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TITLE: Israel Wants $350 M. From US Congress |
AUTHOR: Arieh O'Sullivan |
PUB: |
DATE: January 3, 2001 |
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Israel plans to ask the US Congress for $350 million in addition to the $2 billion it already receives in annual military aid, to help fund IDF preparations for war. Israel had hoped to receive a grant of $450 million in special aid, but Congress failed to approve it last month. That money was to have helped pay for the withdrawal from Lebanon and anti-ballistic missile projects. A senior defense official said yesterday that the government plans to re-submit its request for the extra funding as soon as the Bush administration takes over. Israel is also seeking another $350 million in special aid for building up the military to meet the increased probability of war breaking out, senior defense officials said. The money to be requested is in addition to the funds that Israel would expect to receive if a peace agreement is reached with the Palestinians. Meanwhile, the IDF began yesterday implementing instructions from Prime Minister Ehud Barak to be prepared for the possibility that the current violence could escalate into a regional conflict. These and other moves are based on a strategic working assessment that there need to preparations for total war during 2001, a senior official said. Officials believe that the conflict with the Palestinians could escalate to the point of involving countries such as Egypt and Jordan. The conflict could also be sparked along the Lebanon frontier and involve Syria. Iran, Iraq and international terrorist organizations are also considered potential foes. Contrary to previous years when funding was diverted to long-range weapons development, the IDF has been ordered to stock up on spare parts and materiel and bring combat training up to par. Barak has already promised the Defense Ministry a NIS 2 billion boost to its NIS 37 billion proposed budget this year. END |