Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Washington Sources: Israel In Race For More Aid

Israel seeks to secure a further $500 million military aid before President Bush leaves office.

Courtesy Of: Globes OnLine
Israel's Business Arena
Ran Dagoni, Washington
12 Feb 07 13:09
globes.co.il

Israel is hurrying to reach a new agreement with the US for a substantial increase in military aid, sources in Israel and the US have told “Globes”.

At the strong urging of incoming IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, Israel is trying to reach an agreement in 2007, a year before US President George W. Bush leaves office.

Former Israeli Ambassador to Washington Daniel Ayalon told “Globes”,

“I believe that a new agreement will be reached replacing the current aid agreement, which expires in 2008."

"When I completed my term, I advised the government to anchor the request for a new aid package, increasing military aid to up to $3 billion; $2.9 billion to be precise. In other words, an increase of $500 million a year,”

Ayalon completed a four-year term as ambassador last summer and now serves as chairman of Nefesh B'Nefesh - Aliyah: Live the dream.

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