U.S. senators back bill to provide $3.3 billion for Israel

The legislation puts into law 'Memorandum of Understanding' reached between Israelis and Americans 4 years ago; the bill was rushed due to growing tensions in the Mideast and includes provision that bans boycotting Israel
Reuters|
Republican and Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday to provide $3.3 billion in annual aid to Israel, seeking to put into law an aid agreement between the two countries reached in 2016 amid concern over rising Middle East tensions.
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  • Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Senator Chris Coons co-sponsored the bill, a standalone provision of a broader measure that stalled a year ago.
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    קונגרס סנאט ארה"ב קפיטול בניין הקפיטול וושינגטון לקראת ההצבעה על הדחה של טראמפ ב בית הנבחרים
    קונגרס סנאט ארה"ב קפיטול בניין הקפיטול וושינגטון לקראת ההצבעה על הדחה של טראמפ ב בית הנבחרים
    The U.S. Congress
    (Photo: AFP)
    The measure that stalled last year included some provisions broadly supported by members of both parties, including the aid, but it also included a plank that would have let state and local governments punish Americans for boycotting Israel.
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    נשיא ארה"ב דונלד טראמפ הבית הלבן וושינגטון
    נשיא ארה"ב דונלד טראמפ הבית הלבן וושינגטון
    President Donald Trump
    (Photo: Reuters )
    Opponents, including many Democrats, saw that provision as an impingement of free speech.
    Rubio and Coons introduced the bill amid increased tensions in the Middle East after President Donald Trump ordered a drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani and Tehran retaliated with a missile attack on an Iraqi base housing U.S. soldiers.
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    Democratic Senator Chris Coons
    Democratic Senator Chris Coons
    Democratic Senator Chris Coons
    On Thursday, the region remained on edge as Iran spurned Trump's call for a new nuclear pact and its commanders threatened more attacks.
    The bill would put into law a "Memorandum of Understanding" reached between Israel and the Obama administration from four years ago that was the biggest pledge of U.S. military assistance made to any country.
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    Republican Senator Marco Rubio
    Republican Senator Marco Rubio
    Republican Senator Marco Rubio
    (Photo: AP)
    In statements emailed to Reuters, Rubio said Israel faces "unprecedented threats" and Coons said: "The events of the past few days are a stark reminder of the importance of U.S. assistance to Israel's security."
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