U.S. Foreign Aid to the Palestinians
Abstract
In March 2009, the Obama Administration pledged $900 million in U.S. assistance to the Palestinians to address both post-conflict humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip and reform, security, and development priorities in the West Bank. Most of the pledged amount remains subject to congressional appropriation. In April 2009, the Obama Administration issued an FY2009 supplemental budget request that included $815 million in proposed appropriations--$665 million in bilateral assistance and $150 million in contributions to international organizations from the Migration and Refugee Assistance account--to benefit the Palestinians. The request also proposed a provision that could apply different conditions than those applied by previous FY2008 and FY2009 appropriations legislation to possible U.S. assistance to a Palestinian power-sharing government that includes Hamas. Additionally, in May 2009, the Administration issued details of a budget request calling for $500 million in bilateral assistance to the Palestinians in FY2010. Experts advise that PA stability appears to hinge on improved security, economic development, Israeli cooperation, and the continuation of high levels of foreign assistance. The possibility of a consensus or unity government to address the problem of divided rule among Palestinians could lead to a full or partial U.S. aid cutoff if Hamas is included in the government and does not change its stance toward Israel. Even if the immediate objectives of U.S. assistance programs for the Palestinians are met, lack of progress toward a politically legitimate and peaceful two-state solution could undermine the utility of U.S. aid in helping the Palestinians become more cohesive, stable, and self-reliant over the long term.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA501441
Entities
People
- Jim Zanotti
Organizations
- Library of Congress