Congress sent the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 to the president’s desk last week, after the House passed a Senate bill that would allow the Defense Department to transfer surplus items to Israel and increase cooperative research programs between the two countries.
The bill, which the House passed Dec. 3 after Senate passage on Sept. 18, notes that “the people and Governments of the United States and of Israel are facing a dynamic and rapidly changing security environment in the Middle East and North Africa, necessitating deeper cooperation on a range of defense, security, and intelligence matters.” Therefore, the United States should “pursue every opportunity to deepen cooperation with Israel on a range of critical issues including defense, homeland security, energy, and cybersecurity.”
Regarding the cybersecurity cooperation, the bill dictates that the president will report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of expanding U.S.-Israeli cooperation, including sharing technologies related to the prevention of cybercrimes.
The bill also notes that the United States should “continue to provide Israel with robust security assistance, including for the procurement of the Iron Dome Missile Defense System.”
In addition to military cooperation, the bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to enter into cooperative research pilot programs with Israel to enhance Israeli capabilities in border, maritime and aviation security, explosives detection and emergency services.
It also outlines support for development of energy, water, agriculture and alternative fuel technologies.
“The United States and Israel have long enjoyed a strong relationship based on common values, interests, and goals in the Middle East,” bill cosponsor Rep. Scott Rigell (R-Va.). “As peace is sought in this region of the world, we must not forget that Israel is a true ally and friend of the United States, nor can we forget that Israel is a nation surrounded by regimes that present a constant threat to its very existence. Passage of this bill in both chambers of Congress reaffirms our commitment as a nation to improving our strategic alliance and seeing that this steadfast relationship continues. I encourage President Obama to sign this important piece of legislation into law as soon as it reaches his desk.”