Israel, U.S. formally sign new defense aid agreement

The reason we were attacked on 9-11 is because of our one sided support of Israel in its war against the Palestinians, and theft of their land with our support. Sometimes people actually fight back. The blood of the 9-11 victims is on the hands of warmongerers like those commenters cheering Israel on in its slaughter of Arabs and Palestinians. Wake up people, and read some actual history for once.

The US is the biggest weapons maker/seller in the world. All other countries combined do not add up to what the US does. It's time we shut them down and be REAL advocates for peace, instead of arming the people we will be fighting tomorrow.

Actually American I can name a whole lot more than 1. Argentina, Bolivia Costa Rica El Salvador Liechtenstein Malta Monaco Vatican City, Cyprus (Cypriot Orthodox Church) Republic of Moldova (Orthodox Church) Greece (Church of Greece), Denmark (Church of Denmark) Iceland (Church of Iceland) Norway (Church of Norway) Finland. enjoy the list american.

I have reflected further on the absurdity of your comments Christian and can add the following. I clearly never said that the modern state of Israel was not indebted to the nation states, some Christian, some not, that supoprted it at the UN. I did however say that Jews are somewhat ambivalent about that given that the dire need for the state was itself caused by 2000 years of being slaughtered by Christians and Muslims, So I think you need to accept it as being the least you could do, nay, the Christian thing to do as you call it. But what confuses me, is that it is totally counterthetical to doing the Christian thing, to complain about not being thanked. Doing the Christian thing is not about Hubris, and accolages, it is about doing whats right. So perhaps you need to go back to religious school, and ask "why do I need Jews to be indebted to me" "why is this so important". Good luck with that. And again Christian, thanks for saving us Jews.

Christian, every time you speak you prove my point more. You wonder why Jews might be conflicted over their alliance with Christians as it relates to Israel. Then you go on a diatribe about how we Jews owe everything to Christians as we would not have Israel without you. You conclude with a wonderful death wish for the state and hope that whoever lives through a nuclear war there converts to Christianity. Are you that insane? To actually have this debate with me and thnik you are making a point when all you are doing is proving mine? Thanks for your help Christian. No really, thanks for everything you do fo us. No I am serious, thanks.

Srue, keeping eating that slop at McDonalds & Burger King..Don't excercise, go on smoking and boozing...Don't forget to order extra fries. It's not lack of health care, it failure to take care of your own health... THAT'S WHY THE U.S.IS #42..WE'RE LUCKY WE'RE NOT #82...

1. Again, money spent on US hospitals, schools and infrastructure would also be spent in US factories, and would have a great deal more direct benefit for us. That is no justification at all. 2. Money is fungible. Yes, as a matter of fact the separation fence does bother me, because it is another of the "facts on the ground" used to annex territory which should be Palestinian. There is little doubt to me that if Israel had to choose between defense and such projects as the fence and settler communities, they would not be built.

You wrote---"Israel`s strength is its ability to rethink problems and to invent itself anew." You might do better to better to fosus on Israel,s "weaknesses", (This word has a plural).Here is one of them. Here are the funding figures for 2001 published by the Central Bureau of Statistics in 2004. Each Arab student in Israel received resources-after teachers salaries had been excluded-of $150 a year, less than a quarter of the sum ,$740, spent on Jewish pupils in secular State schools.The State discriminated yet further in allocations to Jewish religious schools, where each student was getting resources in excess of $2200, or twelve times as much as an Arab pupil.This has been achieved by a duplicitous system of double funding that allows the religious schools to apply for money from both the Education Ministry and the Religious Affairs Ministry. Almost no funds are available for the funding of non Jewish religious schools. As a result of this, many Jewish parents, including secular ones are sending their children to extremist religious schools so that they can benefit from the higher budget. Democracy--right.

Israel's strength is its ability to rethink problems and to invent itself anew.

Oh no. The bulk of this money will go probably not for tanks and conventional equipment. It will go to counter the unconventional warfare Hezbollah, Hamas and the other Iranian proxies propose Israel. Yes, some will be allotted to the missile interception system. Who knows if it will work. But believe me, most will go to create a much more flexible, agile, light and intelligent army which can counter with light-speed the terror and hit.and.run tactics in an urban scenario as well as to protect Israel's home front. And THAT INDEED will serve America, the West in general, as a learning and testing game. Despite the fact thta for Israel it is existential.

"What a difference some of the $30 billion ear marked for Israel, would make to deprived American citizens!" According to Michael Moore, 50 million Americans do not have health care insurance. If the U.S. were to spend the $30 billion as ear marked for Israel - $3 billion per year over the next ten years - on health care for all uninsured Americans instead, the amount spent on each would be $60 per year. The average cost of a general office visit to a physician in the U.S. is about $60, so provided the number of uninsured Americans or the average cost of a visit to a physician does not increase, each uninsured American would be able to vist a physician once a year over the next ten years. Conclusion: All of the $30 billion ear marked for Israel would not make much of a difference to deprived American citizens.

I know that Israel has a robust defense industry. Already in the sixties those who were considered talented in engineering or, generally speaking in technology, were sent to university and then straight into the defense industry.

Quoting you : :"So what that it [Israel] has sent millions of Palestinians to refugee camps..." You ARE a Silly Billy because those who call themselves 'Palestinians' today are none other but 'displaced and homeless ARAB refugees' after the Arab/Israeli War of 1948 and who had to take shelter in the Region of Palestine and were cared for by UNRWA. By virtue of their late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, himself NOT a Palestinian either,they decided to call themsleves 'PALESTINIANS' with the view of claiming land in the Territory when they are simply ARAB workers who entered the region for work. Read your History Billy Jack and then talk.

There isn't just one single justification but many. First yes, a great deal of the money is spent in US factories and that is helpful to the US economy. Second, the entire deal not only with Israel but with SA, Egypt and the others is about Iran. If Iran succeeds in weakening SA and perhaps toppling the Royals, who do you suppose will end up facing whatever replaces the Royals in SA who will then have lots of cutting edge weaponry? Or would you prefer much of western Civilizations fuel be controlled by Ahmadinejad in Iraq, SA and Iran ? The separation wall has nothing to do with this and FYI was built to lower the suicide bombers and that's exactly what it did - by about 80%. Does that bother you? Seems like it does.

In spite of what the two "rays of sunshine" have said to you , Isreal CAN and DOES invent new weapons technology all the time. Isreal is known for taking someone elses weapons and augmenting them into a more potent weapon. This includes aircraft Isreal gets from the U.S.A. . I DO know some things- I do not pretend to know it ALL as some posters do. I KNOW you get my meaning. REDARDS J.F.

What are friends needed for, indeed. Where are the Isralis you ask. In their Homelandthe Jewish State of Israel trying to defend itfrom thieves and lying people who want to claim the land under false pretences. There were no Israelis during the Second World War only Jewish Brigades who worked with the Allieswhile the Arabs were in full force with the German/Nazis.

Hi Jeff, Just looking in before off to bed... Jeff , I'm not ceryain what you are getting at. If you infer that the U.S. democrat or republican would not support Isreal, I think you're mistaken. To not do so is political suicide. Even Jimmy Carter HAD to support Isrea and we know what HE'S about.

It seems that anybody on earth who deals with US under Bush for whatever reason has "sold their soul" or is now banana republic bla bla bla.You seem to be projecting your feelings of humilation about BUsh onto everything that comes within 5 ft of him.Your attitudes are totaly unrealistic, even child like sometimes.Wierd mark very wierd indeed.But I am glad at least you have learned you place with Tosefta, he will now agree to talk with you!! Arent you the lucky one!!

Like it or not ,Israel and US are allies against the islamists militants. These are the two democratic countries that dare stand against the islamists. Israel will always recieve support and aid from US whether under Republican or Democrat.That's a fact like it or not.

I sincerely apologise for my youthful ignorance in matters of aviation weekly, etc..., and for misspelling one word out of tens of thousands. I have figured that in the year and a half, at least, since my annoying appearance, I have posted some two thousand posts. Mark, I do think that you are very intelligent, as I told Akram a few days ago, and it is unfortunate that we do not always, or even often, see eye to eye.

A little late for you to be awake, if you really do live in Tel Aviv. But then you must have no life.

With a 10-year commitment for U.S. foreign aid to Israel, one thing is for sure and that is that even if the Democrats take the White House in 2008 and hold it for eight years, they can't do a damned thing about it until 2017.

TO PUT UP MONEY FOR ALL THE GOOD WORKS SHE DESCRIBES ! A REMARKABLE INABILITY BY DORIS NOT TO ACCUSE ISLAM OF ANY WRONG DOINGS ?

LMAO!!!

Put down the fried burgers and shakes, get rid of the fast food freaks and exercise!! Transfats make people ill. THAT is the big problem with health in the US.

Most in US just happen to be totally against theocracies, dictators, and regimes which abuse their own people's human rights. That would include the majority of the countries of the ME. Go figure, a freedom loving Democracy like the US backing another democracy.

"Israel Deeper Into Banana Republic Status." Yoram Banana Republics had their governments protected by the USMC. "Rather than further developing Israel`s defense industry or seeking 50% of this aid to go to Israeli companies, the leaders of Israel have put the future of Israel entirely into US hands. Unhealthy and unwise." - Yoram I agree, particularly because the junta running the US is particularly unwise.

for nuclear-free Middle East or regional or world nuclear disarmanent. Just a thought. I believe President Shimon Peres suggested it's a topic for discussion after there's peace in the Middle East.

"If Israel wants to develop its own plane, from scratch or by stealing designs from the French (such as the Kfir), . . ." - Tosefta It was a nice try. Israel started to appreciate that modern technology was not something you could just copy. ". In any case, other countries must develop weapons once the US does it. And this includes nuclear weapons when the US PULLS OUT of Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)." - Tosefta Nuclear weapons are a poor investment unless the goal of a nation is to render itself safe from attack. Cipora seems young. And being young has it's advantages. Long after she has learned what a dead myself has forgotten, she will see things she did not when younger.

Pathological stupidity (chuckle)

"In 1986 I was not following the development of aviation anywhere; and no, Mark, I do not read aviation weekly." - Cipora It is Aviation Week and Space Technology. Known in the business as "Aviation Leak" or "Aviation Leak and Space Mythology' depending upon one's irreverence. "Nevertheless, the information about what happened to the lavi is difficult to come by." - Cipora No one is anxious to draw attention to a failure Cipora. "The buttom line is that Israel does not have the wealth to develop a fighter on her own, and therefore, yes, she is susceptible to US pressure." - Cipora Is a buttom anything like a bottom? "I do not see the big point you are trying to make." - Cipora You are the one who said the US never supported Israel developing a fighter Cipora. All I did was prove your ignorance. You now agree. What are you trying to say now?

You ar right Cipora, the biggest burden on US economy (and tax payers) are the 10-15 Billions a MONTH (not to mention our human toll) that we sepnd uselessly in Irak.

Are you now saying that it is Israel's fault that the US is 42nd in mortality rate? Tell your friends to stop eating junk, and start driving their cars to the next door neighbour.

In your #113, you said that the US should fund research by Israeli scientists, rather than give military aid which must be spent in the US. Yet, now you admit that the Lavi, partly funded by the US, was cancelled because of withdrawal of US funds, and probably other reasons, such as when the US funds the research directly, Israel might not be able to sell the product on the open market. Therefore, your argument still boils down to an opposition to US military aid to Israel. Regarding the anti-ballistic missile treaty, it has nothing to do with weapon development per se, but with where the weapons are placed. It is a totally different issue, which has nothing whatever to do with Israel. It is a US foreign policy issue on which I am not willing to comment.

If you wish to live longer, live in Canada. If you wish to live longer once diagnosed with a life threatening illness, go to the USA for treatment....If you don't care about longevity join Hamas.

Unless someone bumps off Ahmadinejad, Israel should spend that money on building bomb shelters for everybody across the entire area except for Hamas and Hezbollah.

How would the founders of Israel look at the situation of Israel being less and less independent, and under the leadership not of Israeli elected leaders, but the American Secretary of State and American foreign policy whims? Isn't that what this agreement does? Is Condi Rice leading this country? Rather than further developing Israel's defense industry or seeking 50% of this aid to go to Israeli companies, the leaders of Israel have put the future of Israel entirely into US hands. Unhealthy and unwise.

You justified spending the money on Israel on the basis that it would be spent in US factories which would benefit the US economy. Wouldn't that also be true about money spent on the US infrastructure? When I pointed out the mendacity of your statement, you then changed the motivation to fighting Islamist groups. Isn't it true that the most important thing for you is that Israel get US taxpayer money so it can spend its own money on such things important to US interests as building separation walls and expanding west bank settlements?

Medical procedures are expensive, let's not kid ourselves...The main difference between Canada and the U.S., is that we don't have to wait months and years to be attended to.. If a person doesn't have adequate funds, he'll still be taken care of...Emergency rooms aren't allowed to turn away anybody..That's why we have so many foreigners coming to the states to avail themselves of gratis medical service.. Case in point, my wife needed a hip-xray, went to our family doctor, who gave her a referral to the hospital, which took the x-ray..Total time elapsed, start to finish about 3 hours.. When she required hip replacement, about 8 years ago, from diagnosis, x-ray and admittance and surgery, a matter of less than a week..It wasn't an emergency procedure... Your medical services in Canada are sorely lacking, we're quite aware of that...That's why so many Canadians that can afford it, come to the good ole USA, to be taken care of now, not a year or two in the offing...

Israel and US forever, from a nonJewish American.

1. "Just remember that the US did not allow Israel to develop its own fighter jet.. Actually, the US is in a position to pressure Israel. If it were not, the Lavi would have been developed." - Cipora The Lavi was paid for mostly with US funds. Its development could, and was cancelled. If Israel wants to develop its own plane, from scratch or by stealing designs from the French (such as the Kfir), the US has no say. Do you get basic facts of Earthly life, Martian Lady? (I only mention your Martian background so Earthlings will not think you are as big an idiot as you sound.) 2. "The US needs to upgrade its weapons since neither Russia nor China will stop weapon development" - Cipora There are many systems the Chinese and Russians will not bother with, such as new aircraft carriers. In any case, other countries must develop weapons once the US does it. And this includes nuclear weapons when the US PULLS OUT of Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). These are all matters of Earthly concern, completely alien to you and seemingly beyond your understanding. Leave them for us Earthlings to worry about, and stop being the local 600 pound gorilla it is impolite to laugh at.

Compared to what the US is spending in Iraq and what it accomplishes there, $30 billion to Israel is a wise move. Israel is on the front lines against Muslim terror and as such a strong ally of the US, UK, Canada,Australia and other countries that posess a spine. Hopefully Israel will benefit from the age old Jewish tradition of purchasing wholesale.

In both World Wars, Palestinian JEWS volunteered and fought in the British Army..You can verify that under "Jewish Brigade & Jewish Legion"..Israel didn't exist at that time.. If you don't know where the Jews were in World War 2, American Jews were in the American Army, my cousin was killed in France..American Jews had a higher per capita mortality rate than the general population..British Jews were in the English Army. Other Jews were being shipped to concentration camps and exterminated.. During World War 2, while Palestinian Jews were serving in the British Army, Arab Palestinian's were serving alongside the Nazi's..It's checkable, go to it...Haj Amin el Hussein recruited them for that duty..They assisted the SS in manning extermination camps. Really amazing, you expect instant gratification and just finished paying up your war debts only last year..

Economists have long known this. The fruits of manufacture either blow up or sit idle, waiting to be used. Not to mention the material destruction at the receiving end. Bridges, roads, hospitals, schools, water treatment facilities: these things endure.

Israel will never be an independent state under such arrangement. A WAKE UP IS NEEDED FROM WITHIN and NOT FROM THE DIASPORA who prefers to live outside Israel. To appease their guilt, the Diaspora do all the required pressures so Uncle Sam provide financial support! Therefore, the next time that the US wants to hit the Hezbollah, Israel, once again, will have no chance to say NO. Israel, another non-contiguous US State.

Let's not forget the manipulation of America and the rest of the world by the Arab oil powers...Raising oil prices, allowing them to buy unlimited quantities of arms...Allowing them to coerce the world by means of the oil threat..

Those Japanese in the target zones of Hiroshima & Nagasaki were effected..There's no indication it was passed on to their heirs... If you really want to blame radiation on something, try blaming it on excessive visits to medical facilites, where they test at the drop of a hat.. Just wondering, are your Aboriginies receiving treatment that would necessitate x-ray, sonograms, etc., or they still ignored and maltreated.. Let's not forget, your plane awaits..Show you have some guts and keep your promise to be a human shield..

In 1986 I was not following the development of aviation anywhere; and no, Mark, I do not read aviation weekly. Nevertheless, the information about what happened to the lavi is difficult to come by. The buttom line is that Israel does not have the wealth to develop a fighter on her own, and therefore, yes, she is susceptible to US pressure. I do not see the big point you are trying to make.

the cloud of ignorance and hatred from your eyes...More information on Haym Solomon.... "Salomon, Haym Salomon, Haym (hīm) [key], 1740?85, American Revolutionary financier, b. Lissa (now Leszno), Poland. A Jewish emigrant from Poland, he was imprisoned (1778) by the British in New York City for aiding the Revolutionaries and was condemned to death, but he escaped to Philadelphia. There he started a successful brokerage business. He aided Robert Morris in obtaining loans from France and pledged his own fortune to the new government to maintain its credit. Salomon was never recompensed and he died impoverished. See biographies by C. E. Russell (1930) and H. M. Fast (1941).

I never said that the US was perfect. Nevertheless, the US secured democracy for all those who are lucky enough to live in democratic countries. Stop being naive.

All American's, excluding the native indian's came from elsewhere...Unless you're one of them, you're not really a true American, if we are to go by your ethnic standards..

I suppose that not all people have a sense of humour. I would be the last person to think that artificial intelligence could ever be the same as human intelligence.

What do you mean, Sir?

I WAS SURPRISED, UNTIL I SAW WHERE YOU ARE FROM. SPOKEN LIKE A TRUE SETTLER, MR.KFAR ADUMIM. YOU AND YOUR ILK HAVE GOTTEN US TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY, SURROUNDED BY ENEMIES. WERE YOU OR YOUR FAMILY IN THE ARMY? DID YOU FIGHT? AND I DON'T MEAN WITH YOUR BIG MOUTH !! YOU PEOPLE WILL GET US ALL KILLED YET. SHUT UP AND ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE UP THERE ON THE HILL!!

This is a disgraceful use of US tax payers money when so many people are already in dire need in the US from Hurricane Katrina and so many Americans are under insured as Michael Moore's documentary Sicko showed. Plus people are dying needlessly in the third word of Aids and malaria and malnutrituion due to a lack of financial aid. And perhaps more importantly from Israel's stand point this extra aid will only ensure that Iran will gain nuclear capbility and thus it will add more fuel to the fire in the region and place Israel at greater risk--in the long run. If Israeli officials had any smarts they would send the extra aid package back to Bush and say "thanks but no thanks" . Dutch

According to latest figures, 500,000 American families per year are pushed into bankruptcy bcause of medical bills. Nearly 50,000,000 have insurance coverage. Net result... Americans have lower life expectancy than at least a dozen countries on this earth (including mine). Most objective studies place France at the top of pile for medical systems. There doctors still make house calls.

So it was in the United States of America's best interest to allow the UK to be defeated by Hitler then? Remembering of course that Lord Halifax was overuled by Churchill when he got a peace deal with Hitler which would have allowed us to keep our empire. Including Palestine As for American largesse, we finished paying that bill last year. I have seen the graves and paid my respects to the Americans buried in Cambridge. I understand the debt we owe the States. So do the British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. One has to ask where are the Israelis?

Its there in the article. 74% of the $30 Billion never leaves America. It goes to American manufacturers and American farmers who then send their product to Israel. It goes to Americans who pay mortgages and rent and all the rest. Hopefully, every one of them has health insurance but if they don't thats our shame not Israel's. Plus we get to decide what Israel receives as the situation changes. This criticism is just another way to begrudge Israel its ability to defend itself in a hostile, 14th century neighborhood.

The only thing that is keeping us all afloat, including you, is our arsenal and the threat faced by our enemies. Even if we got Bibi back and he bombed the Iran nuclear sites, you would see no response, they are not ready. Now is the time to act to remove the threat. I agree with you that the US has neither the guts nor the stomach. We don't have too much time. We must act now!!

Illigal immigration will never end, Hispanics WILL become the vast majority of the US, they already constitute over 30% of California, which really, they owned first, heck most are indigenous people...as for "As can be seen from the plethora of palestinians posting from US addresses " are you kidding? Most jews posting here come from outside of Israel, heck, from the US! Most jews in the west bank are AMERICAN!

Do you really believe that if it without Christian support that Israel would even be created? Was not the Chrstian British Empire, (who the Queen is the head of the Church) that CREATED Israel because in part out of guilt....do you really believe that if it was only the jews that wanted Israel created that it would have ever happened? Do you really believe that if Christian countries, namely, the west, had not supported and recognized Israel that it would still have survived this long? You need a reality check....the reality is that a nuclear war will happen in israel and the region (it is written) most jews and arabs will die, and the few that survive will convert to Christianity. TRUTH sometimes hurts.

What are you talking about? can you name on country that has Christianity as the official state religion?...and please the vatican! That's smaller than a parking lot, that would mean the Christians have the smallest country. :)

Please tell us o wise man, what is realpolitik all about if not money and power? I guess you don't have too much of the $$ do you old man?

Indy I read this post and almost dropped my Latkas. I agree save indrajaya reputation.

American manipulation of the internal politics of sovereign countries, and the support given to despotic rulers - often leading to the suffering and death of thousands of innocent people, including the unnecessary sacrifice of American soldiers... something to do with pillaging the natural resources of the other. Isn't it?

parabellum

We are all on the eve of destruction. My Australian lunatic government are choosing to export uranium to such countries as China and India... Pakistan is requesting the same. Kind regards.

The continued search for more lethal means to kill each other is leading to annihilation of the human race. The world will be an unfriendly environment for ALL living matter once nuclear fall out spreads... it has started already, note the increasing number of cancer victims/genetic damage world wide, and the coincidence of nuclear weapon testing/use.

Yes we do have a better health care in the USA. We do not have long waits at the hospitals and we have choice of doctors or hospitals. Thanks to the fact that it is not socialized medicine we have the best doctors and many from overseas immigrate here to practice. Also many patients from all over the world including Canada and France would come to USA for health care. The fact that the lawyers can win massive lawsuits keeps the quality high. In USA a patient who has been wronged has rights unlike many other countries. However I admit that there are those who cannot afford and there is some work to do. That work has nothing to do with the US aid to Israel or Egypt or else.

over countries in the Middle East,' is causing an arms race in that region. 'Democracy' has become a dirty word because of the actions of Israeli and American policy toward others who they perceive to be lesser human beings. Another poster has it right, Israel is a pawn in American 'war games.' Big business run our world, and war/weapon manufacturers are big business - they have no care for the foot soldiers or civilians of any country. P.S. Take note of the testimonies of the American citizens in Michael Moors movie. About Israeli citizens needing the money for protection... immigrants to Israel know of the situation in the M.E. Many leave a peaceful free life in their country of origin. Wouldn't it be better to pay their air-fare back home rather than perpetuate war?

We Americans are really stupid to stand up for this SUPER nice treatment of Israel. I am fed up with paying tax money to a State that pays lip service to UN Resolutions and totaly ignores the rulings of the ICJ... But then again I can understand why the Neo-cons in DC are doing this... They use Israel for dirty wars like the one last year with Hezbollah.

Lebanon/Israel: Hezbollah Hit Israel with Cluster Munitions During Conflict First Confirmed Use of Weapon Type (Jerusalem, October 19, 2006) ? Hezbollah fired cluster munitions into civilian areas in northern Israel during the recent conflict, Human Rights Watch reported today. This is the first time that Hezbollah?s use of these controversial weapons has been confirmed. We are disturbed to discover that not only Israel but also Hezbollah used cluster munitions in their recent conflict, at a time when many countries are turning away from this kind of weapon precisely because of its impact on civilians. Steve Goose, director of Human Rights Watch's Arms Division Suggest This Page to a Friend Printer Friendly Version Also Available in Related Material Cluster Munitions in Lebanon Thematic Page Questions & Answers: 122mm cluster munition rockets Special Focus, August 19, 2006 For Human Rights Watch?s ongoing coverage of the Israel-Lebanon conflict, please click here Thematic Page For more on Human Rights Watch's work on cluster munitions, please click here Thematic Page Free Email Newsletter Contribute to Human Rights Watch Hezbollah?s deployment of the Chinese-made Type-81 122mm rocket is also the first confirmed use of this particular model of cluster munition anywhere in the world. Human Rights Watch documented two Type-81 cluster strikes that took place on July 25 in the Galilee village of Mghar. ?We are disturbed to discover that not only Israel but also Hezbollah used cluster munitions in their recent conflict, at a time when many countries are turning away from this kind of weapon precisely because of its impact on civilians,? said Steve Goose, director of Human Rights Watch's Arms Division. ?Use of cluster munitions is never justified in civilian-populated areas because they are inaccurate and unreliable.? While it is not known when and how Hezbollah obtained these foreign-made cluster munitions, and while Hezbollah used far fewer cluster munitions than Israel did in the recent war, the new findings raise serious concerns about the proliferation of these weapons to non-state armed groups, as well as states. Human Rights Watch has previously reported on Israel?s extensive use of cluster munitions in southern Lebanon during the conflict and has documented civilian casualties caused by these weapons both during the war and afterwards. The UN has estimated that Israel fired as many as 4 million submunitions into Lebanon, which left as many as 1 million hazardous unexploded ?duds? still threatening Lebanese civilians and disrupting economic recovery from the war. These submunition duds have caused an average of nearly three civilian casualties a day since the cease-fire. Cluster munitions endanger civilians in two ways. First, they spread submunitions over a broad area, virtually guaranteeing civilian casualties when fired into populated areas. Second, they leave a large number of duds that become de facto landmines, killing or maiming people well after the conflict. Each of the Type-81 cluster munition 122mm rockets used by Hezbollah carries 39 Type-90 or MZD submunitions. Each submunition in turn shoots out hundreds of steel spheres, about 3.5mm in diameter, with deadly force. Human Rights Watch discovered evidence of Hezbollah?s unprecedented use of this cluster munition in the course of ongoing investigations of the group?s attacks on northern Israel during the war that lasted from July 12 until August 14. Israeli authorities had until now prevented publication of details of Hezbollah cluster strikes in Israel, citing security concerns.

Let me help you see the light.. Hamas was the first to use cluster bombs in Lebanon..They were part of the rockets she fired into Israel, to cover her kidnapping of the two soldiers... Israel replied in kind... All you have to do is ask, I'll gladly send you the links so you can confirm it with your own eyes..

75% of 30 BILLIONS leaves 22.5 BILLIONS to spent in the U.S.A...It doesn't matter where it's spent, it employes American's.. It may irk you, learn to live with it..

Are you being funny Billy Jack? and you want to convert? Try facing a few Rabbis who will look you in the eye till you squirm and ask you a dozen questions to prove that you really wish to Convert and even then it won't be ebough, You will have to study Jewish Law and a whole lot of other things before you will have to face those Rabbis again and answer question after question till you are blue in rhe face - and then after all you might not even be accepted! ConvertinG to Judaism is not easy, you have to prove you want it and you are genuine. Judaism is not a prosetlyzing Religion.

Rather odd, you're so concerned with health care in Israel, when British care leaves so much to be desired... Long waiting lines, shortage of doctors, and those you do hire present security threats.. You really ought to concern yourself with matters closer to home, under your own nose to be specific... Aside from that, it's none of your beeswax how American's spend their money.. Your country took advantage of America's largesse in two World Wars..Without U.S. aid you be Heiling and speaking Deutsch...

If it weren't for the Jewish money of Hayam Solomon, a Jewish Banker, there wouldn't be a United States... It was he that financed the American Revolution and enabled America to buy arms in Europe.. Yes, if it weren't for him, you'd be living under the Union Jack... He only had a small portion of his money returned to him...He died a relatively poor man.... Solomon was a Jewish Banker that pauperized himself to assist his adopted country.. Crack a book, don't display your ignorance so publicly.

"Just remember that the US did not allow Israel to develop its own fighter jet." - Cipora Actually Cipora, the US provided 40% of the funding for the IAI "Lavi" project for many years during the 1980s. Israel cancelled the program in 1986 for a number of reasons including the US not wanting to supply more funding given the massive cost overruns and developmental problems. The prime supporter of the Lavi was Moshe Arens and the civilian budget was savaged to pay for the development program. The long term Israeli effort to develop a totally independent warplane production capability ended with the cancellation of the Lavi.

Exactly!!

"The wise know that people are not machines, even if some machines think that they are people." - Cipora %!PS-Adobe-1.0 %%Creator: Mark Lincoln %%Title: Machines Don't Think %% Cipora, no machine can think, men tell them how to think, what to think, and when %%EndComments

are being made on America, forgetting an all-important factor ruling the world today and to which end noone knows as of today. Yes, it is 'War on Terror'. Against whose Terror is it this war being waged? Theremay be those who may not like the answer but know it only too well. Is America to be that loathsome hypocritical character to be funding billions to the enemy, and on the other hand fighting against it too? No! America knows who her friends are and no-one need dictate to her what to do with her money.

1 Actually, the US is in a position to pressure Israel. If it were not, the Lavi would have been developed. 2 The US needs to upgrade its weapons since neiter Russia nor China will stop weapon development, and indeed nor would any other countries aiming to be important powers. The US intends to remain at the top. Only an old fashioned far lefty like you would not see that.

There was an ill fated attempt to develop an all-Israeli fighter back in the 1980s underwritten by the US. "Just make sure not to replace the full number." - Tosefta Americans don't study engineering anymore. Too real. Better to make money as a lawyer, investment banker or MBA. "The US actually needs the Saudis badly now." - Tosefta The neocons don't need no stinking allies. "Without the Saudis, the conference will look empty." - Tosefta Agreed. But this 'conference' is really going to be about Bush, Olmert and Abbas. Blair will be their, and perhaps someone will play fetch with him. The big problem I see who will make the Abbas work, will it be Bush with his strings from above or Olmert with his hand up the Abbas's abyss? I see the signing as sending a signal to all.

The United States appropriates over 600 billion dollars a year for Medical spending. That is over $2000 per citizen. Many citizens have private health care, and do not benefit from Medicaid, etc. A great many of them are ineligible for Medicaid, and therefore do not benefit as well. But even with that 600 billion dollar appropriation, after the Insurance companies have taken their cut, and the for profit Health Care companies have taken their cut, and the ambulance chasing lawyers have squeezed out another chunk, barely enough is left to pay the doctors and nurses. In Canada, for example, Lawyers do not win massive lawsuits, because the victims are suing the people of Canada. In Canada, for profit health organizations do not take extra profits and line their pockets with money that they don't deserve. In Canada, insurance companies are not allowed to charge ridiculous premiums, resulting from litigation that creates ridiculous settlements. We should copy Canada.

1. "Just remember that the US did not allow Israel to develop its own fighter jet." - Cipora The US is not in a position to tell Israel what not to develop. It can forbid Israel from selling to other countries products that contain US technology. 2. "given that we are past the cold war, so much weapon DEVELOPMENT by the US, much against non-existing enemies, simply contributes to world instability." - Tosefta "I see that now you want to disarm the US." - Cipora Let me ask you a question: If you develop fewer NEW weapons, can you still manufacture and use old models? (a) Yes. (b) Yes, provided that you also use old model cars. (c) No way. (d) No, as long as car companies keep making new models.

Very educated response. Actually I have no designs on living in Israel I am quite happy in Canada. However I categorically support the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state. Why bother posting a post like you do, do you simply like your own typing?

INTERESTING POST. AMERICA IS THE CAUSE OF THIS MESS YOU WRITE. PRETTY FUNNY. AS FAR AS CLUSTER BOMBS AMERICA WILL DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES FOR ISRAEL TO ALWAYS BE STRONGER THEN IT'S NEIGHBORS SINCE THEY HAVE TO BE AMERICA'S BEST ALLY IN THE MIDDLE EAST. SURE ISRAEL SHOULD HAVE CLUSTER BOMBS IN A WAR YOU USE WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO MAKE SURE THE OUTCOME IN FAVORABLE WHEN THE FIGHTING STOPS FOR ISRAELS SIDE. IF CANADA WAS A SMALL COUNTRY THE SIZE OF ISRAEL AND YOU HAD HAMAS,HEZBOLLAH,ISLAMIC JIHAD AND LEBANON, SYRIA, AND IRAN ALL AROUND YOU. HANI YOU WOULD WANT CLUSTER BOMBS ALSO. SO DON'T GET SO SELF RIGHTOUS ON HAARETZ.

The wise know that people are not machines, even if some machines think that they are people.

The wise know that they are not as wise as they think they are.

Sir/Madame, Do not worry about it - they can not damn your reputation...:)))) A propos, do you still bomb people who came to dance?

"Stop Lying, Stop Taking, and the world might like you a little bit more." Edgar Sir, 3 millions of polish Jews from villages/small town "did not lie" and "did not take" -still your father killed them - apparently he still did not like something about them. Your world would never like us... Poor Edgar.

Eating words has never given me indigestion. Everyone has his day and some days last longer than others. If you are going through hell, keep going. Short words are best and the old words when short are best of all. The length of this post defends it well against the risk of its being read.

So you believe America should extend the same support to Muslim Countries? Have you forgotten what started it all - 9/11 and World-wide Islamic Terrorism or another name for it - the 'War on Terror'? America does support some Arab Countries, e.g. Egypt, but for you it is not enough. Ask your Arab Oil Barons to help you people instead of spending Forty Percent of their Oil Revenue on the upkeep of their 7000 Princes and their families. It has been said that 'the left-overs from one night's Arab Celebration Party can feed a family for six months!!!

More corporate welfare for defense contractors.

There I s no doubt that USA needs to do something to bring in health care to many of its citizens who have no access to it. However it also be noted that the health care available in the USA is significantly better than the rest of the industrialized west including Canada. USA is a great country which is capable to help its allies which share the same aspirations such as Israel and still improve the reach of its health care to those who currently cannot afford. The two issues are not related at all.

Nice try Dav. But, have you forgotten that there is a 'War on Terror' and the US knows only too well that those great Oil-Producing Countries whose Support you believe America needs so badly [!] are contributing Billions for the Funding of their World Islamic Terror Organisations...... Everyone knows that. surely.....

rights movement, listen we americans love israel and the jews have made america a better place by being so well educated and successful ray, the south u lived in is gone and aint never coming back. thank the Lord and pass the grits.

It would be nice if this money were going toward a missile intercept system, but you and I know that most of it will go towards the purchase of tanks, bulldozers, cluster bombs, bunker busters, and maybe a few F-22s. A staggering waste of money. Has US military technology allowed it to overcome a lightly-armed guerilla insurgency in Iraq? No. A 10-cent bullet can bring down a $10M Apache attack helicopter, and some $3 boxcutters brought down the WTC. Al-Qaeda wants to provoke the US to spend itself into oblivion, and do it on the cheap. Bush, the military, and Congress happily oblige. Your dreaded Islamofascists will be defeated by people, not machines. We'd all be better off investing in Arabic language analysts, forensic investigators, explosives detection, surveillance, and a few special forces units and leave the F-22s parked in the hangar.

the lord you talk about,is that were i should go,to the jewish god,should i tell him me and my reserve want to convert and move to israel in time for the comeing.

I am always amazed when I hear critics of Israel condemn it for having a state religion. The fact is that there is no faith in the world that does not enjoy a state religion in some country, and Jews have only one, and its smaller than vermont. Yet Israel is singled out, after state sanctioned religions or is it religious sanctioned states spent the last 2000 years trying to kill the Jews without a state. Always an interesting argument. And I can tell you as a Jew living in a Christian country, I am ok with that. A state should be indifferent to the religions of its citizens. Indeed. And rainbows should end in a pot of gold. Until this wonderful Utopia you imagine comes to life, I would think you would not choose the one religion with the tiniest country in the world as your focal point rather than the Muslims, Christians, Hindus who rule over 95% of the world. Just a thought I guess.

Is this how Arabs see it? Rather stupid, when one itsy bitsy State Israel gets a nice sum of money.... and when if you add what all the other massive states get added together with the help from their Muslim Brethren !!! you may find to your utter delight that it will more than suffice wiping out that itsy bitsy little state in a jiffy! which is what a famous Muslim Mahdi called Ahmadinejad has in mind. Who knows if it is not the US's financial backing for a good 'ole 'Wrestling Match' First Round to be fought in the not too distant future?

Unfortunately Christian, your comments themselves are the exact reason that the state of Israel must exist. The sort of patriarchal protectorate language you use in your message that the Jews could not exist without Christian support is an absurd comment that highlights my opint of exactly how the relationship between evangelicals and Jews is a marriage of convenience for Christians. The state of Israel exists as it does because Christians not only didnt protect us, but spent the better part of 2000 years trying to exterminate us. So thanks for your holier than thou protection Christian and pray for armageddon.

Haaretz, I would appreciate the posting of my comment. Thanks.

If you have any decency, would you stop using my identity? This is outrageous. You are damning my reputation.

I feel sorry USA could not invite for anything other than buying weappon. Aid is not present but mostly loans on longer time. I do understand Arabs buy weappon to buy peace and avoid invasion. Iran is just empty excuse nothing more. But, why Israel buys no clue.To titilate USA and show loyality?

Hey Peter, you seem in love with your Jewish state.. why don't you go live there instead and defend it.. instead of blabbing from Toronto??

Who was it who said "he could not believe a word an Arab hoodwinker told him".....?

Bastard! Stealing my name!

It had to come, that 'Green Goddess raising her ugly head'. Things have not changed an iota since those thousands of years when the Egyptan slave-girl Hagar was sent out of the 'House of Abraham' in a fit of anger.

This Arm's agreement is a "Huge" mistake on Israel's part. Olmert only cares about Free handouts (the Israeli Weapons Industry can produce superior weapons at a minimal cost). It's about time Israel stands on it's own feet, plus they won't have to worry if the USA boycotts sales of weapons to Israel in the future).. Israel "Must" insist that Saudi Arabia NOT receive JDAM"s, F-22 Fighters, Precision Guided Missles, otherwise Death and Destruction will soon follow (The Saudi's are as much of a threat as Iran is to western civilization - The House of Saud "spawned" 15 of the 9/11 hijackers and Al Quida).

and it's the very money supplied to Israel to keep the Jews alive that was lacking in treating the people you describe. They saw the writing on the dollars 'reserved for ...' and ignored it hardhearted as they are.

You wonder why pro-Jewish posters will visit the site when they know they are so hated by the anti's? Guess it is a sign of Self-defence together with the proverbial challenge. It could also be a case of that 'green goddess'.....which makes it a bit of fun when you know its all about 'jealousy'.....

While the American economy suffers from the gazillions of dollars spent in Iraq. While America's Health and Education systems crumble to below 3rd world standards. While America's bridges crumble from neglect. While America's banks suffer from a severe cash flow. while America's national debt is reaching the outskirts of the universe. Boy genuis W. Bush finds that this is the perfect time to waste $45 billion on Israel and some Arabs that are paid for their peace with Israel.

We have taken the IP address from American and used our systems to identify the poster and his location and are sending in a team now.

I see that now you want to disarm the US. You really have the best ideas on planet earth.

Why so many grumps. Why grumble about what the US gives to the Jewish State ......when the Arabs can do as much for their own people and don't. FORTY PERCENT of Arab Oil Revenue goes towards the upkeep of their Seven Thousand Princes and their families! Consequently, don't blame America for being generous to the Jewish State. It is US Money and she can do with it what she wants. Does anybody ask the Arab Oil Barons for funds towards the Jews while America is generous to Arab Countries as well.

Maybe I did miss that last clause of your varied advice to all and sundry. I doubt it is an advice that the US would follow. Being a friend does not mean being totally altruistic. The US wants to "sell" its own weapons to Israel. Just remember that the US did not allow Israel to develop its own fighter jet. For the most part, the US would not want competition for its defense industry. Furthermore, Israel needs weapons now, not ten years from now. R&D takes time, but Israel is under threat now.

As can be seen from the plethora of palestinians posting from US addresses (Ibrahim, Bernie, Pissedoffpalestinian, etc), all of this terrible deprivation the US citizens suffer sure hasn't done a very good job of giving the palestinians an incentive to go somewhere else. Until illegal immigration ceases to be US's biggest domestic problem, I think that we can well afford to spend money on military aid to Israel rather than free health care to illegal aliens. We will know when that happens, because all the palestinians in Michigan will have moved to Venezuela!

Hello Tadchase, Sometimes you want to pay somebody in order to bind him to you. (happened with Pollard who volunteered for spying, but his operator insisted on paying him so he keeps delivering whatever is requested.) In the case of Israel, there is no need for payment; Israel is bound to the US already. Who else will cast the delivering veto in the UN? Who will stand up against an international boycott? Who will pay the Egyptians to be docile and cooperative? Of course the amount is not big for the US, but it actually looks bad when the total amount of foreign aid by the US to the entire world is some 20 billion. And given that every penny of this is borrowed money, people may complain.

Haaretz should not prevent that type of post. Those posts just reaffirm that the evil is still out there and that there is a need to never forget.

Any Complaints? Take them to 'The Lord Our God'. After all they are His 'Chosen People' so the Bible says......

1. Mark, at the present time the US spends about 400 million a year on Israeli weapons development. There are a couple of projects, and one is laser defense against rockets/missiles. I don't think airplane development is included. The US does it without Israel. If you ask me, given that we are past the cold war, so much weapon development by the US, much against non-existing enemies, simply contributes to world instability. It is not bad to have a good number of weapons specialists retire. Just make sure not to replace the full number. 2. The US actually needs the Saudis badly now. They need them to show up at the "peace conference", or whatever it is, coming up soon. Without the Saudis, the conference will look empty. So I have to assume that the signing now of the money agreement with Israel must be a sign of incompetence, or that since it is only a memo of understanding signed at a relatively low level (Under Sec. of State), it is not binding and can be represented as such.

Israel needs to maintain its conventional military power, and at the same time, create many changes to adapt to asymetrical, Hezbollah-style, Al-Qaida-style, Hamas-style rocket launchings, terrorism, hit-and-run guerrilla tactics of fanatics who hide behind civilian populations and use the psychological and media coverage factors with extreme skill. The 30 billion dollars will be the best investment against this kind of 21st century warfare made so far. And everybody will learn from the advances, as well as the mistakes.

"What I am seeing, and it is quite pleasing, is people questioning the wisdom of providing weapons to the most unstable region in the world." I must be missing their questioning the wisdom of Iran supplying missiles and rockets to Hezbollah. And I guess I'm also missing them questioning the wisdom of supplying weapons to the Saudis and the Egyptians and the Jordanians. Why is it I only seem to see them questioning the wisdom of supplying Israel? Double Standards = Israel bashing

Let me see if this makes sense. Saudi Arabia will get $20 billion in arms NOW and Israel in turn will get it's 2.4 bil yearly package up to 3.1 bil by the end of 10 years, starting in over a year. Does that make sense?!

With a post like this "The Jews are playing an oversized influence over the miserables, our congressmen. We are awaiting the next Hitler." The guy is saying "we are awaiting the next Hitler" to take care of our "Jew problem" My question is why isn't his IP number taken and him banned from this site ?

THE MORE WE ARM, THE MORE OF AN EXCUSE FOR THE ARABS, ESPECIALLY AHDIMIJHAD, TO FULFILL THEIR WISH FOR THE "FINAL" JIHAD. MANY OF US HERE IN MY BUILDING FORSEE A DARK FOREBODING. THE U.S. WANTS US TO INITIATE A CONFLICT. TO THEM, ALL OF ISRAEL IS EXPENDABLE. ALSO, IF YOU TRADE WITH SOMEONE AND SHARE YOUR CULTURES, THERE MAY BE A CHANCE. NEXT, WE SEE NETANYAHU AS THE NEXT PRIME MINISTER. FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY. BOMBS AWAY !!!

3B sounds like mucho but in the context of the $2.9 Trillion federal budget not that much and 75% of money goes to USA defense industry. Yes Israel can do without it but if USA wants to give it why not take it? Ah the ties that bind. I agree the timing is awful. The money is leverage and I would have made it quarterly conditional to progress in peace talks - example: settlement expansion = no money. From a symbolic perspective this would have helped USA fairness image in ME. I also hate the possibility of Natanyahu winning office, bombing Iran and the perception of USA financing the attack. As I'm sure you're aware there is going to be an election next year in USA and the candidates are falling over each other in their scramble to see who can be Israels best friend. cheers

"Instead of such grants, the US should contribute to joint weapons development projects done in Israel by Israeli scientist[s]". - Tosefta "Other Americans, unlike you, understand that friendship is not all about money. It may come as a shock to you, but Americans do not regard all alliances as being just about money." - Cipora So according to Cipora's logic, if I call on the US to help develop Israeli science instead of giving money Israel does not need, what do I think? (a) Friendship is all about money, and the more money you give, the better. (b) Friendship is all about money, but don't borrow money to give to a friend if he doesn't need it. (c) Friendship is not all about money, but if you are used to giving money, just keep giving. (d) Friendship is not all about money, but giving a helpful gift when and where needed is good.

The whole peace loving world that you speak about is against Israel...Israel and the US are partners, in part, because of AIPAC, and secondly, because Israel does not have ANY friends, not in Europe, Asia or its region, middle asia. PEACE

How is it using it better? The money goes to US military companies, for the most part, they are all american weapons which fund american development. Islamofacist and Jewish world domination, everyone in the last 100 years is fighting something! Same reasult, DEATH.

Shalom Cipora, You are 100% CORRECT. America STANDS WITH YOU! Regards, J.F.

Sir, Would you be kind enough to elaborate. Who are "we"? Hitler in White House? Or may be some folk hero from, say, Oregon? I am very interested in your ideas. Please share them ... Thank you

Without the Greeks and the Romans who were the founding fathers of democracy and the republicanism we could not have had the american experience. No other people in the world but the Greeks and Romans had developed such a system that if you read america's founding fathers letters, played an major role in developing the American republic. PEACE

iRAN WILL never GET NUKES-AS SOON AS IT CLOSE someone will take their sites out-COUNT on it. "Johnny cakes" seen the Sopranos?? We ALL know how sweet you are. If the Arabs keep shooting- we have plenty of AMMO as well. If war with them is forever that's what it will be. But beat us....NAH!

Yes, and I am sure that there is ammunition that Pakistan can do cheaper but we don't allow foreign companies to use US FUNDED PUBLIC money to compete with the american worker. There is a reason this clause is included in EVERY military aid contract in the world between the US and country XX.

they are taught to. Perhaps you can tell us how the Arab street reads the blowing up of 500 iraqis this week by brother muslims. Honor killings, infidels, what does the Arab read into this.. The US and Israel are at war with Muslim jihad. So is the rest of the world but they keep it at different level for fear of upsetting muslim man- we know what a cartoon can do.

No American is waiting for the next Hitler.

This is a great sign of partnership by the US with Israel. Israel, and the whole peace-loving world are sincerely thankful to our American friends. America made a great investment in peace and counter-terrorism with these money. America and Israel co-operate in military strategy, planning, training, technical development etc. Some here seem to have forgotten that it's a 10-year sum (not one-year sum). Of course, the enemies of democracy, freedom and justice are jealous. Even though Arab dictatorships who do very little for peace (or actively destroy peace) get billions of dollars themselves. Per year. This is the case of the Palestinian Authority (who already got 250 million dollars from Iran last spring), Egypt which is extremely anti-American and Jordan which remains a harsh dictatorship. Then we have all the Arabs living in Europe as a fift column. They are angry obviously. So is Iran and the Arab terrorist regimes like Syria. Nothing to worry about.

The article is not about the weapons Egypt buys. The article is about the weapons that the United States has given Israel. Anyway I thought the weapons given to Egypt was so that the Egyptians pretended to like Israel. In which case the Egyptians are upholding their side of the peace treaty with Israel.

Believe me, the military aid that Israel has been granted, i.e., three billion dollars a year, would probably be enough to cover one bridge. In other words, within the total budget, it is a very small sum. I understand your concern, especially since I have a friend in the country who has a disabled relative, and I have been told of cutbacks in benefits. From what I understand, the cost of the war in Iraq, coupled with the tax cut given to rich people, is much more to blame for such misfortune. I hope that Americans will find a way to solve this problem, as they have solved many problems in the past. I have great faith in the spirit of America, its creativeness and the dynamism of its people.

"If the money were spent in the US on bridges, schools and hospitals it would also be "spent in the US", but we would come out a lot further ahead." It doesn't have to be either or. We have tax cuts here directed at the upper 1% which make up tens of billions. It would be short sighted to say the least to underfund Israel unless of course you simply don't believe your own eyes and don't think there is any threat from radical islamist groups who have said over adn over again that they want to kill Americans. If Israel fell to this crowd Iranian influenced terror groups set up bases, how many billions do you think will be spent to send US troops back to the ME to protect US interests ie OIL ? Yes, that's the dirty secret. Its about oil and the fact is that America and all its industrialized friends DEPEND on OIL. So ... its actually cheaper to insure Israel has the capability to defend herself.

"Instead of such grants, the US should contribute to joint weapons development projects done in Israel by Israeli scientist." - Tosefta We have a problem in the US, we are about to see the majority of our aerospace engineers retire over the next decade. "The second mistake made by the US is signing the deal now, instead of having it signed after the weapon sale to Saudi Arabia is approved." - Tosefta Clearly the Saudi Weapons deal is not of major importance to the Bush junta. They have sent a signal to Saudi - who's peace proposal they despise - by signing now. That is a clear "NO peace, no way." This is followed by "My way or the highway."

Without America, there would be no democracy. Without democracy, the world would be a very desolate and terrible place.

"Israel is the only country that can spend 26% of US aid on its domestic military companies" And why do you think that is American? Hmmmm I bet you didn't bother to look beyond what you read on that Israel bashing web site did you. Do you know the US military purchases from Israeli weapons manufacturers because the Israelis can make many items cheaper and better ? Nahhh you don't want to know that do you? It doesn't fit into your little mindset does it ? "Israel's military industry is capable of producing some types of military hardware more economically than the U.S. and Europe, Yachin said in the exclusive interview. "We learned to cut corners a long time ago, things that the American defense establishment has tried to do for the last couple of years ... how to cut military specifications and management and development costs in order to obtain efficient production and budget costs."

When you see double standards as are clearly seen here - ie no one questions the weapons deals going to Egypt or even the wealthy Saudis, then Chris that is unquestionably Israel bashing .. or don't you agree with that either.

Yes, you would just love to see Israel completely isolated. You would love to see Israel deprived of advanced weapons. You would love to see Israel being forced to scramble to come up with the foreign reserves to pay for those weapons priced in dollars. What a wonderful "Jew" and human being you are. Fortunately, the majority of Americans are nothing like you. Other Americans, unlike you, understand that friendship is not all about money. It may come as a shock to you, but Americans do not regard all alliances as being just about money.

True the US is a secular democracy, unlike the Islamic states of the Middle East or Israel, that is a Jewish state, although we are a secular democracy, our nation is a Christian nation, drive around any Christimas day. The vast majority of tax payers in the US are Christian, without them, NO ONE will side with Israel and few if any states in the world like Israel, NO ONE supports Israel really. It's as isolated in many ways as North Korea is...

Jew Haters and Israel Bashers deny it, but Israel is using that money effectively and productively...Even better than USA would use it. God Help Israel. God Help America. God help Canada, Australia and Europe. Together we stand against IslamoFascism!

If the money were spent in the US on bridges, schools and hospitals it would also be "spent in the US", but we would come out a lot further ahead.

You have no understanding for Israel's position -- (alleged) underdog, fiercely defending against an evil world? Anyway, good post!

Israel is the only country that can spend 26% of US aid on its domestic military companies, Companies that COMPETE with US companies in the global market. The US government is by default funding companies that are competing with American workers. This is not allowed with any other countries, but for Israel, for some reason, its an exception.

"Israel governs in the west bank because noone else is able to in a way which secures Israel`s right to exist." If that were the case then Israel would not be building settlements there, Israel governs the west bank because it chooses to incorporate it and if it does that then it should extend citizenship to all of the Palestinians in Hebron that Israel forces to subjugate to the few Israeli terrorist there and Jericho, etc. When a state defines itself by a religion, whether Jewish, Christian (Making America into an official Christian state) or Muslim, in by default creates second class citizens of those who are not the stated group. A state should be indifferent to the religious affiliation of its citizens.

I am not seeing any posts saying they hate Israel. What I am seeing, and it is quite pleasing, is people questioning the wisdom of providing weapons to the most unstable region in the world.

If the numbers you are throwing arround so easily are correct, than the middle east can finally reach peace. Buy some land somewhere, move there all the palestinians from the camps (instead of pouring money in that bottomless pit for the past 60 years, that was used for the private needs of corrupt bandits). Nobody will miss them, since their own brothers fellow muslim countries don't want them. Thank you for your eye opening solution

In fact, relations with arab oil countries are pretty solid. Saudi and US are great buddies, though it is likely that this relationship is more of a hinderance to the war on terror than a help to it, and no country has contributed more to Islamic fundamentalism than Saudi. In fact the only oil producer in the area that does not enjoy a solid relationship with the US is Iran. To blame that on Israel is to have a very short view of history indeed. So if you think that America would be better served by a better relatioship with Iran than it would with Israel, perhaps you are right. I think it is fairly clear to the world that Israel has more common values with the US than does Iran. Furthermore, to agree with you theory suggests that the US would be better served by becoming even further dependant on their relationship with mid east oil countries, a theory that many clearly disgagree with.

Dav, I take issue with a vague charcterization such as your statement that "a large proportion" do not support the theory that it is in US interests. Certainly there are some, even many, I dont know how you come to the statement "a large proportion" or even what it means. However, it depends on a pretty well accepted social theory that states that actors will rarely act in contradiction to their own self interest. That suggests that all this comes down to therefore post facto arm chair quarterbacking and second guessing. A look at the recent history of the region since Israel declared a nation state would however on the whole suggest a much different reading. For instance israel as an ally was instrumental in the Cold war arms and ally race with the Soviets. Secondly, to suggest that Israel gets in the way of relations with oil nations, would suggest that US relations with oil nations are in rough shape. (cont.)

Egypt isn't even a friend to the USA. Israel is the USA's best friend and a bastion of democracy and political stability in the ME. It's also worth investing in because it's a rich source of new ideas in technology and weapons. The ensured market for US weaponry ensures US jobs in the armaments industry. True, that you don't have to buy your best friends but you don't have be true to your friends either when it's not convenient to you. A bit of mutual interest ensures the stability of the friendship. The best of marriages work because of the expected provision and exchange of services and income.

"There is , I`m sorry to say, something wrong with people who come to a Jewish website every day to spew hate towards the Jews ..." Sir, Anti-semitism is a condition with very substantial incidence. Apparently it is not related to affectation - e.g., livid with rage Y. Sullivan vs Dutch's flat affect. They are expected to have some brain related defect - some variations in activation of fear/hate regions - receptor mediated/microstructure defects. Brain imaging eventually provide us with better understanding of the phenomenon. The latest achievement - PET imaging of aggression. I never met so many of them in one spot - and am interested to follow them.

Christian, as you may or may not know, there are many groups of Jews and evangelical Christians that share some common bonds. To expect however that Israel thank Christians publically and specifically in the US for US aid would be anathema to the secular democracy that is the US and to the myriad of other Americans who are not represented under the Evangelical Christian flag. Furthermore, many jews are not entirely comfortable with Evangelical support for ISrael as the reasons for doing so are largely based on scripture which suggests that all Jews will come to accept Christ as their saviour in the end. I think we can safely assume that while we are grateful for the support we understand that our goals may not be entirely lined up in the end. All that said, any supporter of Israel is a friend of Israel, and should be treated as such. Clearly not all Christians are supporters as the likes of Jimmy Carter have shown.

"We need the money ourselves........to be spent in America on American priorities. " And so it shall since billions by law MUST be spent in the US. Workers will make money and spend that in groceries, schools, buying things which in turn are plowed back into the US economy. This is how an economy works in case no one told you.

....to be spent in America on American priorities. Such as bridge repair. And New Orleans reconstruction. And national health care.

Why do you find it funny that Israel seperates treatment of Christians in territories from Christians in west bank and Gaza. They are not citizens of Israel. As you well know, most Israelis have no intention of occupying or desire to occupy Bethlehem, and for many, a reasonable discussion of the treatment of East Jerusalem is on the table. However, asking israel to extend citizenship rights to non citizens of Israel is laughable and indefensible. Next we should give Jordanians,Egyptians and Syrians democratic rights in Isreal. In fact, all a country needs to do to gain rights in Israel is to start a war and lose it. Palestinians in west bank dont want to be Israeli, and Israelis dont want them to be either. So why on earth should they be treated as Israeli citizens. Its nonsensical. Israel governs in the west bank because noone else is able to in a way which secures Israel's right to exist.

I am ashamed that my tax money go to Israel. Illegal occupation, stealing of land, getting money for what happened 60 years ago from people who didn't even live at that time, using illegal weapons, I will stop here

Many of these Leftist Americans, Canadians and Europeans who spend their days spewing anti Israel propaganda here apparently are anxious for the Caliphate and Sharia law to arrive. Whether you like it or not, believe it or not, Israel stands on the front lines between that nightmare funded by Iran - and YOU !!!

Thanks! I just wish more religious jews acknowledge the enormous contribution that Christian Americans (which most are) are doing through their tax money. Israel could not have lasted this long without the support of Christians, without them, they surely would be isolated. Hence, Bush, a huge evangelical Christian supports Israel.

You're right on the money. America needs this money more than any other foreign power. We need to tell Israel to solve its own problems, like dealing with people whose land they've stolen. We can't solve the world's problems, especially ones other have brought on themselves.

Many thnaks to the United States for all their help and support.We all appreciate it very much.G-d Bless America.

Israel can now continue to occupy civilians, can continue their ethnic cleansing of non-Jews, while stealing land & water from the poor. Thanks-yous USA for funding another terrorist state.

Those times when America has been interested in promoting peace, for example when G.H.W. Bush and James Baker wanted to see the Palestinian problem solved, or when Carter was trying to get Begin to talk to Saddat, the most persuasive tool for America was the threat of reduced military aid to Israel. "You don't even want to talk peace? Then why should we pay for the war?" So why just before his much touted "middle east peace summit" does Bush rush to ensure he has no leverage? Easy to answer that one. The Bush regime has no interest in peace and the summit is a sham.

The Israeli annual GDP is about 195 billion dollars. US military aid amounts to about 1.5% of GDP. Israel actually does not need it and can do just fine without it. If Israel puts some of the Haredi Yeshivah students to work, instead of spending their lives on welfare payments, it will make up for the loss. Instead of such grants, the US should contribute to joint weapons development projects done in Israel by Israeli scientist. Since Israel has no friends other than the US, it is not necessary for the US to pay for this friendship, which it gets for free. Indeed, the annual payments hurt the US by having it portrayed in the Muslim World as the one who created and sustains Israel. Bad for both the US and Israel. The second mistake made by the US is signing the deal now, instead of having it signed after the weapon sale to Saudi Arabia is approved. The US increased unnecessary payments to Israel in order to gain Congressional support for the Saudi deal from Israel supporters (driven largely by AIPAC), who otherwise would have opposed the sale to the Saudis which might endanger Israel. Better to keep the Israeli deal as a carrot until the Saudi matter is in the bag.

a large proportion of American diplomatic and military experts have long held that U.S. support of Israel is often contrary to and, in fact, extremely damaging to U.S. interests. Support for Israel interferes with: American relations with the oil-producing nations, with whom we previously had friendly ties; with Muslim consumers, who represent 1.2 billion people world-wide; and removes much-needed money from domestic American requirements ? tax revenues that could be addressed to domestic needs are instead sent abroad to prop up a system of discrimination that is antithetical to American principles of equality and democracy. In addition, the ?special relationship? between the U.S. and Israel is increasingly imperiling American lives. Why, then, is this done? Close examination of the history and current situation reveals that U.S. policies in the Middle East are rarely driven by U.S. interests. Rather, they are largely driven by two very different factors: Special-interest lobbying of the sort that is common to Washington. The only difference from typical lobby groups is that this lobbying is on behalf of a foreign government. Fortune Magazine rates one of the many lobby organizations working on behalf of Israel, AIPAC, as the second most powerful lobby in Washington. In total, many experts rate the pro-Israel interest group as the most powerful lobby in Washington. The efforts of a growing number of individuals with close ties to Israel (known as neoconservatives) who have attained key positions at high levels of the U.S. administration, State Department, and Pentagon.

Notice that this is a %50 increase from previous aid, and that 1/4 is now going to Israeli contractors. So in the end, the amount going to US contractors went up by $250M. This kind of policy is guaranteed to keep us in a state of perpetual war. I highly recommend the recent documentary (as opposed to the old Frank Capra film) "Why We Fight".

We should extend this same requirements to Muslim countries...I completely agree!

I find it funny that you separate the treatment that Israel has towards Christians in Israel proper and the territories, where Betheleham and East Jerusalem are...as if there Israel can do what it pleases, Israel both claims it and then steps back from it, when it favors it to do so. Although you are right that we cannot micro manage Israel we can put limits to the use of the funds and withhold funds. If Israel wishes to be a normal country that stands on its own two feet, then it should do so. To take constant aid from the US and then claim that it needs to do this or that for its own interests as if its an independent, self sustaining country, is beyond funny. So long as it is dependent on the US, it has no "independent" interests. Although AIPAC is very strong in the US, which really should be registered as a foreign interest group. Especially after part of its staff is being investigated for spying and betraying the USA.

I doubt any of the posters hate Jews. That's the usual excuse. What they do hate is US/Israel policies. Sometimes the only way we as citizens find out how much money is being poured into Israel is through Haaretz.

Israel is an invaluable assest in the Middle East, and the only beacon of a true democracy in that area of the world right now. What about how much money we are spending in Iraq? Afghanistan? This is all because we are in the middle of a serious threat from Muslim extremists, and Israel is one of the strongest allies in this war of ideals. The country is an example of how to stay free and democratic while facing countless threats to its existence. If it cost 3 billion a year to keep Israel on its feet, then so be it. Over 70% of the money gets recycled into the American money anyways. And to all the healthcare whiners...the problem isn't money, it's distribution. The US government pays farmers for their produce only to throw it all away, just to keep prices high. Attack that problem first, and start complaining about money.

How do we now that 16 is real and 23 is fake. This starts my day off on a bad note. No disrespect to the real indrajaya.

That is how the Arab populations read deals like this....

Lebanese children and civilians....and the US wants the Arab world to believe that they are an 'honest broker', they are the cause of the mess on both sides...

Actually American, I would challenge you to defend your accusation that Christians in Israel proper (not the territories) are second class citizens. Even your precious Jimmy Carter would not make that accusation. Please tell me a law which discriminates against Christians that does not discriminate against secular or non orthodox Jews in the same way. Furthermore, last I checked, giving aid does not allow you to control the domestic or foreign policy of a country. If Israel takes action it deems neccesary for its own security Americans are not entitled to control Israeli decisions. Furthermore, if you are so interested in treatment of Christians as dependant on forein aid, I would imagine you are taking far greater issue with US aid to every muslim country in the world as Christians enjoy far fewer rights and security than they enjoy in Israel. I look forward to your detailed and factual account of your so called "apartheid"

"To drop One nuke on each Arab major city, then sit back and watch the worlds problems just disapear. No more Wars no more fighting, No more terrorism, no more plane jackings, or whinny begging from the Arab Palistinians.. Yeh what a dream." OR JUST DROP ONE ON ISRAEL cheaper

I was under the impression that all of Palestine could be bought for 30.000 pesos.

Americans draw a paycheck.What do you call that? When the money leaves the USA without any American having produced anything for that money thats loss of American jobs. When Arabs raise the price of oil that cuts down on American jobs. Care to name all the "front companies" that bypass employing Americans.?

We do not face the same enemy, we fight Islamofacist but you fight to retain a land that is not yours, to justify and validate your mere existence. Although it is true that Isreal will continue to receive Christian Americas money, without Christians Israle would be lost. But Iran and the Muslims will ALWAYS fight you, there will NEVER be peace, NO JEW IN ISRAEL will EVER be in PEACE...these are all true facts. So although you are correct that Israel will always get money, as that is what it loves, it cannot force or buy peace, Iran will get a nuke, eventually other arab states too, and there will always be periodic wars and terrorist attacks, so long as Isaelis never live in Peace, in a way, it is already lost.

...and what has americas obtained from Israel? More fighting, more occupation (expanision of settlements despite our objections) and the treatment of native Christians as second class citizens (most of which are Palestinians) especially insulting when the vast majority of US tax money comes from Christian americans, which make up the majority of the US population and its foundation.

in any argument, if you have to bring up and invisible force that no one can hear or see to justify your arguments, then you have proven that there is no rational reason for your case, much like Osama bin laden, Hamas, or the Jewish extremist settlers....the inquistion was justified by god, and now all of this...

Why are we giving billions of dollars away for Israel? The Saudis are paying for their equipment, Israel is getting a handout. And why are they allowed to use part of the money on domestic military companies that compete with americans in the global market? to all those who really believe that Israel has a military edge because of its domestic knowledge and ingenuity read this article, it's all Israeli propaganda, just like when they said that most of the Palestinians LEFT Palestine from their own free will. A state based on lies, no matter how hard they try, will never be legitimate, part of the constant anxiety that many Israelis have is that there state is a fake state, propped up by the only super power (for now), the world sees this, and they see it, they know, that unlike normal states that stand or fall on their own two feet, they only stand on americas Christian shoulders, with those shoulders fall, which in time they will, so will Israel go.

The keepers of this board have presumably grown weary of my usual complaint re: Israelis, perhaps because it is so often the first comment that comes to mind when reading about Israel; i.e.,: liars and takers. That's all the Israelis are, that's all they ever do and have ever done. Don't kill the messenger: Stop Lying, Stop Taking, and the world might like you a little bit more.

a possible explanation :ther're 2 cathegories of jew haters- the first is the classical old type antisemites whose thinking is prejudiced since times immemorial. the second class are people who probably never met a jew like that muslem of jakarta ,they are motivated by an acute sense of frustation due to the impotence of myriads of muslems to tackle with this tiny nation.

Those who blindly criticize this aid need to have at least some regard for the facts. For instance, Egypt gets 1.5 Billion in annual aid for military and another half billion in economic aid. This to a country whose status as an "ally" to the US is questionable at best and whose commitment to democracy in the region is non-existant. Israel has represented US interests in the region for 60 years. Israel was a staunch and important ally in the global arms race of the cold war allowing the US to counter the Soviets expenditures and outposts throughout the Arab World. Israel is the only go to ally other than the UK of the US in the war on terror. Add in all the aid to the various other arab countries in the region, and follow the money as to where its going and you will find that Israel as a recipient provides more value to the US for its aid than any other aid recipient in the world.

then inflation may become a threat , to exploit Israel's economy weaknesses may be an interests of wicked isracards chasers as part of Bush's strategy to impose his 2 states deceit solution , they BS us with economic horizon deceits while reality shows that TASE is suffering losses ,

iran hold the symposyum " a world without zionism",aka state of israel and no otherwise. but anyway israel is god given pretext to divert the iranians from realising their miserable life conditions under shaaryia laws ,the same applying for a long succession of arab and other muslim states.

Gina asked a bout complaints regarding " US aid to Arab countries or to the Palestinians?" Yes, US aid to Arabs and Pals should stop. This aid is used to polster the dictatorship of Mubarak and to arm Abbas to secure Israel and fight the resistance to the road blocks in Judea and Samaria.

ABOUT TIME! The US have dumped billions of dollars on the islamofascists for years trying to reach an unreachable gaol when it comes to them: Peace. Like somebody said, our government have sent money to Egypt for eons and they paid us with Mohammed Atta and 9/11. Our country continues to push the 'palestinian' state idea, convinced Sharon to withdraw Jews from Gaza and the Shomron and guess what? Did the bombing stop? Were they all peaceful and content with Israel for the 'gift'? Of course not! Hopefully our leaders here in the US open their eyes soon enough so they can see who they should be supporting.

Above and beyond everything else, Americans DO understand there IS a war that has already started. Islmofacism wants to destroy the west, and Americans are ALWAYS going to support the countries who are fighting the same war we are. I,ve SEEn your posts . The LAST country the U.S. with withhold support from is Isreal. Much I'm sure to your dismay, the U.S. is STILL a judeo/Christian country and will support Isreal for that reason alone, not even speaking about our common enemies.

I fing it very curious, the posters who hate Jews. It is One thing to post once or twice, quite another to show up most every day with anti Isreal, anti U.S. invective. Do they think the Isrealis will change their mind and not defend themselves? There is , I'm sorry to say, something wrong with people who come to a Jewish website every day to spew hate towards the Jews, Isreal, and the U.S. . If these people are hated by them so much, why do they continue to visit this site? I think these people are very disturbed.

If Israel wanted to, it could develop on it's own without any help. Within a period of about 30 years, it's economy could be higher than Switzerland's. The only reason why the US keeps on financing Israel is to keep it under it's control, bying it's weapons and making sure there isn't a new rival arms seller in the world.

What a lovely phrase; we don't give money, we transfer funds.

THE majoriity of Americans SUPPORT military aid to Isreal, and have so for decades. The U.S. will ensure that Isreal remains militarily strong, as we face a common enemy. The Islmofacists are intent on destroying Isreal. The anti semetic posters who come here DAY AFTER day-don't like that the U.S. stands with Isreal, and keeps her strong. TOO BAD. Isreal WILL continue to recieve U.S. aid .

At one time, the Russians stood with the Jews. Until the Bourgeousie became rich while the Russians slipped into poverty, and the Russians turned on the Jews. At one time, the Germans stood with the Jews. Until Hitler managed to blame all of Germany's economic misfortunates on the marxist and liberal beliefs of the German Jews. You must understand, that if Americans become poor, are denied necessary healthcare, and see their social security dry up ... they will demand that the taps to Israel be turned off immediately. American taxpayers do not work for Israel's wars. America stands with Israel, but when the choice becomes Israeli Peace and American Prosperity versus Israeli War and American Poverty, you will quickly see the choice that America makes.

THE SAUDIS, KUWAIT, THE U.A.E., to name a few, should CONTRIBUTE TO THE HEALTHCARE OF THEIR MUSLIM BROTHERS.The Palestinians who reside in Muslim countries. and have so for a generation, should be given citzenship in the countries where they live in various ME countries.The Muslim countries should take care of their own-they do not.

Israels supporters would have you believe that giving taxpayer money to Israel benefits the American taxpayer. This is the logic of a three card monte dealer. Perhaps if America gave Israel 300 billion, then all Americas problems would be gone. Actually, the money which the American congress has earmarked to be spent in America goes to the weapons dealers and also to Israeli front corporations. Last year it was reported that part of this money was used to purchase hand scribed mazuzas from Jewish American scribes. Now there goes a job opportunity for some enterprising individual. The only way to benefit Americans with this money is to deduct it from their taxes.

Regardless of how fat Michael Moore is, most Americans are much more concerned with their own health care and social security issues in the near future, than they are with Israel's defence needs. Israel is not the average American's priority, America is. And as long as the US has the ability to grant 30 billion to Israel, 20 billion to Egypt, 20 billion to Saudi Arabia ... then turn to the taxpaying American and say, 'Sorry, we have no money for your health care,' there is going to be a problem. Israel and Egypt and Saudi Arabia can tax their own citizens if they want to have wars. Stop asking the Americans to do it.

I wonder how many times than $30 billions receive Saudi Arabia in american dollars? Or are coming from the industrial, advanced agriculture and technologies of the Saudi Arabia powerhouse devoted to peaceful purposes? What America obtain from his money in arab countries?, except the old say: give us money and we will keep quiet...as much we can.

I am embarassed to be an American when our government knowingly aids the killing of innocent children and families by giving money to the Israeli war machine. We complain about other countries and their lack of Human Rights but we contribute and foster apartheid in Israel. We condemn South Africa, but praise Israel. We will be judged for our immoral and unethical actions and the Evangelicals who lobby for this inhuman policy toward innocent people in ths name of "land" will be held accountable by God Himself.

The bulk of the contribution is from Saudi Arabia under a fake arm deal with the US. Funds will be transferred from the Wahabi kingdom to Israel via American banks, American tax payers will then pay the remaining $10 billion.

then worry about the total the USA spends. Its not just the Saudis that are rich yet the Moslems overall get much more than Israel.

Israel is a pawn in Americas war games.

If we could sub-contract a government subsudized American Health Care System to Hulliburton, then and only then we might have a chance for a health system in the USA.

That is a good sign. It means that the large US corporates which influence war decisions, are finding more peaceful ways to take the American taxpayers' money. Giving 30 Billion to Israel, out of which AT LEAST 76% to end up in the bank accounts of US corporates, is much better than starting another war somewhere else in the world, for the same purpose (taking US taxpayer money). Peace may be comming

The US Administration sees the regional threats to Israel - namely Iran, and the Hizbullah and Hamas militant groups - as threats to the United States as well, Burns said. Two nations fighting Terrorism.

despite israel's population is vey small and that israel is already very rich country. In the same time in Gaza and West Bank Palestinians suffer under 65% unemployment or more, with all sorts of sanitary problems killing them, the amount america gives to them is peanuts. And plus, Saudis are rich despite being a bunch of ignorant fundamentalists, due to oil but if they have oil it is not their fault, it is america's fault who did not bribe the god well enough not to divert the oil to the arabs :)

Aren't they the Global terror supporters? Egypt gets over 2 billion dollars every year and thank us with Mohammed Atta on 9/11. Great trade.

Whilst there is a reliance of Arab Oil in the west I agree with your assessment. And obviously if you sell arms to both sides it is the perfect business arrangement as you will agree. At the moment most arms sales to the Arab States are to try to keep Iran in it's current bubble. My assessment is that Israel has a longterm future, whether it can continue to exist in it's current form, and whether this arms deal is part of a more far reaching arrangement, Olmert has reached with the United States of America.

the equation would change. Meanwhile they can outspend Israel hands down. Why does the world have to give money to Moslem countries when the Arabs have so much? Why not give that to other poor nations.? Why does the world have to pay for the victims of Arab murder slavery rape and ethnic cleansing.? The difference will come when enegy requirements shift away from oil. Israel has long term prospects.

I think with $10 billion amount of aid to Israel, it would be enough for every household in Israel to have one missile "land to air" launcher (complete with 10 amunitions each) and a NIGHT google for the head of family. Wow, nobody will even think to attack Israel. PS: POST # 16 is FAKE INDRAJAYA

I think with $10 billion amount of aid to Israel, it would be enough for every household in Israel to have one missile "land to air" launcher (complete with 10 amunitions each) and a NIGHT google for the head of family. Wow, nobody will even think to attack Israel. PS: POST # 16 is FAKE INDRAJAYA

Yes you could buy a piece of the Arizona desert for less that 3 billion but who wants that? its insignificant. however just look at history and you will see how significant israel is. it is the centre of 2 religions and in the middle of anothers 'whakf' so for $30 billion your getting PRIME real estate and thats what matters.

they get a lot more altogether than Israel. Arabs have got untold billions of petro dollars. Are you going to recommend it?

money. Yet no, they are giving the money to Israel. Out of fear of retaliation Israel never directly had military participation to any of the American military operations in the Middle East, plus America has military bases in Turkey, Saudi Arabia etc, so this money is not given to Israel in case Israelis help Americans militarily just in case, Americans do not need it. Israel is already very powerful and rich and America gives an amount of money to the jews while it can use this money to greatly improve its f..ed up health system for people who can not afford health insurance. It is really incredible.

Then surely Israel can take this $3 billion a year and donate it to American charities who provide Health care to needy American Children who do not have Healthcare provision, and produce the $3 billion out of Israel's own economy yearly to pay for weapons, extra security at foreign airports etc. Israel could even pull out of the favoured trading agreement with Europe and pay the same taxes as everyone else as well. After 60 yeas it is time a nuclear armed Israel stood on its own two feet, and the largesse Israel recieves be given to countries where the people survive, or exist on less than a dollar a day. Enough already

... makes it impossibles for the US to be a fair peace broker in the region. not to mention, Americans deserve this money a whole lot more than a foreign country with legal problems. watch the Israelis receive the money in one hand and pass US military secrets to china with the other.

The great majority of Americans support aid , military and other , aid to Isreal. EVERY poll the past past four decades shows this. Of course, as in every country, there are people who hate Isreal, the Jews, and Christians as well. It is too bad for them. America STANDS with Isreal and always will. This sends a message to Isreals' enemies as well. MANT refuse to fave the fact...that our enemies are one in the same.

The more money Israel gets, the more Iran will foster its military resources through money coming from oil-importanting companies. This is the paradox the US cannot respond to.

Will all this aid from US ease tension in the middle east???? Or is it counter productive???

This is mainly just another way for US Politicians to funnell money to their campaign contributors.

Whats the problem Dav, you Jealous? Checked out your sourceless page funny. You leftest right? there gonna take us away ha ha there going to take us away ha ha. Silly guy. Don't be Jealous.

Stand with Israel and reap the rewards from Hashem himself. Why all the complaining its just an oversized gift card from the USA. you have to use Gift cards in the place purchased. Maybe we could exchange the big gift card for say tissues for all you whinning Arabs. wipe the tears from your Eyes because the USA gave Israel way more money then you. HEeee Haaa HEE HAHAHAHAHAHA. Israel is a better investment though. The Jews wont jump into civilian airliners and slam them into buildings in the USA. Yes The Twin towers thing sealed you Murding freaks fate. Americans have short term memory but most of us we know who our real friends are. GO ISREAL!! USA SUPPORTS YOU! WOOT!

To drop One nuke on each Arab major city, then sit back and watch the worlds problems just disapear. No more Wars no more fighting, No more terrorism, no more plane jackings, or whinny begging from the Arab Palistinians.. Yeh what a dream.

for the Bush-Clan! The Cost of Israel to US Taxpayers. Recently Americans have begun to read and hear that ?Israel receives $3 billion in annual U.S. foreign aid.? That's true. But it's still a lie. The problem is that in fiscal 1997 alone, Israel received from a variety of other U.S. federal budgets at least $525.8 million above and beyond its $3 billion from the foreign aid budget, and yet another $2 billion in federal loan guarantees. So the complete total of U.S. grants and loan guarantees to Israel for fiscal 1997 was $5,525,800,000. Meet The Carlyle Group http://www.hereinreality.com/carlyle.html

1 I agree that the US should have better health care for those who do not have it. This has been an ideological, not a monitary problem. 2 The three billion that Israel gets per year, of which over two billion must be spent in the US, thus creating jobs, would not cover much of anything in a humongous budget. It is the war in Iraq that is costing a fortune. 3 The US in general has a large defense budget, and military aid to allies, because as the sole super power, it is ensuring security in many areas of the world. As in most cases, other countries do not carry their fair share of the burden.

You have to admit, this world is run by idiots - but no bigger idiots than those in Washington. 30 freaking billion? 3 billion annually? You can buy LAND a hundred times over the size of Israel for that amount - and not to mention the 100's of billions already poured into this money pit. Who profits? Arm dealers, arm manufacturers, wacko Christian Zionists and wacko Jewish Zionists! What are we talking about here - 30 billion - to MAINTAIN control of LAND by a "chosen" group? The size of the land is around 9,000 sq miles ( with no Israel border your guess is as good as mine) - and that comes to 5,760,000 acres. C'mon, Spielberg alone owns 1 million acres in Montana and clearly the more one analyzes this SCAM called "Israel", it becomes nothing more than a kooky eyed venture by war profiteers. It's a cash cow that keeps on giving and giving to the military industrial complex in America and in Zion. All this money could have bought land 100x bigger than Israel - in a more hospitable region - done legally - and problem solved. But oh no, we can't have that, there is too much money that people are looting, making, extorting - whatever - that you know this gig is trending towards Armageddon or in business terms, an Enron ending. The bubble will burst - and it might come in a form of a mushroom cloud over the entire region.

you are made from the same mold of that of hammas, alkida and hozboaala. I feel sorry for you you read the holy book but you do not know what it said.