On Thursday, June 25th, 2020, JD Vance, one of the most influential figures in the GOP and an adviser to President Donald Trump, circulated a memo calling for Ukraine and Israel to receive separate aid packages from the United States. The memo states that these countries are “uniquely worthy of our support” and must be prioritized “for their own specific reasons”.
Vance’s memo suggests that they should be considered for separate and distinct aid packages. This is an interesting move considering the current administration’s decision to give a large portion of the aid to Ukraine, while not doing the same for Israel.
According to the memo, the potential aid packages should provide financial assistance and help to strengthen both countries’ ability to combat the threats they face. It specifically calls for an increase in security assistance to Ukraine in order to combat Russian aggression, while also suggesting Israel receive additional assistance focused on defending itself against its enemies. Vance’s memo goes on to explain that both countries should be seen as distinct “ally singular in purpose” and should therefore receive different assistance.
The memo also states that the two countries’ unique geographic locations and long-term contributions to democracy are reason enough to provide them with additional aid. In terms of geographical importance, Ukraine provides a buffer to the West against Russian aggression and Israel provides a buffer to the East against Middle Eastern terrorist organizations. Furthermore, Ukraine and Israel have both made major contributions to democracy and democratic standards throughout the years.
Vance’s memo on Ukraine and Israel is an intriguing move on his part. It’s unclear how the current administration will act on this memo, but it is certainly something to watch. In either case, it is becoming increasingly clear that both countries warrant increased aid and attention from the United States. As both countries face increased threats, it is clear that it should be given the attention it deserves.
