Though Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak termed the pro-democracy revolutions in the region “a movement in the right direction,” that apparently doesn’t mean that they can’t be used as an excuse to press for massive additional military aid.
Indeed, that is exactly what the Israeli government intends to do, as Barak insisted that a democratic Middle East would make the massive US military aid funding to Israel “more essential” and that they need an additional $20 billion, on top of the $3+ billion they already get annually, so the nation can increase the size of its military in the wake of all this freedom.
In fact Barak suggested that making Israel’s military even more massive would “stabilize” the region, which he implied had something to do with Iran, which of course Israel is constantly threatening to attack.
Though traditionally Israeli demands for insanely large sums of money are met with instant and near unanimous Congressional votes of approval, the massive budget deficit has made all spending increases at least somewhat controversial, and with some calls already existing to cut the foreign aid budget, the call to give Israel an extra 7 years worth, apparently for no other reason than to make them feel better about Egyptian freedom, may be less easy than normal.
"apparently for no other reason than to make them feel better about Egyptian freedom"
Spiteful drivel like this is why Jason Ditz will forever be seated at the children's table.
Barak is the one calling for $20 billion, not Israel. He's being denounced for it like crazy in Israel, where folks are calling for his head. He showed utter disregard for America's economic woes and, in so doing, demonstrated why he's not fit to serve.
But sites like yours publish headlines like "Israel seeks another $20 billion…", predictably using one individual's buffoonery to smear an entire country, as well as its supporters in the USA. How thankful you opportunists must be to Ehud Barak for handing you a club to beat his country over the head with. I can hear the usual suspects howling their righteous indignation already…
Yawn…he _is_ the Israeli defense minister.
Kinda like the way when Shillary opens her maw and makes some really stupid statement about how the USG believes in the freedom of dissent while roughing up a 70 year old man for turning his back to her or whatever and HER statements are received as an official statement of the USG? See the similarities? But Baraks are just ravings of a lunatic and hers are not?
Perhaps if Barak wasn't a part of the official governing coalition his words wouldn't carry such impact. But he is. But Bibi can't reprimand him – he needs Barak and his block to stay in power.
You see spite where there is none.
So you have knowledge that somehow this statement by the Israeli Defense Minister, not just some individual buffoon, is not representative of the intentions of the Israeli government?
His "country"? What "country"? Oh you mean the theocracy running the zionist apartheid colonial project. You have to be more specific, the word country implies some form of legitimacy. Anyone can just squat on some land, kill or expell the current residents, call it theirs, and reinforce that delusion with lots of guns and money from outside sources. It takes more than a bunch of terrorist squatters suffering from some form of god delusion to create a "country", especially when that "country" already belongs to someone else.
"Anyone can just squat on some land, kill or expell the current residents, call it theirs, and reinforce that delusion with lots of guns and money"
You mean like the USA?
That's what you'd call "Facts on the Ground"…at least our native population is no longer subjected to a comprehensive eradication campaign. See what you can do about getting the current residents to give Manhattan back.
No, that's what you'd call a CREDIBILITY GAP.
What's hilarious is that you think you have credibility just because the natives are "NO LONGER" being eradicated. How precious is THAT! I guess you can hold your sanctimonious head up real high, all because the colossal bloodshed took place a LONG TIME AGO, right sport?
Too true, LiveToad: AFTER you've eradicated a native population, there aren't too many of them left alive to complain. Funny how that works!
Answer this, genius: If Palestinians are being subjected to an "eradication campaign", WHY ARE THEIR NUMBERS INCREASING??? You failed miserably, but hey, kudos for trying to equate a tiny military occupation with the ruthless, bloody, sweeping conquest of the massive territory called the USA.
Squirm away, now…
the argument made by the above person, that America has no right to criticize modern day Israel due to the treatment of Native Americans a century and a half ago is anachronistic and the logic of a fool. Land grabs, racist policies, appalling crimes of humanity and ethnic cleansing are considered by most as something of the distant past. And when occurring these days – as was the case of Saddam and Kuwait – are the actions of "evil-doers". America will help Kuwait but eschew the Palestinians because, in part, Americans see Israel as defending its innocent self <smirk>; that it is a lone democracy in the region just trying to live peacefully <smirk> and surrounded by hostile barbaric states. Imagine if the Israel Lobby did not have the power to intimidate and purchase our government; or if the corporate news was finely exposed as presenting a completely biased and dangerous picture of the middle east; if Israel was judged by the same standard as the so-called "evil-doers". Your above arguments are veiled rationalizations for the continued waste of billions of American tax-dollars that strengthens this menace occupation. It's not in America's interest. Cut the cord completely. Let Israel try to fend for itself. And regarding Israel's nukes (and realistic fears that it would be insane enough to use them) the same demands others in the region are given for complete transparency.
Barak is the one calling for $20 billion, not Israel.
Muuuaaaa haaaaa… That's rich! These trolls are dishonest but, man, you gotta give them credit for the creativity of the spins. Whatever it takes, no matter how dishonest, delusional or asinine just so they can justify the unjustifiable and defend the indefensible.
Coincidentally, the supporters of Israel are themselves the buffoons. And so are you. And a paid one at that. No wonder you have to keep on rooting for more money.
If I was paid to do this, I'd be posting way more often than I am. You're the buffoon for promoting moronic conspiracy theories. How ironic that it's your crowd that accuses Israelis and their supporters of being liars, when you just spewed a big fat lie of your own. But hey, that's how your ilk operates.
You also didn't even read my post. Barak is being roundly criticized in Israel for his thick-headed request. He's not representing the whole nation on this, despite what folks around here might say.
"Though Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak termed…."
"as Barak insisted that…."
"In fact Barak suggested that…"
it would seem to me that barak is mentioned as the source of statement.
although im not sure how when the Defense minister / deputy prime minister /former prime minister speaks this is not to be taken as a statement of the government
America should quit the idiocy of spreading freedom elsewhere and free itself from the scorpion on it's back known as Israel.
Oh they will still get it and probably more.
Ya think maybe they figure it's time for that last big raid on the piggy bank? You know, just before the economy craters, and the dollar turns to dirt? You know, the one that has to last them till they find a new host to feed on?
Is that too harsh?
Raiding the proverbial piggy bank wouldn't do them any good if the dollar "craters" – the billions of $$$ would then be worthless – pretty much so anyway. But I don't think they'll be getting anymore anyway. There are enough in Congress now that would HAVE to deny sending billions more out of the country. They wouldn't be able to justify it back home – when they're threatening to cut SS/medicare/medicaid etc, etc, etc…
There are enough in Congress now that would HAVE to deny sending billions more out of the country. They wouldn't be able to justify it back home – when they're threatening to cut SS/medicare/medicaid etc, etc, etc…
Don't bet on that. They're all – each and every single one of them – bought and paid for by AIPAC and silenced by them too.
Ehud must have discussed this with his flocks in congress and got a nod, otherwise he wouldn't mention it.
save massive protests (which i wouldnt say are impossible) ss will be cut before aid to israel for sure
Hey jeff, just wondering:
Since you claim to "show other readers how the mythology of lies is perpetuated", have your obedient followers started to "fan out across the internet armed with the truth and the means to effectively assert it", as you self-aggrandizingly predicted they would? Or are you still waiting for your students to pay proper tribute to their master? Excuse me while I scoff… ;-)))
I am sure that Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Can help.., after all it was them who plundered the peoples money.., what they done with it is for justice department to find out and when they have.., this time they should ask people what they are going to do with it.., not just give it back to them or for that matter to bank of america or chase and others. Especially not to treasury department in NY.
Yids…… This is a joke, right?
This is a biggest joke a bankrupt america and biggest crediter how they will support? but they will do it till the world at large will demand their money.
Just to print dollers will not help.
The level of their greedy has no limit. The IDF is already a bloated operation that provide 3 billion a year. I have read that the USA provides some $70,000 for every IDF soldier per year. People are shocked when they learn how much we provide the greedy people of Israel but that is probably why they hide the amount from the public. This request is about a million dollars for every IDF soldier. I am sure they sat around a table and laughed when they joked about how much they should ask for from the stupid American public. When dealing with the Israeli just remember they are like the bankers who sit around figuring how much of a bonus to pay to own. The same people for years told us that diversity was our strength refuse to allow to become diverse. Double standards is the normal when dealing with Israel.
I also have read that every emigrants to Israel is cost the people in us about $200.000 dollars for their housing, food and etc until they find a job.., which I think is as hard as to find a job in US.., beside these people like not to work but pray day and night.., not like to work make a day meet.., they rather let Palestinians do the job for them.., after all Palestinian – Arabs are regarded as their slave with a blessing of Uncle Sam and Bank of England (with Elizabeth and Tony Blair on the top) who take the peoples pay and pays the bill sent in by Israel.
Bodkin,
If Israel needs money, let American Jews bring back an old custom – Israeli bonds. Let the Israeli interests bring back the old pledge drives, wherein anyone worried about Israel went to their synagogue or temple for this big dinner followed by a public ceremony. A public ceremony in which thery were hectored and shamed into pledging uncomfortable amounts of money to buy Israeli bonds.
Why should I have to see my tax money taking the place of private sacrifice? Israel means nothing to me – except as a horrible example of a country given to racism and land theft. Why should
Americans have to go without, in these hard times of shrinking public welfare just to grandize some foreign country, and a nasty at that? Let Israel (and those who like the place) support Israel. You should be glad there are no anti-Israel charities out there – I would surely donate to those.
US public need an Egypt style revolution and demand AIPAC ADL and its servants in congress to be shipped to Israel. and nowhere else.
I venture to say Israel already does this. All the big celebrates in New York, not just the Jews contribute. Big contributers like "independent minded" Bill O'Reilly and Donald Trump come to mind. It is probably the price they must pay to become celebraties. It is nothing more than an IDF shakedown and has been giong on since Israel's inception in 1948.
"Why should Americans have to go without, in these hard times of shrinking public welfare just to grandize some foreign country"
Did you even read my post? I was joining the chorus of Israelis and others who are CONDEMNING Barak for his outrageous request. I never once wrote a post on this site or any other promoting the idea that the USA should give Israel money.
But the ignoramuses around here don't seem to know that most of the aid comes right back to the American defense industry. The strings attached are that Israel must use the bulk of the aid to purchase American military equipment.
And yet there's just no end in sight to the hysterical howling over Israel's annual plundering of the American treasury.
You say you're condemning it out of one side of your mouth, but then you justify it by making the false-ish claim that it all comes back to the US by purchasing products from the American "defense" industry.
And you conveniently fail to mention that those "American" defense industries are often fronts where the "profits" are funneled directly into……..Israel.
Nice try though…it's a pretty good scam. You're the one hysterically howling that your beloved Israel might lose their welfare check. Israel has sucked us dry in just about every way possible…it's time for them to put on the big-boy pants and stand on their own, or find another host.
This is non-sense when american soldiers in Irak or Afghanistan barely get taken care of when they come back from combat!!! The US government has to stop being the pitty bank for Israel, it's time that they smarten up and seriously comtemplate democratizing their political system as the only option to include all Arab citizens that are part of the make-up of the israeli community. Oppression, occupation, intimidation are part of the past, the Arabs are understanding it but not the Israelis yet! Everyone deserves respect, freedom of speech and actions, dignity. Stop being so reliougious in theory but more in practice would be helpful to everyone, including yourselves. What is the good of doing as you say but not as you do? You haven't figured out that actions are worth thousand words???
Finally you recognize israel for what it truly is…a zionist regime.
The zionist regime is just one more instance of american support for a dictatorial power. It is the first domino of all other dictator dominos in the region. Just look at that map you have in your report , you need no other proof.
Democracies do not gerrrymander a region like israel has done. Stop calling israel a democracy for it is not. It is at best a zionist regime.
Everytime you or justin or any other person labels israel a "democracy" you make a mockery of what the word democracy means. Whenever you choose to call israel a "democracy" please be sure to include a map showing how israel has gerrymandered the area.
I am quite sure that our tax dollars have supported israel in their gerrymandering efforts.
Look at the map which shows the gerrymandering…. http://news.antiwar.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/0…
Giving more weapons to Israel brings stability…right… It is astonishing that patently false statement like those are actually believes by many Americans, some of them even in government. Israel happens to be the greatest destabilizing force on the planet, directly, and indirectly, by manipulating US politicians to engage in religious wars for them.
"Giving more weapons to Israel brings stability…right…"
…and nothing snuffs a fire so well as gasoline.
EVERY member / TRAITOR in our US Congress who votes for extending further billions of dollars to Israel should be put on a leaky boat for a one way sail to Israel.
Yes,send more US TAXPAYER Money to Israel.
That super expensive F-35 strike fighter with the "extra engine" was being pushed hot and heavy by Israel and Israel firsters!!! When you ain't paying, order an extra engine,why doin't ya!!!
According to the Christian Science Monitor,the cost of Israel to the American TAXpayer has been over $1.6 TRILLION since 1973 .http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/1209/p16s01-wmgn.html
Not just no ,but Hell No!
No more money, so sorry.
I think Congress will not just approve it, they will also send cards to Ehud to thank him for asking for 20blns and express how close they are to Israel in other words an opportunity to please.
One thing to consider EU as well as other countries are pissed off about US public debt which is somewhere around13 trillions which means business with USA is shaky unless US shows some willingness to adjust its financial abyss, and when they see Israel looking for 20 blns, to them that abyss is expanding
Many US politicians are so keen to say Israel is our closest friend, how close is this when your friend is digging and widening that hole and doesn't give a smelly dirty socks about the states priorities.
What a Joke!
America would literally have to borrow the Money from the Communist Chinese, to give away as a present to a country that instead of using its own money for defence uses it to pay for Free Medical for its citizens, something the US doesnt even do for its own citizens, and to pay its perpetual Professional Religious students a wage till they are to old to have to do the mandatory Military service (unless you are a Religious student).
Aipac may have the ear of the Congress the US public may in fact baulk at paying so much in such a short period of time when they dont even have enough to pay for essentials in the United States.
This demand may in fact be the straw that will break the Camels Back!
La Veriti – Well stated. Believe it ot not, people are finally realizing what's going on. Cutting our social services for events like this is rediculous.
I wouldn't give those bastards a cent.
How predictable that Israel-a wealthy country,and recipient of 10% of the US annual foreign aid budget-should use the Arab awakening to plead for even more.This it should be noted from a regime with the fourth largest armed forces in the world,an air force larger than that of France and Great Britain combined and an estimated 200 to 400 nuclear weapons.
give them a finger and they want the hand, arm shoulder, and bit by bit they would want your whole body organs and all. Ask the poor Palestianiens. Wake up Americans before its too too late. Its already quite late.