Important U.S. assistance programs for Israel are set to be reauthorized and extended as a result of legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and passed by Congress over the weekend.

    “Israel is one of our greatest friends and staunchest allies in the War on Terror. These important aid programs support Israel’s stability in the most volatile region in the world,” said Smith, Chairman of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations.

    Smith said the immediate reauthorization and extension of the programs in his bill are "imperative in light of the depletion to Israel’s arsenal caused by the unprovoked attacks from Hezbollah and Hamas earlier this year."

    Smith’s bill, the “Department of State Authorities Act of 2006” (H.R. 6060), includes provisions to reauthorize the transfer of obsolete or surplus stocks in the War Reserve Stockpile located in Israel to the Israeli government and to extend approximately $5 billion in U.S. loan guarantees to Israel.

    These provisions were among those included in the comprehensive bill that provides the State Department with a number of new authorities which support the Global War on Terror and enhance America’s diplomatic efforts overseas. The “Department of State Authorities Act of 2006” passed the House and Senate and will now go to the President to be signed into law.

    “Hezbollah and Hamas not only refuse to recognize Israel’s right to exist, they are intent on seeking the destruction of Israel. U.S. assistance to Israel is critical for the Israeli government’s ability to defend against attacks from these terrorist organizations,” said Smith. 

    It is not just terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas that threaten Israel’s stability, but also Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who continues to voice his anti-Semitic rhetoric and overt threats to Israel’s existence.

    “Israel is on the frontlines of the Global War on Terror. It is important to note that, as Congress was considering this bill, President Ahmadinejad was putting the final preparations on his Holocaust denial conference as part of his reprehensible campaign to convince the world that the genocide never took place. Ahmadinejad has called the Holocaust a myth, is actively pursuing nuclear weapons and has called for Israel to be wiped off the map. For these reasons, continued U.S. support of Israel is as important as ever,” said Smith.