The bill was introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.
In addition to extending U.S. government-backed loan guarantees to Israel through 2015, both bills urge expanded technology sharing and joint military exercises.
Specifically, lawmakers call for the U.S. to:
• Expand already-close intelligence cooperation, including satellite intelligence.
• Provide through possible lend-lease arrangements new weaponry, including air refueling tankers, missile defense capabilities and “specialized munitions.”
• Improve the process for Israel’s purchase of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to allow for greater cost efficiencies and “on-time delivery.”
• Expand joint military exercises to address emerging common threats.
• Offer the Israel Air Force additional training opportunities in the U.S. to compensate for Israel’s limited air space.
• Encourage an expanded role for Israel within NATO, “including enhanced presence at NATO headquarters and exercises.”
• Make surplus defense gear and services available to Israel, particularly those resulting from the U.S. pullout from Iraq.
• Strengthen efforts to prevent weapon smuggling into Gaza and threats infiltrating from the Sinai Peninsula.
• Allocate additional weaponry and munitions and extend the time allocated for U.S. war reserves stockpiled in Israel.
• Expand bilateral cooperation in homeland security, counterterrorism, maritime security, energy, cybersecurity and related areas.
• Take action to integrate Israel into the U.S. defense network for the eastern Mediterranean.
Finally, the bill passed by the House authorizes Israel’s expanded use of grant military aid to be applied more broadly for commercial rather than foreign military sales.
The enhancements come in addition to more than $3 billion in annual U.S. grant military aid to Israel and a separate bill pending in both houses of Congress for another $680 million in multiyear funding for Israel’s Iron Dome rocket defense system. …
Within 180 days of its enactment into law, the act directs U.S. President Barack Obama to report on specific steps his administration is taking to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge.
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