On Friday, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon confirmed the nation expects significant “compensation” from the US in the form of a major new arms package after the Iran nuclear deal. Today, officials confirmed that they are mulling an “unprecedented” package for Israel.
Last week’s indications were that the figure was formerly in the $3.7 billion range, but that Israel expected this figure to grow significantly in return for their acquiescence on the pact. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was complaining about the package at any rate, saying the fact that the US is willing to pay him off proves the Iran deal is “bad” for Israel.
In reality, of course, the US is trying to buy off Netanyahu on Iran because they see him as being for sale on the issue. Though officials are downplaying the chances of sending “swag bags” of arms across the region after the Iran pact, it does seem that Israel will be getting one.
The Israeli expectation is that they will get more the longer they hold out, however, and Secretary of Defense Ash Carter is not expected to make an offer during this week’s visit, after Netanyahu refused to even address the subject in talks with Obama last week.
Holding off on the deal is a gamble for the Israeli leadership, however, particularly with Netanyahu publicly spurning the idea. If it becomes increasingly clear that the Israel Lobby’s efforts will not secure a veto-proof majority in Congress to kill the deal, the administration may decide Israel doesn’t need buying off, or at least not at such a gaudy price.
America you haven't changed a bit still the same old dog!
And replete with A##s lickers in ùGovt.
Israel has slashed its defense budget while its economic booms. There is no justification for any aid. “Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute,” Wake up, Congress. You are not the Knesset.
Once again Obama misses the chance to improve the US's world standing by ending the military "aid" (how can they continue to call it aid?) to Israel – hell, any ME country. The American taxpayer should be asking Obama why this $3.7B+++ shouldn't be spent in our own country instead of pissing it down that ungrateful rathole in the middle east.
Write the biggest check possible — then make it out for "Rebuilding the Gaza" and give it to the Palestinians, Netanyahu will have an instant coronary seizure.
lol… A check mistakenly sent to Netanyahu address to Republic of Gaza that would leave Bibi dumb founded…
So, this is what the big deal with Iran is all about, just an excuse to up the military power of Israel by 50%.
John Ellis that is a interesting thought.
February 26, 2015 The Neoconservative Threat To World Order — Paul Craig Roberts
Scholars from Russia and from around the world, Russian government officials, and the Russian people seek an answer as to why Washington destroyed during the past year the friendly relations between America and Russia that President Reagan and President Gorbachev succeeded in establishing.
http://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2015/02/26/neocon…
waaaaaa, you crybabies. It's only $ 3,700,000,000 (Detroit would like a few crumbs..lol)
For everything there is a price. It's an old jewish concept.
And some prices are higher than others, this is one of them.
The US should be cutting aid to Israel.
Israel can go jump in the lake or the sea if they don't like it and they can take the corrupt government of Saudi Arabia with them.