U.S. Congress Approves Strategic Alliance Bill with Israel

On Wednesday, December 3, American lawmakers passed a bill that designates Israel as a "major strategic partner" of the United States and aims to deepen the relationship between the two sides, which has reportedly faced tensions recently. This bill now requires the signature of Barack Obama, the President of the United States, to be finalized. According to the Associated Press, Senator Barbara Boxer, who led the efforts for the bill's approval, urged both houses of Congress to act "unanimously" to strengthen U.S. relations with its closest ally in the Middle East. According to Agence France-Presse, the bill enhances cooperation in defense, security, energy, research and development, trade, agriculture, water management, and academia. Additionally, it increases the value of U.S. military stockpiles by $200 million, bringing the total to $1.8 billion; as a result, the Pentagon will be better prepared for military operations in the Middle East. The U.S. has maintained a military weapons depot in Israel for two decades, which the Israeli army can use with Pentagon authorization in certain cases. Earlier last summer, the U.S. Congress approved a $225 million financial aid package for the production of Iron Dome missiles for Israel. Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated in a statement, "We must always strive to ensure that our support for Israel continues; with threats against this country from Hamas to Iran." Issues such as nuclear negotiations with Iran or events in Gaza have led to reports of some tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly expressed his opposition to the nuclear agreement with Tehran, claiming it would enable Iran to have the capability to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons. Tehran has consistently denied having military objectives in its nuclear program. On the other hand, Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, has repeatedly threatened Israel. In this context, Kerry's objection to Israeli Defense Minister Yaalon's criticisms of the U.S. regarding Iran has once again created tensions in U.S.-Israel relations. General Dempsey's meeting with the Israeli Defense Minister occurred amid these tensions, and the Israeli Finance Minister stated that a crisis has arisen in relations with the U.S.