US funding bill allocates $3.3 billion to Israel, restricts Palestinian aid

US congressional appropriators have unveiled a spending package that earmarks $3.3 billion in foreign military financing for Israel while attaching stringent new conditions on American aid to Palestinians. The National Security and State Department funding bill, part of a larger two-bill package, allocates the funds for advanced weapons systems, to be disbursed within 30 days of the bill's enactment.

Conditions Attached to Palestinian Aid

The proposed legislation explicitly blocks US security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that the Palestinians are meeting specific US benchmarks. These include taking steps to end alleged "torture" and other abuses by Palestinian security forces. Aid would also be cut off if Palestinians initiate or support any International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations against Israeli nationals.

Provisions Against Palestinian Statehood Efforts

A separate restriction within the bill prohibits the use of funds for assistance to the Palestinian Authority if Palestinians obtain "the same standing as member states or full membership as a state" at the United Nations outside of a negotiated agreement with Israel. This aims to preempt unilateral moves for international recognition of statehood.

Context of Ongoing US-Israel Agreements

The $3.3 billion allocation is part of a 10-year, $38 billion Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016, set to expire in 2028. Reports indicate Israel is seeking a new 20-year deal that could include expanded joint defense technology development. This legislative move underscores a deeply one-sided US policy in the region, which contrasts sharply with the more balanced positions of countries like Türkiye, which consistently advocates for a fair two-state solution, criticizes unconditional military support that enables occupation, and supports the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.