Key U.S. senators slam threat to withhold Israel loan guarantees

Jordan is Palestine. There is only one set of "Refuges" in the world who are trying to "Return" to a place they have never even seen and this is why they had to invent and entire UN Aid Agency just for them. They simply did not meet the usual criteria for refuges, the least of which being that normal "Refuges" just want to have "Someplace" to live. Well, these "Refuges" have relatives in the countries they actually came from and if they wanted a better life, they would seek it by actually "Returning" there, there being for the most part, Jordan.

I'd have no problem at all recognizing a contribution in the area of technology by one or more Germans, and would not call an author who correctly identified the contributor as a German a "moron." Hope that answers your question.

Do you regard all jet engines as "somehow German" because German engineers contributed considerably to the design of jet engines?

You are not seriously quoting a moron who sticks "Jewish" to every invention where the inventing company had a Jewish janitor ...

I want to differ with you... According to Bob Woodward's Book regarding the pre-invasion of iraq, Israel played a big role. According to Woodward, the mussad had an informant named "curve-ball" who mislead the Israeli and eventually the US about WMD's. Bush and Blair both referred to another country that had intelligence in Iraq--it ws the Mussad.

The money trail from Israel to Sen's McCain and Lieberman just got a whole lot of sunlight. Israel wants its cake and to eat it to, but whats new with that? I would have thought 40 years in the desert would make someone a little wiser. We, the American public grows tired of the strings being pulled by Israel.

You forgot to add "or condemn and renounce us for what we have done".

Before burning all your bridges in the USA. You sure do badmouth your country alot.

Cuz it's not Kosher!

QUOTE Some friend America is we dont need no stinking American loan guarantees UNQUOTE If american loan guarantees stink and you dont need them, why did AIPAC send McCain & Lieberman to protest ?

What is not helpful is McCain and Lieberman pandering to the Israeli right and AIPAC. Is it helpful that Israel continues to violate international law, binding UNSC resolutions, ICJ rulings at the Hague and makes much of the Palestinian population lives very difficult to put it mildly? These two senators are nothing but weasles and thankfully McCain got trounced in the Presidential election. They should do the U.S. a big favor and resign immediately. By the way I am NOT the same Bill who has posted all these other messages.

America is the country of my birth. My 4th generation+ ancestors are Czech, Irish, Italian, Scottish and probably others that I am not aware of. Certain in my mind is that my further historical ancestors come from one or more of the 10 tribes as ever from my youth, my heart has always been with my brothers; even if they do not know or recognize me as such. Further, I wear the outward sign of the Abrahamic covenant and I knowserve the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. While Israel may have the sympathy and support of most people in the U.S. (who are both conservative and also likely decendents of one or more of the 10 tribes), We The People are not in control of politics or policy anymore; even if it may occasionally appear that we are. The winds of change within the U.S. are more permanent than most of us know or understand. The sons of Jacob should trust only in G-d for help in the not-so-distant future. Truly and at the appointed time, only the LORD will save us. DRS

I am sure that that's the best way to help your cause. How many bils do you have to throw away? The drop in value will render you more than just a failed state.

Did your technical innovations also include the wheel and lukewarm water?

So two U.S. Senators elected by the citizens of the states of Arizona and Connecticut are overseas publicly representing the interests of a foreign government over the statements of a spokesman appointed by the President of the United States? Something seems amiss.

The raw aggression that provokes resistance, and that you excuse matter of fact (ho-hum) took place against Jewish victims long before 1967, or 1948 for that matter. The Arab aggression against Jews dates back many decades. Ever hear of the Hebron Massacre in '29 Durson ?? Only 67 Jews were massacred by Arabs, 19 years before the creation of Israel. Or does that not count, Durson. Are you excusing cold-blooded murder as "resistance" ??

Appeal to Southern Evangelists in the Republican Party. And It is Just Natural for the Other, as a Fundamentalist Jew, to continue siding with Israel, irrespective of US interest.

or Sanctions on Israel, the wealthy country that siphons a Third of all US foreign Aid and amasses fortunes from Tax deductible donations, most of which goes to settlements, continued occupation, and the boost of religious parties.

...just to shut up the anti-Semites

Intel launched the essential components that enabled the creation of the personal computer (Gilder, Israel Test, 2009, p. 114). The pioneer in these developments at Intel was Dov Frohman, an Israeli whose parents were sent to Auschwitz in 1943 (ibid., p. 115). Frohman began at Intel under Andrew Grove, a Hungarian Jew who escaped after the Hungarian Revolution. Grove went on to become CEO of Intel; "perhaps nothing he did was more important than hiring the Israeli Dov Frohman" (ibid). There is plenty of Israel in Intel.

Israel has proven once again that it is a dishonest partner for peace. It is time for the US to hold Israel's government accountable and withholding US taxpayer money from Israel is long overdue.

Critics of the United States and Israel who are not antisemitic, like Chomsky and Khalidi, recognize that Israel has been "a U.S. proxy" in the Middle East (Khalidi, Sowing Crisis, 2009, p. 122). It was explicitly formulated U.S. policy to use allies, especially Israel, as proxies to intervene to defend U.S. interests and so avoid direct intervention by the U.S. If you want to understand why the U.S. is hated by some in the Middle East, I suggest you not blame the proxy but look at how the "United States helped to subvert Middle Eastern democracies" (ibid., p. 21).

If the US hadn't come through and if the USSR -Egyptian-Syrian onslaught continued the Aswan dam , The Pyramids, Cairo and Baghdad whould no longer exist. Perhaps neither would Moscow.

CJK: "loan guarantees can be weathered. sanctions would be harder to surmount." The lack of loan guarantees would make it much, much harder for Israel to raise overseas loans. CJK: "however, as you said, israel can build her own fighter jets, and she should if really possible." A zionist's ability to compartmentalize unwelcome news is simply breathtaking! Cippie, it costs money to develop your own state-of-the-art fighter jet. MUCH MUCH MORE MONEY than Israel actually has. The only way it could find that money is to raise it from overseas. You know, as foreign loans. Has the penny dropped yet? IF the USA withdraws those loan guarantees THEN such pie-in-the-sky nonsense as a "Lavi 2" jet fighter would be one of the first casualties. Heck, Israel wouldn't even be able to raise the money to pay for the buttons that get sown onto IDF uniforms.

... that US has a new ally in the Middle East, where there's plenty of American military bases and other stuffs remember Iraq? well, actually there are other allies around, because Egypt, Jordan and some others please Washington faster and better than Israel, that's no more a role as a Western garrison, nor as a tool against extremism' expansion, that on the contrary is actually rising in Israel

S: "Israel can and if necessary build its own fighter aircraft as in the past." And that would be a multi-multi-multi billion dollar exercise, Stephen, and Israel does not have multiple billions of dollars burning a hole in its pocket. Israel would have to raise that money from overseas, as foreign loans. But foreign loans in the multi-multi billion dollar range makes lenders nervous, and if the USA was to withdraw its loan guarantees then what, exactly, do you think would be Israel's changes of ever raising those loans? Somewhere between ziltch and zip, I'd suggest.

Israel followed through on her promise, removed thousands of people from Gush Katif and offered support with own treasury to Gaza, including sponsorship, assistance in free elections and building of institutions and infrastructure in Arab neighborhood. You know the result. Just ask Gilad Schalit how US provisioned armor was used to kidnap him.

Israel didn't send US to invade Iraq. In fact Ariel Sharon had mentioned that Iraq under Saddam Hussein would be a natural buffer against Iran as Saddam hated Iran and the mullahs. Israel didn't ask US to invade Afghanistan in spite of the fact that that country could be as easily invaded as Russia throughout all its history. Israel didn't ask US to make human rights abuses at Abu Graib prison, Felluja, didn't tell you to bomb wedding receptions in Afghanistan and create more hatred towards it. Please put the blame where it belongs!

Israel dropped the project because it could not afford to produce the aircraft on its own. *** I whish we don't have to really explore the depth and gravity of your errors and malice towards little nation of Israel... Mind you, it's not just Jewish.

With what and after how long?

The Israel bashers have an exaggerated sense of their importance. Because they only communicate with each other and assume that the world agrees with them. Israel is on the front line. Those who count in the world stand with Israel.

Mitchell's suggestion is not to "cut aid". He is talking about drawing lines of credit US controls. This could be billions if not trillions of dollars, including lines of credit offered to US companies engaged in commerce and business with Israel. The sucker is calling for war on Israel and Jewish business in US.

Gil, I used to study at Technical University in Moscow with one guy, whose father was posted by USSR Air Force in Egypt (he was Air Force colonel) as well as I have a friend, whose father was senior officer at GRU (General Intelligence Service of the USSR, department # 1) at the time. Both those sources told later that both Egypt and Syria faced existential threat in 1973 before the shipment of arms by US. Israel had nuclear weapons and facing existential threat they could have used it against those countries and (as I was told) even against USSR. Nixon didn't want to face WWIII.

McCain lost a lot of political capital when he brought Sarah Palin on board. So despite his long and fine service, his judgment is now deeply in question.He's a Republican in senate with a supermajority of dems. Lieberman had to change parties to an independent because he knew he could never be re-elected as a Dem. So I think he'll be retiring the day after our next election. Furthermore, more and more people are writing their reps and senators to stop support of Israel because we're tired of spending money on a non-ally like Israel when we have bigger priorities at home. So I hope all you Israeli supporters can find yourselves a new source of welfare.

The US thinks it has Israel hooked on its "aid", like a drug addict, and the 'smart crowd' of israel bashers is rejoicing at the prospect of US 'pressuring' Israel to concede to the rabbid Arab demands. dpoes anybody really think that the government of Israel will allow its country to shrivel up and die as a result of a such a twist? Eisenhower-Dulles-Kennedy- Johnso did it for 20 years. From 1948 to 1968 there was an arms embargo on by the US on Israel while the state department was busy wooing the Arabs in competition with the USSR. What will you smarty pants do if Israel reoccupies the WB and Gaza and starves the damn bunch uless the UN, the EU and the US provide their sustenanace at a suitable price. and while you are chortling, throw in wiping Lebanon and Syria off the map as well. N. Korea and Venezuela have successfully shown by example how to deal with US bullying.

Well said.

I find it interesting that Senator Joe Lieberman is outraged that American tax money and loan guarantees might not be availabe for Israelis, yet he also complains that there is not enough American tax money available for proper healthcare of Americans.

while you all suffer because your government is broke, israel will always be richer and never broke becuase your all paying their way.

Is time to give them the shoe and trow them out from the usa senate!! Just 2 old fool that need to shut the )(*& up

Mitchell didn't threaten anything. he stated what the law provides. The US hasn't pressured anybody yet. McCain & Lieberman and all the Republicans are not relevant. The Democrats only need 51 votes to pass any budget matter - no super-majorities required. Mitchell serves at the pleasure of Barack Obama, not the Israeli government or lobby. If you don't like it, run for President.

carefully, and then check out mitchell in the charlie rose interview pay attention and make an informed dicision, unlike the spouting off at haaretz and it's like minded followers, whom enjoy picking then spinning the truth. It was a 53 min interview not 5 second. Rest assure the US will never leave Israel alone, we know who truly is our friend in the ME and they don't follow the mmon g-d. http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10796

You say nothing is costing us more than our relationship with Israel? How about all our jobs going to China because of the greed of our corporations? How about all the money we have wasted over the years hosting the United Nations? Mr. Hamilton is right and you are wrong.

Lieberman/McCain. Two American traitors. Putting another country's interests ahead of ours - THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I am AMERICAN and proud of it. Unlike Sarah B. U.S.A/Israel, and others like her, who are americans of convenience.

It's very strange so many people on this forum with last names that sounds jewish and hate Israel,very strange.

The Israel bashers have an exaggerated sense of their importance. Because they only communicate with each other and assume that the world agrees with them. Israel is on the front line. Those who count in the world stand with Israel.

Obama got 77% of the Jewish vote in America and McCain is still as pro-Israel as ever.

"although I would agree that Jewish money does buy Legislators" Doesn't anyone else's? What about the oil lobby. You're slipping, BDS, you were supposed to use, "Zionist" instead of "Jewish." Your true colors are showing.

"We know all too well of the Aipac bought off congress." You probably don't realize this in the face of the old anti-Semitic (Jews buy politicians) malarchy, but ... Americans naturally sympathize with Israel as a whole. The U.S. Congress represents its constituents. The constituents don't much care for terrorists.

"1. The Road Map, to which Israel formally agreed in 2003 and which the present government admits is official state policy, calls for a freeze on settlement construction, including for so-called `natural growth`. This is an old obligation binding on Israel, not some novel demand of the Palestinians" Lovely. And what about the parts which were binding on the Palestinians? Did they fulfill their obligations? No. "3. If the reporter tells us that the PA is setting preconditions on any resumption of peace talks, he should remind us that Israel has itself imposed such preconditions in the past. It refused to negotiate with the PA unity government until Hamas recognized its "right to exist" etc" There are no preconditions and Israel has negotiated with the Palestinians while Hamas never recognized Israel's right to exist. Your #2 didn't make any sense. Try again.

"Jewish money does buy Legislators" Doesn't EVERYONE's? Why are you singling out the Jews? Anti-Semitism? Or are you going to pull the usual crap and claim that the term is over-used?

"Over 200 American soldiers died in the Beirut barracks bombing. Over 200 American soldiers who were there to back and support Israel`s ILLEGAL invasion of Lebanon in 1982" Lebanon was a powder keg. The PLO was attacking Israel from Lebanon. Invading Lebanon to stop PLO rockets and terror attacks into Israel was not illegal. If being stupid was illegal, you'd get a life sentence.

The Obama administration should pressure the Palestinians equally than they do the Israeli's. If the Obama admin. wants to use Israel loan guarantee witholding as 'leverage' perhaps they should also use these same types of persuasive acts against muslim countries the U.S. helps, including the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, and Muslim programs that the U.S. fund - against many's wishes. I CANNNOT WAIT until 2012 when the abomination that the Obama administration has been can be voted out. NOT SINCE JIMMY CARTER have the U.S. had such a LOUSY PRESIDENT!

the usual flunkies working for Israel. What else can they say?

"We know all too well of the Aipac bought off congress." We all know that this is anti-Semitic drivel. "PEACE EVER?" Yeah. Quit attacking Jews.

The real price the US has paid and continues to pay is not the $2.4B in aid, $10B in gutrantees nor $3b in free equipment annually. No, the REAL price is the cost in blood, money and prestige as we continue to war against Israel's enemies, as we continue to kick the world in the arse to support the unsupportable Israeli and its heinous policies. The cost fore Homeland Security, the huge loss of lives, the hatred of the world - these are the costs we pay for our friendship with Israel and until we stop, the cost and hatred will only grow greater.

How can it be a level playing field if to produce the Lavi. Then why doid Israel stop when the United States threatened to stop funding? If it was that good the monies earned from selling the Lavi around the world would have more than made up for any money the United states gave Israel. Unless of course you are overstating the efficacy of the Lavi compared with European and US weapons platforms such as the Jaguar, Phantom, Harrier, Vulcan, Lightening, etc etc etc. And if Israel doesn't need the loan guarantees why was Lieberman begging like a lapdog to the visiting US Senators? As I said earlier Israel needs the US more than the US needs Israel, I espect Netanyahu will suddenly become very compliant.

Your argument makes the term meaningless! Criticism of Israel is anything but! PEACE EVER?

ww2 get a deep breath you are a choosen? I got my good laugh today :) The choosen are the jew that fallow the law of G-D G-d remove the choosen from the land He is not the one that put it back the secular Zionist did!

We know all too well of the Aipac bought off congress. And thr insane Chistian right wing support of ANYTHING Israel does. The Palestinians aren't even thrown bones unless its thier own! AS for the meat you speak of its always served rotten with a large serving of Hypocracy on the side!.....PEACE EVER?

if you dont like USA then you have no right to live here...we will not put up with your threats

"... all those nice congressmen who rely on jewish votes" The Jewish vote in the US is really not all that important, although I would agree that Jewish money does buy Legislators, and that the Christian Zionist useful idiots can swing some state elections.

Over 200 American soldiers died in the Beirut barracks bombing. Over 200 American soldiers who were there to back and support Israel's ILLEGAL invasion of Lebanon in 1982. Israel has played by it's own set of rules for far too long. The end of the ride on the back of the U.S. is in sight and Israel's arrogant leaders are squirming with dread over the fact that they are soon going to have to once and for all deal with the Peace Process like adults rather than spoiled little children of the U.S.!!

Joe Lieberman will likely be booted out next election, as he is one of the most despised politicians in the U.S. today (and rightfully so, being the double-crossing weasel that he is). And McCain? Well, what more can be said about him that has not been said already...

Not with my money, these arrogant assholes don't speak for me. I want no part of catering to stupidity.

These 4 are part of the problem not the solution. If they could just agree on America's issues like they do about ISrael...

Show that you do have guts, and our aids. By the way how many friends do you have to back you up at the United Nations. Why counting on OUR VETO always, eh?

The Lavi fighter: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAI_Lavi 40% of its development costs were funded by the US. The US finally stopped funding the project when US interests started screaming about the US funding an aircraft that would compete with sales of US aircraft. The US should never have spent the first dime on the development of the Lavi. Israel dropped the project because it could not afford to produce the aircraft on its own.

it's so interesting to see how many people really hate israel here..it's like a mini poll..and the level of irrational and uninformed people on here who blindly bash israel simply because it's so second nature to them is quite evident, even in a small sampling like haaretz...the real question I have is why does haaretz , a jewish israeli paper, allow freedom of speech to trump anti semitism and national security..why national security? becase allowing hate speech like this on an israeli site SPECIFICALLY gives some sort of legitimizantion to the undercurrent of anti semitism couching it in terms like, fairness, equal treatment, etc....israel HAS been on the side of freedom forever and all these eurofools and US liberal mental midgets wont even contemplate that BECAUSE of their ingrained jew hating brainwashing.

With all respect the Israe-American relationship is based on common values. Which values do the US shares with the Arabs? How reliable are our Arab friends?

Congress would squash this sort of thing in a heartbeat. Mitchell just reduced his abilities to perform as a mediator. Poor ravenous anti-Israelis... thought they had a bit of meat tossed to them.

Admin.knows that those who are holding up the negociations are Palestinians. Israel made many concessions while the Palestinans didn't do a thing."said Mr Y Steinitz Truely Palestinians are NOT holding up Negociations, it is in fact Mr Netanyahu that is holding it up, for not freezing the building of units of settlements on Occupied lands. LEGALLY the WEST BANK, The GAZA STRIP and the ENTIRE JERUSALEM are occupied TERRITORIES. The annexation of WEST JERUSALEM is not recognized by any major countries,thus no Major EMBASSIES, except by some Banana republics. What the Palestinians are asking is within their rights."NO NEGOCIATIONS without a freezing of settlements, on SOVEREIGN Territories of the Palestinians" Israel is not and never been the sovereign in the WB,GS, Israel is only Belligerently occupies the Palestinans lands.So where is the concessions. "Partial Freezing"??? If the PM wants to talk then He MUST show his commitment to true Peace, STOP ALL SEt.Activities.

This is generally a balanced and fair news report. However, there are a few points which the author could have added to clarify the issue. 1. The Road Map, to which Israel formally agreed in 2003 and which the present government admits is official state policy, calls for a freeze on settlement construction, including for so-called 'natural growth'. This is an old obligation binding on Israel, not some novel demand of the Palestinians. 2. The so-called "security barrier" is mostly inside the West Bank, not outside it. To say that the Bush Administration sanctioned Israel because it was not "completely" outside but "partly in", though not categorically false, gives readers essentially the wrong impression. 3. If the reporter tells us that the PA is setting preconditions on any resumption of peace talks, he should remind us that Israel has itself imposed such preconditions in the past. It refused to negotiate with the PA unity government until Hamas recognized its "right to exist" etc

It is neither far nor far fetched. The fields are run by foreign workers. Who, other than those already at war with israel, would attack Israel? As long as the flow is stable no one will really care. The oil is needed as reparations for saudi terror financing. Israel can be full independent with energy and natural resources(uranium) accounted for.

you dont like US but love zio-land....go we wont miss you

the whole house of cards could crumble

# 121 Michael. U.K., Anyhow,I had a good laugh !

"Try running your Dell computer without its Intel chip and without its Windows operating system, both designed in Israel. Please try. Bitte, Herr Axel!" 1) Try running your Merkava without its transmission from Germany, if you think that a certain component determines its origin. 2) Intel and Microsoft are American companies. They have premises world-wide. Even if they do some research in Israel, their employees have an American employer, the products are patents and copyright of the employer, and the product is an American brand. It's Intel Inside, not Israel Inside, mate.

Without outside help or money, Israel can NOT develop any serious weapon system better than US or EU or Russia. Without outside help, Arabs can NOT develop any weapon system better than Israel, If there is an embargo on weapon sales to Mid East+ East + North Africa +Africa, then the existing imbalance of power will be preserved. This may bring a peace.

What the Finance Minister has said. It shows a fear that it might happen and those loan guarantees will be taken away. But, hey, what the hell Israel can stand on her own,right? Right!Israel does not need American guarantees to be the bully of the ME. It can do so without the U.S. not that Obama will decide to withhold those guarantees. He won't. Obama is too much of a coward to put his foot down. I wish he would. I did vote for him.

Then Jordan will be destabilized by Israel and also transfer could become a viable option. Must I also remind the Israel haters on this thread that many American aerospace jobs would be endangered because all of the aid is spent in the states and also Israel would be forced to use Nukes in the next war.

a huge liability to the US." Sir, You are wrong - Israel is a great asset to the USA, the UK and all free world. So why do you think Brits bomb the tube?

Steinitz hasn't a clue in economics; he bahave with arrogance and stupidity, just like an elephant in a cermic shop!!

These low interest loans are used to buy mainly US weapons. So the US makes out with the deal too. And now that the US has violated its agreement by promptly selling advanced systems to Israel's enemies, so Israel must buy more and better to keep her edge. Sounds like America is the big winner here.

No matter how sensitive an issue is in Israel there is always one minister that opens his mouth in the most arrogant manner. This is not helpful and down right rude. If Israel doesn't need US loans then I am sure President Obama and the American people can find ways to use those funds.

without the loan Guarantees. Why Sir can't we save OUR Billions TAX Dollars for our own use,instead of giving OUR money to those who do not appreciate our helping them for their own future. Everybody know that Our military aids given for DEFENSIVE Purposses, are instead being used in a disproportionate way on sometime harmless citizens of Gaza. The time , to get out of other peoples' business is now, and let us form OUR own Foreign policies, and make friends with the Muslim Countries, rather than enemies for the sake of others.

Obama is proving to be a failure and seeks success from pressusring the jews. In his support are the Israeli and US jewish left who are now getting what they want: the isolation of Israel. They are like the kapos of old in that they hope to escape anti semitism by feeding israel to the crocodile.

"Eddie, lear to read man!" Emanuel

....without the constant U.S. welfare...??? Honestly, I really wouldn't wanna know..... Don't the Israeli people understand, that they can only become a proud nation, once they are fully capable of living from the money that they earned themselves...??? And that will only be possible, once Israel has ended the occupation, and made peace with the Arab nations. And that again will only be possible, by finally accepting a fair compromise on the 3 core issues of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. In other words, Israel will not become a proud nation, before the occupation has ended. No way.

You know so well all our problems, our lies and truths, our myths, our legends, our sufferings. It is surely a byproduct of your writing every day in Haaretz posts... Thank you for thinking in our problems so deeply end sincerely.

So, Cipora, what you are saying is that you'd like Israel to become an (even bigger) arms exporter to regimes that brutalise their own people? Is that really what you want for your country? Really?

Try running your Dell computer without its Intel chip and without its Windows operating system, both designed in Israel. Please try. Bitte, Herr Axel!

Obama has missed his chance to try anything like that. There are midterms in November and all those nice congressmen who rely on jewish votes, do they want to see the Democrat president placing sanctions onto Israel just months before they are up for reelection? After the midterms we go into an election year when the president becomes a lame duck and there is no way Obama would threaten sanctions unless he wants to be moving to Chicago in 2012 because if he pushes to far he will loose the jewish votes. Israel can also manage just fine without these loan guarantees from the US, its not a cash handout its just a guarantee allowing Israel to get better interest rates. Israel will either say we don't need your guarantees we have a healthy economy these days which is more than can be said about the US. There are also other options like China ( tthe country the US relies on to prop up the dollar in exchange for closer diplomatic relations they will give Israel loan guarantees.

A) Er....when was ANY actual Sovereign Israeli soil ever attacked? CJ for months wants to get us to believe that the tiny Israel community in 1948 was not attacked by Arab armies, because the later did not invade Israel territorial soveregnty. With the same criteria Israel should not have launched a preemtive strike in 1967 because there was no 'casus belli". In both cases the arab armies declared that they will eliminate Israel and mobilized for that purpose. It seems that CJ represents the old (already buried) jewish mentalty of accepting being executed rather than puncing first. In the best case scenario this is a conceptual stupidity. In the worst it is a criminal attitude of the worst kind

Since all you can do is try the tired old approach of ignoring the question and talking about something else entirely, I can only conclude that you agree Israel IS a huge liability to the US.

1. The Israeli economy is in much better shape than the US economy; the shekel is stable, the stock market is high. 2. The US balance of payments is a disaster. Israel is handling hers very well. 3. The $3 billion in military aid given to Israel every year is used to purchase weapons systems in the US. Picture Mc-Donnell Douglas without Israeli orders. "The cow needs to suckle more than the calf needs to suck". 4. Israel is the only stable island of democracy in the region; all the other countries are either feudal monarchies or corrupt dictatorships. Therefore, in any crisis in the Middle East, the US needs Israel as much as Israel needs the US. 5. In any case, it's time Israel started to decrease its dependence on US financial assistance, with the goal being zero assistance. 6. Yes, Israel does need the US veto - fair trade for the strategic, intelligence and other assistance Israel provides to the US (and which most of you don't know beans about

"Sometimes it seems that Israel has become too dependent on the American udders ! There are other cows in the pasture,waiting for a herdsman!" I'm fascinated Teacher. Who else do you think is going to give you 3 billion dollars a year? Vanuatu perhaps? Togo? Iran? Do tell. I'm sure US taxpayers will be delighted to see how grateful you are for their money. I'm sure they'll be delighted to see you don't regard them with contempt, like a cash cow to be milked.

It is ironic that the people of Israel should have to now deal with the policies and anti-Israel Obama administration as the Jews of the USA vote almost exclusively for the Democrat party. It is the Republican party that most supportive of Isreal! In the end, the jews of the USA vote for candidates that will provide the least support for Isreal, effectively voting against the Jews of Isreal.

Sir, Is it your explanation why Brits bomb London tube?

"Sir, Residents of Judea and Samaria had the Jordanian citizenship that was - illegally? - taken from them in mass." 17 How terribly insensitive to do that while they were at prayer. On the brighter side ---does that mean I too can claim ROR ---I go to mass periodically---does that qualify me for citizenship. I promise to build Catholics only settlements and drive on Catholics only roads. How am I doing???. Oh I forgot about that damn intl law that says I cannot be transferred to Occupied territory---but wait that only applies to Citizens of the occupying power--Israel---so I am in good shape. Sorry Israeli citizen---chew you loose.

Snoopy Israelis, I want to see immediate stop to all aid to Israel, including advance weapons, and all sorts of communication sharing, then will see who will runn to the congress and beg

The US will not impose loan guarantee restrictions. The borders will not go back to 1967 and the major settlement blocks will stay. I do believe that there will be some accomodation on Jerusalem though.

Americans & Money ! Money ! The Americans gain no less than Israel w/or because of U.S. loan guarantees. 1)The Americans,are not stupid ! They love money just like some Jews. And if they couldn't make a profitable buck out of the whole thing they wouldn't give a dime ! By the way ask Mr. Buffet if he likes Money ? 2)Sometimes it seems that Israel has become too dependent on the American udders ! There are other cows in the pasture,waiting for a herdsman! 3)Mr. Steinitz. Don't be arrogant ! You want to do something,Do it.Without too much ado !

"Intel`s latest central processing chips are designed in Haifa, Israel." So what? A Volkswagen is a German car though some components come from factories across Europe, and my Dell is an American PC. Never saw an Israeli PC in my whole life.

The PC was marketed by IBM before Israelis even could spell chip factory ...axel We call those " Chippers". I like mine nice and soggy with lots of vinegar. Happy new year. After thought---You are not claiming that Israelis invented "fish and chip" technology

Finally the US starts to realize that it needs to put some beef behind all those words if it really wants the Middle East conflict to end. Israel will only release its prey (Palestine) if forced to do so. Just like it happened with Apartheid South Africa, Israel will only stop its criminal actions under strong external pressure. Loan guarantees can be a start, but they shouldn't stop there if there is no appropriate response. Sanctions and boycotts will put this little rogue state in place.

Israel's inability to come to terms with the neighbours in the region it chose to set up in, has destabilised a key strategtic region for decades. US blind support for Israel is a key reason for hostility towards it by Muslims and Muslim countries. Israel costs the US billions of dollars in aid a year. The really sad thing is seeing all the pro-Israel crew here desperately trying to persuade themselves that the US needs Israel.

Sir, Residents of Judea and Samaria had the Jordanian citizenship that was - illegally? - taken from them in mass.

buying a new PC. Thanks again---Israel does not need enemies with allies like you on their side.

Israel has invaded the land and continues to expand outside Israels borders. This is raw aggression and it is right and normal that it should provoke resistance. America under both Bush and Obama have condemned settlement building. So far Israel has gotten away with ignoring them, but that strategy will not go far. Israel has gradually changed in the eyes of the world, from a benign victim of "terror", to an aggressive, racist, regional bully who is out of control. The old spin and propaganda strategies (such as yours) which served Israel so well in the past have become counter productive.

1)Here’s a novel thought: We could give the 3B directly to the US companies for doing nothing. That way ALL the money goes into our economy. 2)Let’s see. Israel buys undervalued dollars, holds them for a year, then turns around and uses them when the dollar recovers. Sounds like a good investment to me. 3)Gee, you get $3-4B from the US and give away $1.7. Israel's generosity is underwhelming.

"1) the 3 billion are to be spent with US companies. It is a way to give indirectly a push to US economy.... Where will those companies find the next 3 b. dollars ??? 2) To avoid the US dollar to go on loosing value against Israeli Shekel, the Israel Central Bank is buying Millions of dollars every week. Israel is trying to keep US economy up..... 3) Israel has so much US dollars in its coffers that it decided to give a loan of 1,7 Billion dollars to the International Monetary Fund to help the economy of countries...like USA..." I have to laugh when I hear or see hasbara like that trying to offer logic of our tax money being spent on American defense corporations. Id rather see the money being spent for education, health care or veterans affairs. Not Raytheon or some bogus shell company an Israeli with dual passport has set up to rob taxpayers. Israel can also spend up to 100,000.00 without any approval. No other country has such a lavish expense account like Israel does.

"All I see is a whole lot of terrorists, crammed like sardines and surviving on handouts." Strange, the MAJORITY of Palestinians have never lifetd a finger towards anyone. They're innocent civilians, about 50% of whom are refugees. "Why not return them to their Parents in Jordan" Uh? Only the folk who lived in what became Jordan had a right to become Jordanian. Those who lived in what was left of the non state entity of Palestine in 1946 were Palestinians. Those who lived in what was left of the non state entity of Palestine, after Israel Declared it's Sovereign boundaries on 14th May 1948, are Palestinians.

"What will it be like when the US drops it`s veto vote in the UNSC?" Sir, I am indeed interested in your analysis. What do you thinl will happen?

"lsrael gave you your PCs" The PC was marketed by IBM before Israelis even could spell chip factory ...

Reading these posts and understanding the positions that various posters take leaves a "huge hole" in our debate that no one talks about. Strategically, the USA and Israeli relationship is going to change. Whether you like it or not, whether you agree or not; but by the end of 4 years with Obama there will be a new relationship. Perhaps peace between the Jews and Pals, which would be good; or, US favors to Israel start to slip away...like, No longer guaranting the loans to Israel. This may be the first chink, but expect more..because America is feed up with Israeli's silly politics.

If Israel is fully capable of supporting its military with its own industry, why then does it always request emergency resuply of precision weapons from the US within a few days of starting a new military campain? Hpoefully one day the US will say no and just sit on the sideline and let the Israelis dig a bigger hole for themselves.

"Israel`s ancient history shows her victories long before America was discovered." Quoting Israel's ancient history of exile and foreign occupation as a success story shows how queer-minded you Zionists are ...

US governement lead by Obama should put down his tone against israel because the worst is to come for america the US economy is sinking and the influence of america in the world is callapsing ! as we saw the american administration received several blow in her struggle against terrorism the first was with the arab american who assassinate several american soldiers , the second took place with the double agent who was working fot al quaida and blew himself killing 8 intelligence agent and the last was the nigerian terrorist who came from holland ! who do you think america can trust among the countries that i mentioned ?

"Israel could produce and market the Lavi without American loans." The Lavi development was cancelled by the Israeli government exactly because they could not build the Lavi without foreign financing. It's the money, stupid.

the Germans are more then delighted to pay for them!

to get through airport screening with whiz bangs in his undies?

But if the US abandons Israel, can they build those planes before the country is taken out by Muslem countries -- especially Iran?

"What other country has had its existence under threat by a billion Arabs for over half a century and faced wars or extermination" A) Er....when was ANY actual Sovereign Israeli soil ever attacked? B) "a billion Arabs" Really? WOW!! They must have bred overnight. (Total population approx. 350 to 422 million)

israel's whore. i mean they (israel) are saying explicitly take your money and shove it. yet america is so controlled by the pro israel lobby that they'll be compelled to continue the aid. how embarassing the world's only super power still puts its needs on hold for 7 million people who have shown even on this site that they don't care for american dollars.

On there not being any actual country controlling the territory? All I see is a whole lot of terrorists, crammed like sardines and surviving on handouts. Why not return them to their Parents in Jordan and actually develop the territory?

Saudi oil and peace with Islam is far more important to the US than anything Israel can possibly contribute. On the other hand, if we stopped supporting Israel. it wouldn't stand a chance, since it's surrounded by about 1.5 billion sworn enemies, without a friend within 1000 miles.

Saudi oil and peace with Islam is far more important to the US than anything Israel can possibly6 contribute. On the other hand, if we stopped supporting Israel. it wouldn't stand a chance, since it's surrounded by about 1.5 billion sworn enemies, without a friend within 1000 miles.

Saudi oil and peace with Islam is far more important to the US than anything Israel can possibly6 contribute. On the other hand, if we stopped supporting Israel. it wouldn't stand a chance, since it's surrounded by about 1.5 billion sworn enemies, without a friend within 1000 miles.

Steinitz is an ignorant and provocative person; he should talk for himself, what does he know about economy? a Dr. in philosophy? he is lucky he has been handed over an economy in growth; what he contributed is NOTHING

1) the 3 billion are to be spent with US companies. It is a way to give indirectly a push to US economy.... Where will those companies find the next 3 b. dollars ??? 2) To avoid the US dollar to go on loosing value against Israeli Shekel, the Israel Central Bank is buying Millions of dollars every week. Israel is trying to keep US economy up..... 3) Israel has so much US dollars in its coffers that it decided to give a loan of 1,7 Billion dollars to the International Monetary Fund to help the economy of countries...like USA...

So you're saying I sleep better at night as a result of AMERICAN security personnel using Israeli technology? Didn't that technology miss that Nigerian terrorist recently? You don't want our billions yearly? Fine by me! The Chicago Public School system could use is for sure! Israelis have proven one thing to me. They are ungrateful humans!

Sorry I only buy AMD. I dont buy Intel, I dont buy Motorola, I dont buy HP. My cell is samsung, my printers are Epsons. I build computers and never use Intel chips for that reason. I appreciate you guys bringing up that fact several years ago that Intel chips may possibly be made or designed in Israel. Also it was Intel that gave Israel the facilities and dollars to fund the R&D for those chips. Suck it up buttercup

One could argue that G-D was the one who originally put you in the desert for 40 years. And also in the prison camps during WWII. When you think that G-D has only blessings to bestow, your head is not in the sand, but a little further up.

"The joke of all the "honest Americans" pretending to be deeply offended by the pittance in loan guarantees extended to Israel " Paul Freedman http://wrmea.org/component/content/article/245-2008-november/3845-congress-watch-a-conservative-estimate-of-total-direct-us-aid-to-israel-almost-114-billion.html A billion here, a billion there---before you know it you are talking sedrious money---honey, "and whining about the ingratitude of a supposed "rogue state" is that they would be unable to post these complaints if it hadn`t been for Israel, that, unlike themselves, annually supplies America and the West with a host of technological and medical innovations--Intel`s latest central processing chips are designed in Haifa, Israel." Paul Freedman You sure you should be living in the USA---Amongst all those anti semites who you calim owe their very existance to the Rogue State. Grow up fool---Israel might be at the center of your world ???.

John, the worst scenario would be Israel asking back the 1,7 billion dollars that it has lent to the FMI..........

booted out for 3,000 years.

What will it be like when the US drops it's veto vote in the UNSC? Bedlam!!

If Israel can build a better F16, then please explain why they settle for an inferior product from the USA. I think your mouth is bigger than your brain.

#66 The Cold War is over. Israel is not providing America with information about Russian arms. It is a well established fact that America believes Jordanian intelligence is more valuable than the Mossad. The value of Israel to America with the end of the Cold War is now very minimal. There is no Russian encroachment in the region. The Russians are selling arms based more on commercial needs than ideology. Without American Jewish support and the support of evangelicals, who support Israel not for any love of the Jews but because they believe armageddon will come and the Jews will either accept Jesus as their Messiah or perish is all Israel can count on and with more Operation Cast Leads where the American public sees hundreds of civilians being killed American support is dwindling every year. With American Jewish intermarriage at 60% support here is evaporating as well. Some advice to the finance minister: don't criticize those who keep you afloat and help you survive.

when the Jewish People's Council declared the boundaries of Israel. //?MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I have the honor to notify you that the state of Israel has been proclaimed as an independent republic within frontiers approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its Resolution of November 29, 1947, and that a provisional government has been charged to assume the rights and duties of government for preserving law and order within the boundaries of Israel, for defending the state against external aggression, and for discharging the obligations of Israel to the other nations of the world in accordance with international law. // http://wp.me/pDB7k-gm

And dump the billions into the market

US or Israel??? Come on we all know the answer.. of course US.

Are you telling me that the US CANNOT produce its own technology?It might take longer, it might cost more. But nothing is costing us more than our relationship with Israel.

Palestinians allegedly dancing on the streets on 9/11 contained no Palestinian voices. Only the reporter, telling you what to believe.

"Israel can take the gas fields off the Gaza shore.." ??? On what legal basis?

with Israel and bye bye Israeli economy. the little pip squeak conntry of 7 million will soon find out just how dependent it is on friends. So keep on hissing and growling and snapping---we do not need Israel for one breath of air. Enjoy folks--I know I will.

The joke of all the "honest Americans" pretending to be deeply offended by the pittance in loan guarantees extended to Israel and whining about the ingratitude of a supposed "rogue state" is that they would be unable to post these complaints if it hadn't been for Israel, that, unlike themselves, annually supplies America and the West with a host of technological and medical innovations--Intel's latest central processing chips are designed in Haifa, Israel.

Massive US support and yes it wasn't your god... i suggest you think if able to befor quipping ww2...

made too many enemies here. All that bravado and hubris coming home to roost. Obama is simply doling out the rope a little at a time. And Israel will hang itself. Israel has put in far too much effort destroying itself to stop now. The ground is coming up real fast---fo far so good but you wont hear the next sound that occurs. Splaaat!!!!!. Israel---R,I,P. (Rust in peace)

If the Israelis realy desire to play ball,then they can deny the US military the security information it receives, which is plenty. From tenological techniques developedand issued through Israeli firms, to consultations on the ground for US forces, the Israelis have been just about the only thing standing between the US Command and utter dismal failure in Iraq and Afghanistan. I wouldn't push it, cause it is correct that Israel does not need US loan guarantees. In fact, Israel has a developing relationship with the new champ on the block--China. This is simply another case of the bumbling ineptness of the Obama administration--the biggest debacle since President PeanutCluster.

Not one US soldier ever died for Israel in its many wars. You can't say the same for Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, or indeed, for most of the countries of Europe for whom thousands of our soldiers died. Have you no shame whatsoever?

Well Bill its like this. Obama knows as does everyone on capitol hill, that if they do not run interference at UN and help israel out, Ahmedinajacket and his mad mullahs would be taken out in one might air raid that would make the bombing of Dresden look like a party favour, so lets not talk too stupid. Either US helps or ISrael goes it alone and can disrupt Iranian nuke technologuy. and while the US will whine and complain along with the arabists in state department, they will breathe a sigh of relief.

Israel should rename it's state AIG or Fannie Mae or GMAC--then it could get *trillions* of dollars of guarantees for going bankrupt without arousing Western endemic anti-semitism.

The state of isreal would not last 1 year without US support. Swallow your pride and do as your saviour says.

I seem to remember Senator Mitchell supporting Israel year after year after year after year after year after year. It is the complaining children posting here that needed a good spanking, I guess the parents were too busy. And Steinitz is an idiot to say such ridiculous things in public.

F-16 nice expensive US made toys. ISrael built the Lavi multi role aircraft using all ISraeli technology. It was 20 years ahead of anything America could put out. The US defence establishment lobbied congress to cut funding and loan guarantees to ISrael if ISrael continued to produce the Lavi fighter. So as you see ISrael caved But on a level playing field, it can clearly outperform even the mighty US defence manufacturers. In fact ISrael retains the blueprints and the prototypes for the lavi. America was about to lose the air war as many EU types were looking favourably on the LAVI, to fight this Defence contrcators cried to congress. Some friend America is we dont need no stinking American loan guarantees

Everything the Brazilian,American and Russian Jews worked on behalf of the "progressive/liberal/socialist" causes,came back to bite them on the backside...The Brazilians Jews were rewarded with 'el presidente lula',an iranian brownoser.The American Jews were rewarded with "haimitown',with rev wrong,and the pro arab/pal bias of the American "liberals"...The Russian Jews,that spent so many precious lives for liberal socialist Russia,were rewarded with Birobidjan,with stalin,with the gulags and with the communist Russian antisemitism and pro arab bias...JEWS SHOULD BE JEWS.THE progressive/liberal dreams,TURN INTO NIGHTMARES PRETTY QUICK

My American stocks are in the pits, but my Israeli stocks are strong. (TEVA--the world's largest manufacturer of generic drugs is soaring.) No government will protect Israel's citizens better than the government of Israel. Jews abroad that want to pressure Israel into concessions with their "tough love" only undermine Israel's democracy and do not face the consequences of their misguided positions.

You are the sum total of insane propaganda! Divorcing for unfaithfulness is supposed to be used by the injured party not the adulterer. Buying off the courts and judges (congress and public opinion) goes along way in winning but its not called JUSTICE!.....PEACE EVER?

The US needs ISrael for her technolofy. Americans sleep safely at night knowing that Israeli technology which Uncle Sam did not have keeps them safe. ISraeli anti missile systems, far superior to patriot were developed exclusively bu Israeli techniology. Now funded in part with the US, I cant see the US doing something as stupid as cutting funding to a prohect that allows the ugly americ an to sleep soundly at nitye knowing that jewish technology gives them a good nites sleep. No my friends, the US needs Israel and only a stupid president would dare to swim in those waters. America has just as much to lose and more. Clearly there are some short sighted US policy makers

You know next to nothing about Israel that you don't read from the media. If you really knew, you'd know Israel has faced far more problems than most countries and faced them with courage, determination, blood and guts. What other country has had its existence under threat by a billion Arabs for over half a century and faced wars or extermination, and come out as successfully, economically, morally, intellectually and otherwise? You persist in denigration Israel's achievements (who won the Nobel prizes for it, I wonder?) which just proves you know very little. Get educated, then you can spout.

Before we start betting about Israeli building fighter jet engines ... ... let's wait until Israel can do without IMPORTED engines for its UAVs and tanks.

Why not see the clip, it is reveling. It must be some Israeli hysteria to work itself up to such frenzy about a comment dragged out from its context. Why not discuss the topic?

"Here comes the problem, Axel, for Israel can today build its very own Jet Engines." You are great only in speculative allegations. Of course Israel can, and Israel can send a Jew to the moon and back. If only someone donates one trillion dollars for the purpose ...

Israel has indeed produced its own fighter planes, and produces a lot of its own weapons. When talkbackers mention the F16 and try to tell us how dependent we are on US arms, well, it brings back ghost of the cancelled Lavi fighter. Why did the Americans force Israel to cancel the fighter project? Because it would have competed with the American F-16, and the Yanks were more interested in protecting their own military-industrial complex. Israel could produce and market the Lavi without American loans. The Americans prefer to sell us their fighters rather than have Israel compete in the market. And folks, remember that we're in the 21st century and the Americans use a LOT of Israeli products that are essential in many aspects of their economy and military. So for all you Israel-haters out there, you can forget it. The US is not going to stop doing business with Israel and they aren't going to sponsor a coup (stupidest idea I've heard in a long time).

Fool me once shame om you , Fool me twice shame on me! What does one call the US after being fooled for decades? Dillusional? The Orwellian propaganda machine unleashed on the American public is the most effective weapon in the Israeli arsenal. Is this "Gods" hand at work? Isn't bearing false witness a sin anymore? The appeasments given to Israel could fill a book, as for loan guarantees are they all, even paid back at all?....PEACE EVER?

think. ( assuming you do think ) Israel's ancient history shows her victories long before America was discovered.

etc. Then everyone would have a level playing field. I'm sure the muslim nations can support their own way of life via their oil w/o any aid from the west, right? Frankly, the cost to support them is too great for any democracy. We can't afford them. Let them earn their own keep.

"...as you (Stephen) said, israel can build her own fighter jets, and she should if really possible. such would give her more independence and sales to ... india and china sound good. australia and japan and south korea, too. possibly, even russia. add south america and africa." I give up...

Under the US Symington Amendment of 1976 it is illegal for the US to send aid to countries that have nuclear facilities which are not signatories of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty. Never mind the US not sending these loans, the US should make Israel pay back the billions it has received illegally.

Israeli right wingers swagger and primp as if they are the gods of the mideast. In reality, the nation of Israel is like a child that has always ridden upon the shoulders of a giant. Since that child has never had to make its own way, it has no idea of what that entails. It is long past time for Israel to make it on its own as a nation, if it is able to do so. Cut all American aid and treat Israel on its merits, just like any other nation.

'basic' services all together from the Pals, including utilities, water, 'tax' money'? And not be accountable to a US Pres. that bows before the Saudi king or, Japans 'retired' emperor. Israel can at last be free of US 'demands' or threats. Smart, very smart, move to 'divorce; yourself from a faithless 'ally.' Very sad for America that she's reached the bottom of the barrel in this, most obvious yet ploy to try and intimidate Israel. Very, very, foolish and it has vast consequences on each American, not to the good. But better than good for Israel. Hip Hip, Hooray.

Israel needs the guarantees as they represent lower interest rates.

America collectively voted itself out of a future. Now they're begging at the doors of the Chinese and selling their Children to Abu Dhabi. There is no future for them, so plan for the Post America World. America is.

Right! We can move more money from health, welfare, and education to security needs. We can raise taxes in order to provide for the ever growing needs of the settlers. We can donate our hard earned shekels to poor underpaid government ministers and politicians; perhaps Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz will be first in line with his hands out. We can tell the whole world to go to Hell. Sure we can! Then, on the other hand, we could tell Steinitz to get real.

Despite being the scoundrels of the Middle East, the Islamist-Jihadist PA is trying to push their latent agenda by using Obama to do their dirty work. Obama must have amnesia if he could not remember that the Islamist-Jihadist Palestinians danced on the streets of Ramallah when their fellow Islamist-Jihadist Saudi terrorists attacked America and murdered 3000 Americans in cold blood on 9/11! Or, he could not hide his Islamist background that he is easily being manipulated by the Islamist-Jihadist PA to crusade their Jihadism on Israel without any qualms. Israel should say NO to all these dark forces. The fact is the Land of Israel is GOD-given to the Jews since ancient time which Israel liberated from the Islamist-Jihadist occupiers and usurpers in the 20th century.

You are correct, Israel bought US Made engines. Here comes the problem, Axel, for Israel can today build its very own Jet Engines. Wanna bet.?

they are talking about american veto in UN about freezing guarantees loan to israel ! OK I PROPOSE ONE THING TO THE AMERICAN GOVERNEMENT THEY SHOULD FIND ANOTHER ALLY IN THE REGION BEETWEEN SYRIA IRAN OR SAUDIA § I FORGOT SOMETHING DID AMERICA IMPOSED SANCTIONS TO THE SAUDIS WHEN MOST OF the 9/11 terrorist were saudis ? no because americans interest in oil are far more important than the lives of those of burned in the twin towers !

Israel gets more aid from America than the ten poorest countries combined and this is wrong. Countries were poverty and malnutrition is rampant get zero compared to Israel. Israelis are flaunting their arrogance in the face of the Americans and perhaps the amount of planes, tanks, and other weapons Israel receives in abundance from America need to be reevaluated. Without America Israel would not last one year and if Israeli's want to continue sticking their finger in America's eye then a new reality needs to take place. If you don't need America, fine. Get your weapons and three billion dollars a year from the Russians.

You have the right to believe in god. I don't. And in case god does not exist I want Israel to continue existing. I cannot rely on an unproven hypotesis. When Bush Sr threated to withdrew part of the garantees the very rightist Shamir was so panicked that he run to the Madrid conference he did no want to go. Apparently he had more confidence in the help of the americans than the help of the Almighty.

...your very own and misguided opinion. Israeli Space Technology does not depend entirely on the US. However, most of the US Military requires Israeli made equipment, from communications,heads up for pilots and some other fine products used in your armored vehicles, all courtesy of Israeli High Technology. What is wrong, is, your concept that without US Aid, Israel cannot survive. The US Arms embargo lasted for many years. Israel survived and rebuilt the Mirage, now called the Kfir fighter. The Israeli LAVI was scrapped, mainly due to costs and US pressure. Whether with China or other countries, IMI could well keep the military running. Underestimating Israel has mostly proven to be an Arab failure. Selling high tech weapons to Arab countries, that could well fall into terrorist hands should be contemplated. Its not the aircraft, its the missiles. Aircraft require top pilots. Yet to be seen in the Arab World. Good day.

Let Israel be weaned off of American loan guarantees, financial aid, political support, etc. Let Israel finally become an independent state and not a monkey on the back of the American taxpayer.

"Israel can and if necessary build its own fighter aircraft as in the past." Israel NEVER built ist own combat aircraft. The closest they came to that was copying the Mirage 5 as Kfir - but only because they could purchase American J-79 engines.

and not think that being like the other nations will help.... G-D took care of the Jews in the desert for 40 years WITHOUT the United States and will do so AGAIN!!! Oh, and for all those who think that the US gives Israel so much.. lets start counting all the tax dollars taken for schooling which are not used by the Jewish population .. hmmmm.. let's start counting...50 states times thousands of ppl...

... what are all-the-kings-men up-in-arms about? ... if we don't need the loan guarantees (as per our Finance Min), and why did we shnor them in the first place?... ... all that Obama has done so far is merely bat-an-eyelid... ... what will we do when he really gets serious, as he surely must?... ... after all, he has to justify his Peace Noble some time soon... ... meanwhile, all strength to the good gentle Mitchel...

encourage stubborn Arabs to exercise their obstinacy. Still the the US interests are with advanced independent and rational Israel regardless of tactical games.

Israel should learn from Egypt. Mitchell should be declared personna non gratta in Israel Let him go to EU , to Arab States- however not to Israel.

What you are saying is that the collapse of the banks and ponzi schemes by people like Madoff was caused by the United States turning away from Israel. Rather than the actions of bankers who acted in the short term to maximise theor bonuses without considering the long term viability of the bank they worked for? Interesting concept. Totally fits your worl view of course, which is handy for burying your head in the sand I suppose.

I'd like to see the American people using their money to pay for Israel to have Russian aircraft. I'd like to see the Russians giving Israeli the level of military equipment that the United states do to the value of $3billion per annum. Face it, Israeli politicians may have brave words for their supporters in Israel. But the reality is Israel needs the United States more than the United States needs Israel. Hence the huge sums spent on AIPAC. It would be interesting if Israel followed your advice though.

Israel withers away without US aide.

Didn't Bibi already once tell the Americans we can do without their money.

With a few nods and winks and a little greasing of the wheels it can do something along Honduran lines. Economic destabilization is the by word of American policy in those countries of which it disdains, military intervention being reserved for the most independent minded recalcitrants. It can mouth banalities about democratic lawful processes [as it did after Zelaya was deposed]and other such niceties whilst simultaneously tightening the screws and unhinging the coalition of hawks in the Knesset. Without any bloodshed,[unlike Honduras] the US could easily achieve a more conducive alignment for a meaningful peace process before the year is out. If only Obama wasn't a conservative nonentity, entirely beholden to corporate and Pentagon diktats. Where's an Eisenhower or even a GHW Bush when you need one?

If Israel can take care of its own military technology, why does it depend on the USA to keep the IDF at an edge with its Arab neighbors. The Israeli's got upset and concerned recently when the USA decided to sell military equipment to its Arab neighbors. And they were concerned when the Bush administration did as well. Get real. Israel is totally dependent on the USA for its military, whether it be planes , missiles systems, or any other superior technology.

The Jewish people are afraid of nobody but the almighty? Well, you got pretty nervous about Dinner Jacket, and wanted our help. You take our military welfare year after year. ANd you expect us to run interference at the UN. SO I would say that -- given your situation now --the US has taken better care of you than the almighty.

we can build better and cheaper f-16 than USA. they know that and we know that they know that. this is exactly the reason why they supply israel.

said it best. "Israel is acting like a spoilt child". what do you do with a naughty spolit child? Spank him until he understands that his actions have caused damage to people around him.

you are right as usual. loan guarantees can be weathered. sanctions would be harder to surmount. however, as you said, israel can build her own fighter jets, and she should if really possible. such would give her more independence and sales to markets during those years of sanctions--obviousely, not to europe. india and china sound good. australia and japan and south korea, too. possibly, even russia. add south america and africa. shalom cipora

The US had had to rint $1 trillion new dolalrs to prop up its decadent banking system, hence it needs to cut back on foreign loans. Israel has to break free of the stranglehold. Israel can take the gas fields off the Gaza shore, and the the billions from the proceeds will cover any loans it doesnt need from america.

you dont get it....this isn't two sides and US referee....it is 3 or more sides depending on how much UN russia and EU want to play...mitchel is playing for USA....we got you welfare check and your billion dollar weapons deals....wanna play? cant win if you dont play and you will definately lose

The comments on this article are missing the fact that the relationship is two way - the US relies very heavily on Israel for technological innovation in both the civilian and military fields - because Israel does things better and cheaper than the US can do itself. US defence aid to Israel all serves the US's interests as much as Israel's - it is either subsidy to US defence industry or VC type investment in Israeli defence technology (eg Arrow) that Israel does better than the US.

Yuval Steinitz sounds like an angry child. Sensible persons will require a loan guarantee before dealing with Israel. No guarantee no deal. If the EU joins the Israel economy will be hurt.

was g-d taking a nap during ww2? better get a clue it is more important in this world to have US on your side...not that i dont believe but no telling when he will or wont get involved and i am not all that sure (as you are) that he likes you

"Netanyahu said Israel does not intend to share Jerusalem and he has opposed giving up all the West Bank land the Palestinians claim" But now, he blames the Pals for not negotiating. That is sheer chutzpah. Construction goes on, nothing is offered by Israel, but the evil Pals won`t negotiate.... Hopefully, the US AND EU come to their senses and stop the cashflow. This will be the only language (if any) that Israel may understand. Otherwise, the foot-dragging and smoke-screening will go on. Or, (to use Gideon Levi`s words) if Bibi says "NO" as per above, TO WHAT would he say "YES" ? And what would that be worth to US and EU ? And of course, to the Pals ?

That is true Israel has the technological expertise to build aircraft, whether it can produce it's own aircraft without the $3billion it recieves from the American taxpayer every year is of course a completely different question.

Evidently to you an honest broker is one who favors your side.

tough with Iran and terrorists goons. The pressure against Israel was known but the US will fail and is failing. Look at the weak economy. Isn't this a clear picture for those who go against Israel. The US should continue its threats until it will be too late the US. Israel can make business elsewhere. As I see it the US loses royally in the short and long term. Israel will do what its needs to do and G-D will provide to Israel. You better look at your own problems.. OBAMA.

1.UN Veto may be provided by other countries 2. A chinese made LAVI or a Russian mig29 with Israeli avionics would be a good substitute to your F16 By the way,F35 is too expensive and UAVs are the future good day,

we have survived Carter, Bush sr., and we will survive Obama jr...

When the US under Bush Jnr withdrew loan guarantees, it was only for the sum spent on the wall/fence that was inside the 1967 lines. The amount of money that the US were not prepared to guarantee was small and the increased interest rates that Israel paid on this sum amounted to only US $4m. If the US were to withdraw all loan guarantees the Israel government would feel the pain.

Never miss an opportunity to missing an opportunity. Whats with the F.16.? Israel can and if necessary build its own fighter aircraft as in the past. Israel can build just about anything, except what it does not need, like aircraft carriers. Good day.

egypt knows what to do with interfering busybodies ,israel to follow suit !

Loan guarantees at low interest rates is one thing. Israel can and will survive. The clear and dangerous moves are been played out in Brussels with Mr.George Mitchell and his EU Counterparts. For, if the EU slams Israel with sanctions and other restrictions, that will be disastrous for Israels economy. This is a Gypsies Warning from above, well, here high in the Swiss Alps. Good day.

Clearly Israel is ready to stand on its own, so obviously no more aid, loan guarantees or UN vetoes are needed and Israel should be left to fend for itself. I applaud Israel in its quest to isolate itself from the entire world.....Bravo!

thats fine. A bit puzzling though as one of the first think Barack Hussein Obama did at the start of his presidency was to provise Israel with loan guarantees. Israel certainly needs the United States veto in the United Nations. I am not aware that Israel builds it's own F16 either

The US should not only suspend loan guarantees, it should suspend all aid and abstain from all votes in the UN concerning Israel. Only then will Israelis learn the harsh lesson that they should have been taught many years ago.