The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America welcomed the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Obama administration and the Netanyahu government. The agreement between the United States and Israel was reached Tuesday, cementing a $38 billion, 10-year military aid package for 2019 – 2028. The agreement also includes $5 billion in joint missile defense spending which will significantly advance Israel’s defensive capabilities as well as technology that benefits U.S. defense.

Nathan Diament, Orthodox Union executive director for public policy, stated:

“We commend President Obama, the bipartisan coalition in Congress and Prime Minister Netanyahu on this historic agreement. The United States and Israel have always had a special relationship. Israel is the most stable democratic ally in the region and the United States understands the importance of the continuation of the Jewish State’s ability to defend itself. Importantly, this MOU communicates to Israel’s enemies that the United States stands firmly beside Israel.”

The new MOU will take effect in 2019 upon the expiration of the current MOU, signed in 2007. The money will be spent on modernizing the Israel Defense Forces and allow them to better defend Israel in the Middle East.