The United States and Israel have reached final agreement on a record new package of at least $38 billion in U.S. military aid and the 10-year pact is expected to be signed this week, sources close to the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. The 10-year aid packages underpin Washington’s congressionally mandated requirement to help maintain Israel’s “qualitative military edge” in the region. Netanyahu also agreed to end Israel’s use of 13 percent of the U.S. money on military fuel purchases, officials said. Senator Lindsey Graham, who had called for a more generous and less restrictive aid package, sources familiar with the matter said. U.S. congressional approval is needed each year for disbursement of the aid to Israel as part of the annual budget process.

Source: Thanhnien News September 14, 2016 08:48 UTC