Regardless of the turbulence weathered over the past year, the U.S.-Israel relationship has never been stronger. Don’t be deceived by the political optics used to create a perceived wedge between the United States and Israel—the United States has made and continues to make the most robust critical investment in history for Israel’s security.
Just over a year ago, when Hamas rockets began flying toward Israel, I was one of the first Members of Congress to visit Israel. I experienced the terror Israelis go through on a daily basis not knowing when the next siren would go off. I saw for myself the sophistication of tunnels being dug by Hamas from Gaza into Israel. These are not your average tunnels – they are massive, deep and difficult to detect. And terrorists are using these tunnels to attempt to kidnap and kill innocent Israeli civilians and members of the Israeli military. In response, the United States Congress has committed $40 million this year to address the illicit use of these tunnels and stop their use as terrorist expressways into Israel and around the globe.
This funding to detect and deter terrorist tunnels is one of a handful of defense programs that the United States Department of Defense (DoD) has invested in for Israel’s security. The Pentagon has been working with Israel for several years now to boost Israel’s missile defense capabilities, including funding for programs such as the Arrow Weapon System, David’s Sling Weapon System, and Iron Dome. Our two nations have worked together to help counter the increasing threat of rockets and missiles through the development of a multi-tiered missile defense shield capable of protecting its citizens from short, medium, and long-range rockets and ballistic missiles. This year alone, Congress has committed nearly $500 million for U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs.
Now that implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has begun, it is more important than ever for us to look forward together. As we transition towards this post-deal environment, it is critical that we closely monitor Iran’s compliance with the JCPOA to ensure it does not violate any segment of the deal and that we guarantee a safe and secure Israel. In September, a group of colleagues and I introduced legislation to create a bipartisan Commission to Verify Iranian Nuclear Compliance, which will provide crucial Congressional and Executive oversight over implementation of the JCPOA. This bill will ensure Iran does not exploit ambiguities in the deal and that any non-compliance results in punitive measures.
In light of the JCPOA, recent violence and acts of terrorism against Israelis, and the ensuing instability and chaos in the region, it remains increasingly critical that we maintain our commitment to Israel’s security. Recently, General Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, traveled to Israel, and Israel’s Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon traveled to Washington, D.C. for collaborative meetings. In addition, earlier this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Barack Obama. Regardless of the political rhetoric hovering around these meetings, our commitment to Israel has never been stronger. Building on the progress made from these meetings, I look forward to working together with all stakeholders to not only continue, but also strengthen, strategic cooperation between the United States and Israel.
