Boxer, Isakson Introduce "U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012"

Press Release

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) today introduced the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, which seeks to reaffirm the strong historic relationship between the United States and Israel as well as strengthen security cooperation between the two countries.

The bipartisan legislation would reaffirm the United States' "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security and support for Israel's right to self-defense. The measure would reiterate the United States' commitment to assisting Israel's efforts to reach a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "that results in two states living side-by-side in peace and security," while also encouraging Israel's neighbors to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.

The bill also includes measures to strengthen economic and security cooperation between the two countries -- including extending current loan guarantees to Israel, which are set to expire later this year, and authorizing an increase in the United States' stockpile of military equipment in Israel.

Senator Boxer said, "This legislation would reaffirm the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel at a time of tremendous volatility in the region, while also reiterating our unwavering support for a long-term peaceful and secure future for the Israelis and the Palestinians."

Senator Isakson said, "There should not be one scintilla of light between the positions of Republicans and Democrats on the issue of the security of Israel. I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in both chambers, in reaffirming the United States' commitment to Israel through this critically important legislation."

In the House of Representatives, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) have introduced H.R. 4133, the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, which is cosponsored by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Ranking Member Howard Berman (D-CA).

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