Ever since Israel's founding in 1948, the US has had a close relationship with the Jewish state. President Harry Truman was the first world leader to recognize its creation, and to this day Israel is a key US ally in the Middle East.
Over the last nearly 75 years, the US government has provided more aid to Israel than it has to any other foreign country. Between 2001 and 2020, Israel received more military aid from the US than all other nations combined.
For many years, the American media provided two separate figures when discussing U.S. aid to Israel: $1.8 billion in military aid and $1.2 billion in economic aid.
While both of these statements were technically true, they were also misleading because they never combined to give the complete annual total of U.S. aid to Israel. This resulted in what can be called "true lies."
In the wake of Hamas' attacks in Israel on Saturday, President Joe Biden has sent additional military support to Israel and urged a divided, chaotic Congress to approve more. Despite concerns that Israel will continue killing civilians and children in Gaza, there is bipartisan support for aid to Israel. But it's unclear what Congress can pass without a permanent House speaker in place.
Most members of Congress are likely unaware of the full extent of U.S. financial support to Israel. The few committee members who have insight into these figures may not readily share them. Many of these committee members have received significant campaign donations orchestrated by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the influential lobby representing Israel in Washington, D.C., and, as such, their actions often speak louder than their words.
The US has sent Israel a total of $158 billion (not adjusted for inflation) in bilateral assistance and missile defense funding since 1948, according to a March report by the Congressional Research Service. In 2016, the US signed its third 10-year Memorandum of Understanding on military aid to Israel, pledging to send it $38 billion between 2019 and 2028. In fiscal year 2023, Congress appropriated $3.8 billion for Israel, as well as $98.58 million for other cooperative defense and nondefense efforts, according to the CRS report. In 2022, the US spent a total of $4.8 billion on military, economic, and missile defense aid for Israel.
Over the years, US aid has helped Israel develop one of the most advanced militaries in the world, with the funds allowing them to purchase sophisticated military equipment from the US.
For example, Israel has purchased 50 F-35 combat aircraft, which can be used for missile attacks - 27 of the aircraft have so far been delivered, costing around $100m (£70.4m) each.
Last year Israel also bought eight KC-46A Boeing 'Pegasus' aircrafts for an estimated $2.4bn (£1.7bn). These are capable of refuelling planes such as the F-35 in mid-air.
Of the $3.8bn given to Israel in 2020, $500m (£353.9m) was for missile defence, including investments in Israel's Iron Dome and other systems which can intercept incoming rockets.
Since 2011, the US has contributed a total of $1.6bn (£1.1bn) to the Iron Dome defence system.
In addition, Israel has spent millions collaborating with the US on developing military technology, such as a system to detect underground tunnels used to infiltrate Israel.
The Israeli government invests heavily in military equipment and training, using the aid to compensate for being smaller than many other regional powers.
There are a number of reasons why the US gives so much aid to Israel, including historic commitments dating back to US support for the creation of the Jewish state in 1948.
Moreover, Israel is seen by the US as a crucial ally in the Middle East - with shared goals and a mutual commitment to democratic values.
The US Congressional Research Service says: "US foreign aid has been a major component in cementing and reinforcing these ties.
"US officials and many lawmakers have long considered Israel to be a vital partner in the region."
The US government's foreign assistance agency says: "US assistance helps ensure that Israel maintains its Qualitative Military Edge (QME) over potential regional threats."
It also states: "US assistance... is aimed at ensuring that Israel is sufficiently secure to take the historic steps necessary to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians and for comprehensive regional peace."
