What military support do the United States provide to Israel?

(Patria) - The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has spurred calls for Washington to set conditions on the billions of dollars in military funding and other aid it provides to Israel, which has received more U.S. foreign aid than any other country since World War II, Reuters writes.

In 2016, the U.S. and Israeli governments signed a third ten-year Memorandum of Understanding, for the period from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2028. The Memorandum of Understanding provides a total of $38 billion in military aid over ten years, $33 billion in grants for the purchase of military equipment, and $5 billion for missile defense systems.

Israel is the first international operator of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, considered the most technologically advanced fighter jet ever built. Israel is in the process of purchasing 75 F-35s and last year took delivery of 36 aircraft, paying for them with U.S. assistance.

The U.S. helped Israel develop and arm its Iron Dome short-range missile defense system after the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah. The U.S. has repeatedly sent hundreds of millions of dollars to Israel to help replenish its interceptor missiles.

Washington has also helped fund the development of Israel's "David's Sling" system, designed to intercept missiles fired from distances of 100 to 200 km.

Last year, President Joe Biden asked Congress to approve an additional $95 billion spending bill that includes $14 billion for Israel, along with $60 billion for Ukraine, support for Taiwan, and billions in humanitarian aid.

The package passed the Senate with 70% support in February but was blocked in the House of Representatives, as Republican leaders did not bring it to a vote, largely due to objections to funding Ukraine. It also faces resistance from a handful of progressive Democrats who oppose sending more money to Israel while it conducts a military campaign that has killed more than 30,000 civilians in Gaza.