Israel hails US military aid rise

[shance]

Israel Hails US military Aid Rise



Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has confirmed that the United States is planning a significant increase in military and defence aid to Israel.

The package would reportedly amount to more than $30bn (£14.8bn) over the next 10 years.

Mr Olmert described it as an important element for the security of Israel.

Washington is reportedly preparing a package of major arms sales to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states because of concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.

US defence aid to Israel currently stands at $2.4bn a year - the new package would amount to a 25% increase.

Mr Olmert said the aid had been agreed at a meeting with US President George W Bush in Washington last month.

Saudi arms deal

The BBC’s Bethany Bell in Jerusalem says the package is seen as an attempt to allay Israeli concerns over the planned arms deal with Saudi Arabia, reportedly worth $20bn (£9.8bn) over the next decade.

Defence officials quoted by US media said the sales would include advanced weaponry, missile guidance systems, upgraded fighter jets and naval ships.

Mr Olmert said the increased support was a sign of US commitment to maintain Israel’s military “advantage over the Arab states”.

“We understand the need of the US to assist the moderate Arab states which are in one front with the US and us in the fight against Iran, and on the other hand we appreciate the renewed and re-emphasised support for Israel’s military and security advantage,” he said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6920988.stm

[Purveyor]

1. $$$ for israel but not for children's healthcare? Are we a fucked up society or what? eom

[Benhurst]

2. Israel, as do most modern nation-states, provides universal health care for its citizens.

This third world dump doesn't. And we're giving aid to them. Enough, already!

[HysteryDiagnosis]

3. Meddling in the affairs of nations far away.... what sport, what honor,

what karma we are creating for ourselves.

[Middle finga]

4. I'm sure this package will be unanimously approved

by both dems and Repubs. The two things the congress do not argue about is money to the Pentagon and money to Israel.

[tabasco]

5. How nice that we paid off the national debt and can give money away now.

Israel has nukes. Time to wean them off the teat.

[Middle finga]

6. I agree once a country get nukes and enters that exclusive club

they should no longer receive aid from us, we should treat them like North Korea, we will help you if you need help but you must first dismantle your nuke arsenal. We all need to eventually dismantle those earth ending weapons.