In recent decades, Israel has remained the largest recipient of US foreign aid, benefiting from more than $310 billion since its establishment in 1948, adjusted for inflation. This aid has allowed Israel to build a highly advanced military and dominate conflicts in the region, often at the expense of occupied territories like Gaza and the West Bank. The relationship between the two nations has become deeply intertwined, with American taxpayers funding a military that routinely engages in conflicts with Palestinians and neighboring states.
In contrast, when it comes to disaster relief and domestic emergencies, the US government seems less swift and decisive. The disparity in responses between Israel’s requests for military aid and the needs of American citizens, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters, reflects skewed priorities in Washington. The recent catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene, which left the southern US devastated, highlights this troubling dynamic.
For decades, Israel has relied on American military aid to maintain its regional dominance. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Israel has consistently used American-made weapons in its military operations. These include tanks, bombs, rockets, and ammunition supplied through massive annual aid packages. The most notable is the $3.8 billion per year in military assistance that Israel receives, part of a long-term Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations.
This aid has enabled Israel to conduct sustained military campaigns, particularly in Gaza, where strikes have killed thousands of Palestinians. Every time there’s an escalation of conflict, such as Hamas launching attacks on Israel, the Israeli response-often disproportionate-relies heavily on American weapons. Despite international outcry over civilian casualties, these military operations continue with full support from Washington.
Moreover, when Israel finds itself short on supplies during these conflicts, the US is quick to replenish its stockpile. This was the case following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which prompted an immediate response from the Biden administration, approving billions of dollars in additional military aid for Israel. American politicians rarely hesitate to back these aid packages, as pro-Israel political action committees (PACs) often provide generous campaign donations and organize trips for lawmakers to visit Israel.
In stark contrast, when natural disasters strike the US, the response is far from immediate. Hurricane Helene, which hit the southern US on September 26, 2023, serves as a sobering reminder of how domestic crises are often deprioritized. Helene, the deadliest hurricane since Katrina, left more than 220 people dead and caused over $250 billion in damage, destroying entire towns and leaving tens of thousands without power or access to clean water.
Yet, the initial federal response was shockingly underwhelming. President Biden visited the affected areas nearly a week after the storm, announcing a paltry $20 million in aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This sum was increased to $45 million after criticism from Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. However, the increase came only after Johnson and other Republicans had previously voted against a $20 billion funding boost for FEMA on September 25, just before the hurricane struck.
FEMA, which is tasked with providing relief to disaster-stricken Americans, is often underfunded and overwhelmed. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas admitted that the agency would run out of funds long before the hurricane season concludes in November. As it stands, Hurricane Milton, expected to hit Florida soon, could stretch FEMA’s resources even thinner, leaving more Americans in need.
The handling of Hurricane Helene underscores a larger issue: the political wrangling that often follows domestic disasters. While both parties were quick to approve additional funding for Israel’s military response, aid for American citizens becomes a partisan issue, with Republicans and Democrats engaged in public spats. Congress is now in recess until after the November elections, meaning that any significant funding increases for FEMA or long-term recovery efforts are unlikely to happen in the near future.
The slow pace of disaster relief highlights the stark differences in how the US government prioritizes foreign military aid over domestic emergencies. The process of obtaining assistance through FEMA is bureaucratic and can take months. Americans affected by Hurricane Helene may have to wait long after the immediate crisis for meaningful support. The contrast is even more glaring when compared to Israel’s access to US military aid, which is fast-tracked through Congress with little debate.
This imbalance raises troubling questions about the priorities of US policymakers. Israel’s ability to secure billions in military aid with minimal resistance contrasts sharply with the challenges Americans face in getting disaster relief. When Americans suffer the aftermath of devastating hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, they are often met with bureaucratic red tape and delayed responses.
As FEMA struggles to cope with the mounting damage from Helene and prepares for the next disaster in Hurricane Milton, many Americans are left wondering why their government can’t move with the same urgency it does for foreign military funding. The lack of political will to fully fund FEMA and ensure swift disaster relief highlights the broader issue of how the US allocates its resources.
Congress and the White House’s readiness to support Israel’s military campaigns stands in stark contrast to the slow-moving, often inadequate aid that is offered to American citizens in times of need. It’s a reflection of the priorities of US politicians, many of whom benefit from the backing of pro-Israel PACs but show little concern for ensuring the safety and welfare of their own constituents.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Americans are left to grapple with the reality that, while Israel can rely on near-automatic financial support from the US, their own government’s assistance often arrives too little, too late. As the nation braces for more natural disasters, the question remains: When will the needs of American citizens take precedence over foreign military aid?
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