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Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&sid=a7jrhCxvqlfg
Israel Aid Pays U.S. Dividends that Exceed Cost
(Bloomberg) Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ) - American military aid to Israel is essential not only for Israel's national security, but for America's. Under the 2010 U.S. budget, about $75 billion, $65 billion and $3.25 billion will be spent on military operations and aid in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, respectively. Israel will receive $3 billion, in military aid only. There is no economic aid to Israel. About 70% of the aid must be used by Israel to purchase American military equipment, providing real support for U.S. high-tech defense jobs. The U.S. and Israel are jointly developing state-of-the-art missile defense capabilities which are already providing security to Israel and U.S. civilians and ground troops throughout the region. America's special relationship with Israel provides the U.S. with real-time, minute-to-minute access to one of the best intelligence services in the world regarding al-Qaeda, Hizbullah, Iran and Hamas. The U.S. receives invaluable information about anti-U.S. and terrorist organizations and regimes. For about 2% of what the U.S. spends in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan this year, Americans can take pride in the return on our investment in aid to Israel.