israel over other nations in the region.[45]
The United States is the largest single supplier of military equipment to Israel. According to theU.S. Congressional Research Service, between 1998 and 2005 the U.S. accounted for the vast majority of Israel's arms transfer agreements, accounting for $9.1 billion out of $9.5 billion worth of agreements.[47] Israel deals directly with U.S. companies for the vast majority of its military purchases from the United States, though it requires permission from the U.S. government for specific purchases. Permission is not always automatic; for instance, in March 2000 it became known that the Israeli government had been refused permission to purchaseBGM-109 Tomahawk missiles.[3]
Israel has the world's largest F-16 fleet outside theUnited States Air Force. With the delivery of 102 F-16Is, scheduled through 2008, theIsraeli Air Force will have a total F-16 inventory of 362, in addition to 106 F-15s.[48]
In December 2016, the United States delivered the first two F-35 “Adir” stealth fighter planes, a version of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, arrived to Israel, the first of its kind in the Middle East. In April 2017, the United States delivered an additional three to total five F-35 stealth fighters now operated under the Israeli Air Force[49] Israel was the first country outside of the United States to receive the F-35 and is expecting to receive a total of 50 over the coming years, achieving two full squadrons by 2022. This delivery is due to the strong partnership that the two countries had in the manufacturing of the fighter jet. Israeli technology, aerospace and defense companies played a pivotal role in the technological innovation giving the plane its immense capabilities. Eventually, Israel hopes to further accommodate its air force with the F-35B STOVL. Recent US Tomahawk strikes into Syria demonstrate that fixed airfields could easily be destroyed or temporarily be made unavailable. The F35B-model has both short take off and vertical landing capability, making it a strong threat in such a small region with constant warfare.[50]
In 2023, The State Department approved the sale of $320 million worth of guided bomb equipment to Israel.[51][52] In October 2023, PresidentJoe Biden called on Congress to pass $14.3 billion in emergency military aid to Israel in itsGaza war.[53] On 30 March 2024, the Biden administration authorized $2.5 billion in weapons transfers to Israel.[54] On 24 April 2024, Biden signed a$95 billion security package which included around $17 billion in military aid for Israel.[55] In June 2024, the United States officially signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance, allowing Israel topurchase 25 additionalLockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets for $3 billion.[56]
On 9 August 2024, the Department of State said the United States would send Israel an additional $3.5 billion to spend on US-made weapons and military equipment.[57] On 13 August 2024, the Department of State announced that the U.S. had approved a $20 billion weapons package sale to Israel, which included fighter jets and advanced air-to-air missiles.[58]
In September 2024, the United States approved a $165 million sale of military tank trailers, including replacement parts, tool kits, and logistics support.[59]
On Sunday, 20 October 2024,U.S. House SpeakerMike Johnson confirmed the release of classified documents detailing Israel's plans to attackIran, describing the revelations as "deeply troubling". The documents pertain to the US Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and theNational Security Agency. They are reminiscent of the Pentagon Papers and are classified under the National Security Community classification system. These documents contained titles regarding Israel's preparations to attack Iran, as well as the supply of ammunition and drone operations. The disclosure of these documents reveals the direct involvement of the United States and its close allies in Israel's potential attack on Iran.[60]
In February 2025, the United States approved a $3 billion arms sale to Israel, which included 35,500MK 84 and BLU-117 bombs and 4,000 Predator warheads.[61]
Note: This is not a comprehensive listing of U.S. military sales to Israel.
| Year | FMS | DCS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | $766,026,000 | $4,019,000 | $770,045,000 |
| 2002 | $629,426,000 | $1,427,000 | $630,853,000 |
| 2003 | $845,952,000 | $16,455,000 | $862,407,000 |
| 2004 | $878,189,000 | $418,883,000 | $1,297,072,000 |
| 2005 | $1,652,582,000 | $1,110,223,000 | $2,762,805,000 |
| 2001–2005 | $4,772,175,000 | $1,551,007,000 | $6,323,182,000 |
Note: This is not a comprehensive listing of US ESF and military aid to Israel.
| Year | FMF | ESF | Supplementals | NADR-ATA | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | $1,975,644,000 | $838,000,000 | $2,813,644,000 | ||
| 2002 | $2,040,000,000 | $720,000,000 | $28,000,000 | $2,788,000,000 | |
| 2003 | $2,086,350,000 | $596,100,000 | $1,000,000,000 | $3,682,450,000 | |
| 2004 | $2,147,256,000 | $477,168,000 | $2,624,424,000 | ||
| 2005 | $2,202,240,000 | $357,120,000 | $50,000,000 | $210,000 | $2,609,570,000 |
| 2006 (estimated) | $2,257,200,000 | $273,600,000 | $526,000 | $2,531,326,000 | |
| 2007 (requested) | $2,340,000,000 | $120,000,000 | $320,000 | $2,460,320,000 | |
| Total 2001–2007 | $15,048,690,000 | $3,381,988,000 | $1,050,000,000 | $29,056,000 | $19,509,734,000 |
| 2012 (estimate)[63] | $3,075,000,000 | $3,075,000,000 |
This is not a comprehensive list. In addition to indigenously developed military equipment, Israel has made a number of procurements from the United States in recent years, including systems procured directly from US manufacturers and ex-US Forces equipment. TheIsrael Defense Forces also makes use of US military systems not necessarily procured directly from the US. The list below includes US-made weapon systems paid for from funding provided by the US, by Israel alone, or by a combination of funding from both nations. All data is fromJane'sSentinel Eastern Mediterranean 2007[3] unless otherwise stated.
| Item | Quantity | Year procured | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fighter aircraft | |||
| F-15A Eagle | 25 | 1993 | Ex-U.S. Air Force[64] |
| F-16C/D Fighting Falcon | 60 | 1991–93 | U.S. |
| F-16A/B Fighting Falcon | 50 | 1991–93 | Ex-U.S. Air Force[65] |
| F-15I Eagle | 25 | From 1997 | U.S. |
| F-16I Fighting Falcon | 102 | From 2003 | U.S. |
| Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II | 5 | From 2016 | U.S. |
| Transport planes | |||
| C-130 Hercules E/H | 39 | From 1974 | U.S. |
| Boeing KC-707 | ?? | 1973 | U.S. |
| Gulfstream G550 | 5 | From 2003 | U.S. |
| Utility aircraft | |||
| Cessna 206 | ?? | ?? | Unknown |
| Training aircraft | |||
| Northrop Grumman TA-4 | ?? | ?? | U.S. |
| Attack helicopters | |||
| AH-1E HueyCobra | 14 | 1996 | Ex-U.S. Army[66] |
| AH-64 Apache | 36 | 1990–91 | U.S. |
| AH-64D Apache | 9 | From 2004 | U.S. |
| Utility, cargo, and support helicopter | |||
| S-65/CH-53E Sea Stallion | 10 | 1990–91 | U.S. |
| S-65/CH-53D Sea Stallion | 2 | 1994 | Ex-U.S. Air Force |
| Bell 206 | ?? | ?? | Unknown |
| Bell 212 | ?? | ?? | Unknown |
| Sikorsky S-70A-50 | 15 | 2002-03 | U.S. |
| S-70/UH-60A Black Hawk | 10 | 1994 | Ex-U.S. Army |
| Ground defense vehicles | |||
| M113 | 6,000 | ?? | Unknown |
| M48 Patton tank | 1,000 | 1956–1971 | Ex. U.S. |
| M60 Patton tank | 1,500 | 1965–1979 | Ex. U.S. |
| Artillery | |||
| M109 howitzer | ?? | ?? | Unknown |
| M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System | 42 | From 1995 | U.S. |
| Munitions | |||
| Joint Direct Attack Munition | 6,700[citation needed] | 1999–2004 | U.S. |
| Mark 84 general-purpose bomb | ?? | ?? | U.S. |
| Missiles | |||
| FIM-92A Stinger | 200 | 1993–94 | U.S. |
| MIM-104 Patriot | 32 | 1991 | U.S. |
| MIM-72 Chaparral | 500 | On order | Ex-U.S. Forces |
| M48A3 Self-Propelled Chaparral System | 36 | On order | Ex-U.S. Forces |
| AGM-114 Hellfire II | ?? | Mid-1990s | U.S. |
| AGM-62 Walleye | ?? | ?? | Unknown |
| AGM-65 Maverick | ?? | ?? | Unknown |
| AGM-78 Standard ARM | U.S. | ||
| AGM-142D | 41 | On order | Joint Israel/U.S. |
| AIM-120 AMRAAM | 64 | On order | U.S. |
| AIM-7 Sparrow | ?? | ?? | Unknown |
| AIM-9S Sidewinder | 200 | 1993–94 | U.S. |
| AGM-84 Harpoon | ?? | ?? | Unknown |
| BGM-71 TOW-2A/B | ?? | Mid-1990s | U.S. |
There are few statistics available about Israeli arms sales to the USA. The following weapons are known to be in use by the American military.
In November 1947, while the United Nations was debating the partition of Palestine, theTruman administration imposed an arms embargo on all sides in Palestine. Following Israel's establishment in May 1948, the Truman administration continued its arms embargo against Israel.[67]Kennedy ended the arms embargo that the Eisenhower and Truman administrations had enforced on Israel. Describing the protection of Israel as a moral and national commitment, he was the first to introduce the concept of a 'special relationship' (as he described it toGolda Meir) between the U.S. and Israel.[68]
Throughout 2009, theJewish Institute for National Security of America reported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to conceal that Obama had imposed a virtual arms embargo on Israel. Obama blocked all major Israeli weapons requests, including key projects and upgrades, linking arms sales to progress in the peace process.[69]
Prior to 7 October 2023, concerns centered mainly around Israel'soccupation of the West Bank,continued settlement expansion, and evidence ofhuman rights abuses by the Israeli military in the occupied territories. A 2020 poll byJ Street, a liberal Jewish lobby group, found that 57 percent of American Jews want to limit military aid to Israel to ensure it cannot pay for annexation.[70] A report byProPublica found the U.S. State Department had ignored reports about potential human rights violations by the Israeli army to continue weapons transfers to Israel.[71]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
