Obama to sign U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act

By Lauren Appelbaum, Political Director

Washington, July 26 – A day before Romney is set to arrive in Israel, Obama will be signing the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act. This act, which passed Congress with broad bipartisan support on July 17, expands military and intelligence cooperation with Israel.

Obama will seek to stress his commitment to Israel’s security for American Jewish voters at a White House ceremony Friday. American Jewish leaders and congressional members from both parties have been invited to the signing ceremony.

Ha’aretz reports that an Israeli official said the White House deliberately timed the ceremony for the same weekend Romney visits Israel.

The Act means the U.S. government will increase joint military exercises with the Israel Defense Forces, provide Israel more aid in developing defense systems against rockets and provide Israel with advanced weaponry.

“The bill deepens our security cooperation with Israel by expanding our military assistance and providing Israel with access to additional equipment,” White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said on Thursday.

The new bill also extends U.S. funding for placing emergency American arms caches in Israeli warehouses in case of war. In addition, the law states the U.S. will assist Israel to prepare in security terms for the U.S. pullout from Iraq.