U.S. to store $800m in military gear in Israel

$800 million is very little,even in regular(conventional) ammunition. Most small range smart missiles carry a price tag over a $100 000 a piece.And that is probably a terrible under-estimate. Almost everything made in the USA is waaaay over priced. And some components come from ... G-d only knows where.

Israel is storage place for "Elites" killing toys. . When people will wake up? Why they fighting for bankers and "Elite" who only benefit from wars and ordinary people loosing limps, or lives. Israels people are also used.

When America no longer wants to use a spoke in its imperialist wheel, it simply knocks it out... Israel is useful to its imperialist master (while ever Israel obeys) for the time being.

The US congressional military industrial complex at its best(worst). Maybe we could get a picture of 800 million dollars worth of weaponery in a pile and put along side the spent Palestinian katusha rockets that the IDF like displaying! ...What hypocracy!...PEACE EVER?

the U.S. dropped 7 million tons of bombs on Vietnam(twice the tonnage dropped by all sides in WW 2), and the U.S. still lost the war.

Arabs are the scums of the earth. They want is islamize the whole world but they don't know Allah is a demon!

"Israel was conquered long ago" along with Turkey, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, The Emirates, Iraq, India, and S. Korea. All conquered by that ultimatte weapon: American $$$. But Israel will beneifit when the USA decides to scrap $800 M worth of stuff in its store and replace it with newer products from the industiral peace complex back home. So who's complaining? Certainly no one in government.

Seems to me that you're the one who is being "presumptuous"... do you call the majority of Americans and ask them if they knew where Jerusalem is located?... I didn't thinks so. :-) P.S. You should learn to use your spell checker. To every other Anti-Semitic... What would you do if you were shelled and terrorized on a daily basis?

How many Jews were killed by Palewstinian Arabs by 1929? Hundreds! Makes sense?

"Here you go Israel. Use this stuff in an emergency (Iranian nuclear strike)." Natallie Durson i was thinking the same thing... Perpahs MOAB is to be included? Good news htough if either america or Israel tries to take out the nuclear facilties in Iran... cuss all of a sudden Israel would be facing a new front from lebbanon(Hizbollah) and at I am pretty sure Syria would start some troubble too... Israel needs all the bombs, tanks, Shells, planes, ships and munitions it can get its hands on if Iran does not have an other revolution soon...

"Hizbollah has still spanked the IDF in 2000 and 2006" Natallie Durson your so right i mean just look at all the thousands missles and Rockets that Hizbollah has launched since 2006...

It is equivalent to 4 F-35s.

Mark Lincoln has been steadily going down hill and has become very lax in hiding his true agenda. On another blog he is defending Oliver Stone's new version of "Springtime with Hitler".

Did it ever occur to you that the teachers in the U.S. are inadequate and are turning out students that cannot do simple math or write a simple sentence? The teachers are as corrupt as the unions they covet and hence we all suffer. I say throw them all out and start over with non union people..I for one am tired of paying these huge compensation packages to teachers who do a quarter of what they are supposed to do. I should know I worked in the school system for over 10 years until I could not stand the deceit and stupidity anymore...and no I was not a union person and did not get a retirement package.

Devin...US military aid to Israel amounts to about $3 billion/year. At those prices...once per year should be sufficient.

Stop the hate and please let's get real.

RE:Hagannah was changed to IDF 1948. yes when Israel became a state the army of liberation became the official army of the state. Yes they continued to do the same job, protect the jewish state from arab agression. Note that the state risked a civil war fighting Irgun and stern to incorporate into the official IDF or diappear. Unlike fatah that played with hamas aqnd now pay the price.

What's your point? Are you saying Hagannah murdered Arab civilians and that justified the 1929 pogrom of Hebron's Jews? You know nothing about any of this. It astounds me that you have the gall to post here about subjects of which you know nothing.

Sure, it's always Israel's fault. by the way israel did not exist in 1929. your problem is that you refuse to analyze your own mistakes, and you always draw the same skewed conclusions. Clearly israel accepted the sharing in 1947 and the arabs including the palestinians are the agressors.

No matter what the USA gives isreal, In weapons or time, nothing can keep the lid on the aspirations for freedom and justice for the pals. There are 250M arabs around isreal, just face reality. there is an old saying, trouble dosent rot.

In other words, it's being stored there for Israel's benefits. How often has the USA actually drawn on supplies in Israel? How often? Oh, wait, here's the answer: "The agreement is expected to aid Israel in its effort to bolster its weapons stockpiles for use in an emergency. Israel's stores of aerial and artillery ammunition were depleted during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, nearly reaching levels the IDF considers dangerously low. "

I don't usually like your ignorant and arrogant posts but I must admit you hit the nail on the head with your comparison to what happened in 1940. Like Israel today, Britain was then at war with America's enemies which most Americans did not have the courage to fight directly. The limited military help provided by the Roosevelt Administration saved Britain from losing the war against Germany until Hitler made the unbelievable mistake of first invading the Soviet Union and then declaring war on America. By 1941 the USA had started its Lend Lease program for which it was nicknamed "the arsenal of democracy". Four years later it was not the Americans but the Nazis who were hanging, not from lampposts like victims of lynching but after a fair trial like any other serious criminal. You can be sure that there will be a Nuremberg tribunal for the rulers of Iran, Hizbulla, al-Qaida and Hamas as well and they will also hang like Haman.

I see almost all the usual talkback terrorist suspects have commented on this one. It is obvious they are not happy. My favorite was the Gnat who wrote very wishfully that this means neither Israel nor the USA will use force against her beloved Iranian Dictator! What a brilliant analysis, just one day after it was reported that General Petraeus referred to an American contingency plan to bomb the Iranian nuclear sites if necessary. This story is yet more evidence of the fact that America is waking up to the seriousness of the Iranian threat and is determined to preserve the peace by being ready for any situation that might arise including war.

Irgun HaHagannah Ha'vri, Hagannah, the Jewish underground was created in 1920. The name of the Hagannah was changed to IDF 1948. The IDF carry on the role of the Hagannah today. Isn't that right, Cipora Julianna Kohn?

If I remember rightly your state was one of the former Confederate States of America which waged civil war against the USA in an unsuccessful attempt to preserve the slave system. I read your comment on President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu with surprise that the slave-owning mentality is still alive in Texas so long after Abolition. That would also explain why you have so much sympathy for the Arab racists who invented the African slave trade in the Middle Ages and still practise it in some parts of their former empire.

Sir, You wrote, "General American and European sentiment reflects this position, as well." How do you know? While I can't speak for the Europeans, I am an American, live in the U.S., and my experience says otherwise. So, after the Cast Lead Operation, you no longer support Israel. Pity. You should take a closer look into the possibility that they were, in moost instances, used as human shields. Also, you should seriously ponder the past and present massacres of the Jews in the Mideast, as well. As far as your statement concerning the fact that Jerusalem will never be the capital of Israel, I would be glad to take that bet. Just wait and see.

Thats right, folks. I just wonder whether Israel has to pay per kilometer or on a monthly rate. Does the US charge for dents or scratches.? Or is that covered by some Insurance policy. Better than some rent a car deals, I bet. Now, how about Rent a F18..? Or Rent an Apache..? You can bet that its cheaper. Good night from snowy Swiss Alps.

Ari you also need to ask Korea, Japan, UK, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Pakistan and others why they have so much US military gear, Hmmmm ??

Habibi, Israel did not exist in 1929. The pogrom against Hebron's Jews had to do with the Koran's sura to kill Jews wherever you find them.

If you read carefully, I wrote that "many Americans..." not "the majority of Americans..." as you misquote me. I'm not quite that stupid. You would benefit from reading lessons, however.

We are Israel's only ally and we should give them our help for once in O's socialist reign.

Why is occupying west bank more precious than the chance of real peace.

The majority of Americans if asked where Israel was on a map would not have a clue. So to say the majority of Americans recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is presumptious to say the least.

Ricardo wrote: "General American and European sentiment reflects this position [not recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel - my insert] as well..." While I cannot speak for the Europeans, I can speak as an American when I ask "How on earth do you know what the "general sentiment" of the American people is? On the contrary, many, if not most, Americans support Israel and the support grows by the minute. I surmise that you watch too much media clap-trap in your country. And, this large section of the American population would whole-heartedy recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. You speak of withdrawing your support of Israel after the Cast Lead Operation, due to the harm done to civilians and children (many were used as human shields) but you choose to ignore the murders of innocent Jewish civilians and children who were purged from their lands in the past,not to mention the constant bombings and rocket attacks are occurring in the present.

"Israel...confirms to the world that it is more interested in being the 51st State of the United States...[T]his will only lead to more US leverage on Israel, leading to more US means of doing damage to Israel if it does not accede to its will." Methinks thou hast the world stood on its head. The reality is that Israel has 50 American colonies whose peasants toil on behalf of Israel. Billions of taxpayer dollars go to help a foreign nation amidst Congressional claims that there is not enough money for proper funding of American schools and healthcare. And since when has Israel actually acceded to anything the U.S. wanted--except for promises made, but never kept (settlement freezes). I should think that, as an American(?), you would realise this.

The bashers of the minorities and imaginary opponents are feeling well in their weird basher families. Corrupted but happy. The bashers' cult leaders exploit the crowd of brainless bashers and create Koresh Waco TX families. The bashers alone can not depose their cults leaders, and start neat new families. Happiness is waiting for the around the corner in a new world, free of violence. But they need help. The rest of us should work on enlightening the bashers, and ruin the reputations of the cult leaders, like mini supreme legal expert, Khamenei.

madam , its not only the 'temporary government' in charge of the USA which does not recognise Jerusalem as the capital of israel ... All the previous administrations including the Bush government did not recognise the annexation of east jerusalem ... General american and european sentiment reflects this position as well ... Jerusalem will never be the recognised capital of israel ....the world will not allow this injustice to happen. I used to support israel but not after what i saw them do to civilians and children in the Cast Lead Massacre

And not about Jews.

That quote says it all. Israel is a "key ally" of the United States - in the eyes of the US government! Now, would anyone like to argue?

Thousands if not millions of of American lives were saved during World War Two by the Lend-Lease program to arm America's allies, Britain and the Soviet Union. Without it it is almost certain that Nazi Germany would have won the second world war. This "storage" program would seem to be an attempt to do the same thing again, though not yet on such a large scale. It can only be understood as the beginning of American recognition that world terrorism is a serious threat to national survival and the US is unlikely to prevail without a lot more Israeli help.

With Hamas shooting missiles again into Israel maybe its time to also leave a few old B-52 Bombers in Israel. because the next war will be different from the others. Maybe Syria and Hezbollah need to feel the effects of a heavy bomber overhead.

I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you Genesis 12:2-3 The US MUST support Israel. God will not tolerate anyone standing against his nation.

". . . American effort to stockpile weapons in areas in which its army may need to operate while allowing American allies to make use of the ordnance in emergencies. " - Amos Harel Free arms and munitions for Cast Lead II, the Third Lebanon War and defending Settlers in the Third Infitada. Resident Ketzar Obama sure hates Israel. And he sure does Shuck and Jive for Massa Netanyahu.

While the US does not offcially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, many Americans do. Our temporary government does not represent the majority of the citizens here. Perhaps the phrase giving Jerusalem the same capital status as Washington, D.C. is an indication of things to come. I certainly hope so.

for his support of Obama's healthcare initiatives. Or, perhaps its an extension of Obama's stimulus package. Who controls access to the weapons in a crisis, the US or Israel?

Israel probably already has contracts in place to sell these to U.S. enemies at a nice markup.

for the paranoid israelis to continue their Obama bashing.

there was no state of israel in 1929. but there was the murder and ethnic cleansing of jews in hevron by peace loving muslim arabs. never say you were not told.

without having to inform the American taxpayer or put it on the list of monies given to Israel on an annual basis. Everyone knows the true figure is well above the $3 billion officially accounted for. Mind you I did have a laugh yesterday when it was announced Israel could survive without loan guarantess from the United States. Mind you Israelis must have a warm feeling inside knowing that per capita Israel recieves ore aid from the United States than the poorest countries in the world. So don't talk to me about a successful Israel with a first world economy. The reality is Israel is on a par with Angola, Namibia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somali, Burkino Fasso and Yemen all of whom get less aid from the United States than Israel

To look at it in another way. It's telling Israel."We supply the weapons,you send your boys to shed blood" !

...when many US states can't even afford to maintain basic services for their communities and when the IDF has committed atrocious war crimes against Gazans with the misuse of wea- pons and force against civilians . Obama and the State Dept will hear about this. Dutch

this is an example of poor and unproffessional journalism ... Washington is worldwide recognised as the capital of USA but Jerusalem ??? I think the author meant West jerusalem ... The only country that recognises jerusalem as the capital of israel is israel itself ( wishful thinking )... The rest of the world , including the USA does not ..... jerusalem is merely under occupation

Israel is clearly the aggressor and responsible for what happens. If not for israel, there would have been no attack in Hebron in 1929! Spread the truth Maureen Ann!

Mr,Ms Cummings Bravo! one with a sense of history, global scope and its possible out come on the world stage. Most do not do this, the History and perspective are missing. Most of this is like a mad dog chasing a bone, and in reality it is a bone, of contention. Most humans have a very short memory and like to tailor history or circumstance to their ideas,idealogy,situation; but only for themselves. Many need to try wearing the other persons shoes, and see what stones are in the way.It is easy to cast blame, but again it must be looked at with an open mind and opinion. I don't see this in the Mid-East; it realy is all about the bone and the dogs will fight over it. I name it Human idiocy... Jon

There is next to no conceivable military situation in which US forces would require a weapons stockpile in Israel. If things go hot in the M-E, the US already has its bases and aircraft in the Gulf. If the Arab League attacked Israel, it is inconceivable that the US would pile in to defend it, waving goodbye to oil supplies and rapprochement with the Muslim world in the process. The person who writes 'Israel bashers have an exaggerated sense of their importance' should really amend that to: 'Israelis have an exaggerated sense of their strategic and tactical military importance'. When the USA gave Britain some elderly warships and guns from their war reserve in 1940, General Marshall, CCCS, commented (wryly) that he hoped the American people didn't find out or those responsible could end up swinging from lamp posts. I wonder what he would make of today's political gesture?

Israel is the provocateur, the fly in the ointment. America chooses to park its weapons in Israel because it owns Israel. Israel was conquered long ago.

I/?, None of you have any idea of the cost of weapons. Barbara;Pure speculation. Need source quote; that is very lacking. Let's see one bullet; 1 dollar so that equals 800 million bullets. Yep one can sure bet it is a very large inventory, for 800 million.Now if they cost 1 cent a peice that would be different. I think one should garner facts before one post a lot about nothing. Again source is very lacking and the amount is VERY large... Jon

Commitment for Israel security is by contributing to make peace, not by sending military equipment! But making peace is not really the american way.

to the third world.

You all apparently aren't aware of how Pentagon acquisition works. Obama & McCain jointly killed off one or two turkeys. But the system is the system.

"How much was 1 F35 warplane? $3bn?" More like $80-100 million

Hammas?? Hizbulah??? Are they factors? To what? Israel with the two wars has set the price tag, and these two band of terrorists have no strategic gains whatsoever. Hizbulah is trapped in the Lebanon political mess, and the message coming from the Lebanese political stage is clear. No provocation to Israel because we all will pay the price. Hammas is losing political power both in Gaza and the West Bank, and Iran most likely that won't achieve nuclear power. Israel wont let it happen. And what about Obama? Well as Natahlie sure knows, Obama is involved in a criminal war in Aghanistan, in Iraq, and Yemen.....However, the big party is Iran. Israel will most likely lead to that.and America will stand with Israel. No question about that. Obama will stand in favor of a fighting democracy against Iran evil regime. Could you imagine a different set of mind in America?

maybe these military supplies is food supplies. it did not say munition or munitions. this is a complete joke. trying to trick us into thinking that the US supports us while they are bolstering our enemies with billions of dollars and doing nothing with regards to iran

That will become the anchor that drags America into Israel's next conflict.

Last week we heard that Israel was complaining about the amount of military support given by America to certain Arab countries. Now suddenly America is running out of places to store its military gear and the only place in the world appears to be Israel! Fancy that!

Creating ever more hatred and animosity towards America and its foreign policy. Obama has learned absolutely nothing from history.

Israel is a cruel country, and I believe that there will be no peace.

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.

Given Pentagon purchasing patterns, that's about what could be stored. Or maybe one airplane or 3 tanks.

Is this Lend-Lease all over again or is it more like Iran-Contra?

While on the surface this seems reassuring given the problems in Obama's relations with Israel, this is far more negative news. Israel's stationing US military gear on its territory just confirms to the world that it is more interested in being the 51st State of the United States than being the authentic and independent Jewish state it was meant to be. This is not the time to be boosting relations with a declining superpower, when this will only lead to more US leverage on Israel, leading to more US means of doing damage to Israel if it does not accede to its will. Why is the EU always so hostile to Israel? Is it really just about settlements and Jerusalem? Or is it because Israel is a proxy of the US without an independent global foreign policy of its own, and thus walks into problems when emerging powers seek to challenge the US and Israel's expense. The same applies to Russia vis-a-vis Iran and Syria. This is the time to diversify not to place even more eggs in the US basket.

all your wishful thinking about the US ever abandonig Israel is just that.

Here you go Israel. Use this stuff in an emergency (Iranian nuclear strike).

Nowadays, $800m don't buy much! by the Way, How much was 1 F35 warplane? $3bn?

America has already given Israel more military equipment than most of the worlds largest nations have, and it is more up to date as well. More weapons in Israel are meaningless and change nothing. Hizbollah has still spanked the IDF in 2000 and 2006 and Israel cannot even end the bottle rocket campaign from Hamas. It isn't weapons that Israel lacks. It is an intelligent strategy to move into the future.

Bashers: An example of American pressure on Israel. 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.

The school district where I live just laid off 120 teachers becuase of the massive budget cut and the lack of federal support. It makes me feel sick when I hear that 800 m of our tax money is wasted again on some stupid cause. Obam seems to be on the foot step os Bush. The American public is ,as usual, misled and missinformed.

A billion dollars more in weapons? Aren't 1200 dead Gazans (IDF number) enough? (288 of them civilian women and children, according to Israel's own estimates.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgiQa1h6OqQ Add to that the 1400 fatalities in the "Second Lebanon War." Why don't we keep those munitions to defend our own soil and not the apartheid Israeli regime.

Hope that Israel had the sence to demand guarentees for storing arms in Israel Will this military equipment not be used against Israel , Is this equipment for hamas but sent threw Israel it can be called HUMANTERIAN AID ?????All deals with america are highly suspisious BEWARE