The administration wants $39.3 billion for the State Department and the US Agency for International Development, a reduction of about one-third from 2017 spending, but proposed an increase in funding to its Middle East ally.
“[For] Israel, the total is $3.3 billion, which is a $200 million increase from the previous year and reflects the newly signed 10-year MOU [memorandum of understanding],” he said.
In September, the US and Israel signed a 10-year MOU providing $38 billion in defense aid to Israel through 2028.
The budget request explains the $3.3 billion request provides “assistance to bolster Israel’s capacity to defend itself and maintain its qualitative military edge.”