Statement on the Memorandum of Understanding Between the United States and Israel
Issued 2016-09-14 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama signed an agreement with Israel committing the United States to provide $38 billion in military assistance over ten years. This includes $33 billion in foreign military financing funds and an additional $5 billion specifically for missile defense systems. According to the statement, this represents the single largest pledge of military assistance in U.S. history and will supply Israel with advanced weapons technology to defend itself.
This agreement affects Israel directly by ensuring continued access to American military equipment and funding. It also affects U.S. taxpayers, as these funds represent a significant federal commitment. The memorandum builds on previous assistance—since fiscal year 2009, the United States had already provided Israel with $23.6 billion in foreign military financing and another $3.4 billion for missile defense.
The agreement matters because it represents a major, long-term U.S. commitment to Israel's military capabilities in what the statement describes as a dangerous region. The President characterized this as part of America's ongoing partnership with Israel while also noting that the administration would continue pursuing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which he described as necessary for Israel's long-term security as a Jewish and democratic state.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This presidential memorandum ("Statement on the Memorandum of Understanding Between the United States and Israel") provides direction to executive branch agencies. The stated purpose: "The continued supply of the world's most advanced weapons technology will ensure that Israel has the ability to defend itself from all manner of threats." Presidential memoranda function similarly to executive orders but are typically more narrow in scope, addressing specific agencies or implementation details. The President's authority to direct executive branch operations is grounded in Article II of the Constitution.
Memoranda are a routine administrative tool. They guide agencies on priorities, interpretation of statutes, and implementation procedures. As long as they operate within the bounds of existing law and respect congressional mandates, they are a standard exercise of presidential power that every modern administration has used.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Statement on the Memorandum of Understanding Between the United States and Israel September 14, 2016 As I have said repeatedly, America's commitment to Israel's security is unshakeable. Over the past 8 years, my administration has time and again demonstrated this commitment in word and deed. Since fiscal year 2009, the United States has provided Israel with $23.6 billion in foreign military financing (FMF) funds and another $3.4 billion in funding for missile defense. The new 10-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) on security assistance that my administration signed with the Government of Israel today is just the most recent reflection of my steadfast commitment to the security of the State of Israel. The new MOU constitutes the single largest pledge of military assistance in U.S. history, totaling $38 billion over 10 years, including $33 billion in FMF funds and an additional $5 billion in missile defense funding. Both Prime Minister Netanyahu and I are confident that the new MOU will make a significant contribution to Israel's security in what remains a dangerous neighborhood. The continued supply of the world's most advanced weapons technology will ensure that Israel has the ability to defend itself from all manner of threats. For as long as the State of Israe