#defense-cooperation

#defense-cooperation

Breaking it down: There have been three 10-year framework agreements for long-term security assistance to Israel, in 1998 ($21.3 billion), 2008 ($32 billion) and 2016 ($38 billion). In 2024, during the war in Gaza, Congress and the Biden administration approved a multibillion-dollar emergency military assistance package for Israel, on top of the 10-year MOU. Israeli officials hope the next package will include even more in annual assistance, but are concerned the negotiations will be more difficult after the Trump administration's broad cuts to foreign aid.

The leaders said they wanted to deepen Franco-German cooperation "at all levels." Merz emphasized the importance of the close friendship between France and Germany, stating a commitment to enhancing cooperation in the years ahead.

The most important part right now is that Europe would be able to buy military equipment here in the U.S. so we can donate these military systems directly to Ukraine.

"I've met now with most of the principals who are in the room and doing the negotiating... I'm extremely optimistic that a deal will get done."