When the United States decides on a major budget cut, the ripple effect is felt around the world and in this case, it is relevant to Washington’s military aid to Israel.
Israel was expecting $3.1 billion in various forms of military assistance, but now realizes this sum will most likely be cut, possibly significantly.
The $85 billion US cut includes knocking $46 billion from its defense budget, a bit more than 9% of its budget by the end of this coming September. The optimists feel that as a result, Israel will lose $250 million while pessimists feel that the blow will be significantly harder, $750 million.
Fears include concerns that funding of continued missile defense systems will be cut along with $211 million for the purchase of additional Iron Dome defense systems. Other cuts may impact the development of the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, which are dependent on $268 million in military assistance. This includes the Arrow 3 interceptor, known also as David’s Sling.
These advanced missile defense systems are critical for Israel, but rank high on America’s priority list as well for Pentagon officials remains aware the US benefits greatly from the Israeli expertise and cooperative effort between American and Israeli weapons systems developers.
From the Israel Air Force’s perspective, cuts may also impact orders for the new advanced F35 fighter planes and Hercules C130 transport planes.
A US Defense Department document released last week stated that $500 million in US defense aid will be included in the cuts. Israel benefited from 60% of US military aid, $3.1 billion of a total of $5.1 billion.
Maariv quotes Israeli Ambassador to Washington Dr. Michael Oren explaining “As America’s staunchest ally in the Middle East, Israel understands the complexities of America’s defense budget concerns in the region, and we are willing to do our part towards preserving aid packages to those programs essential to Israel’s security, with Iron Dome included among them.”
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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6 Responses
This would be a great start for the Yesh Atid/Bayit Yehudi branch of American politics.
Why should the American tax payer pay for Israel’s needs? Israel should “share the burden” and not expect hard working Americans to financially support a country that cannot support itself. Furthermore while Israel sees itself as providing security in the Middle East many Americans do not see it that way and cannot be blamed for no longer being willing to shoulder this burden alone.
Rabbi Crazy
The US get a return on their money, fistly they can remain the big bosses of the world
Secondly, they get expertise on weapons of mass destruction from the isralies as well as inyteligence
That’s why they afree ti finanice israel
American “aid” to Israel largely comes in the form of subsidies to buy American goods (which are overprices, and often of inferior quality) rather than higher Israelis to make the good themselves. Getting rid of America aid would help Israel’s economy by giving high paying jobs to Israeli workers and building up their economies competences.
#1
As 2 and 3 already point out American “aid” is basically a form of legal subsidies from the American government for it local (arms) industry.
Instead of manufacturing high quality parts locally and boosting the local economy Israel buys American goods that have a lower quality at dump prices.
See amongst other things:
– The recent cessation of the Israeli army working with Brill (gali) for shoes.
– The several year setback the IDF suffered in the Tavor (TAR-21) program due to sub standard American parts causing the rifles to jam, Israeli manufactured TAR-21 did not suffer this fate.
– The cancellation of the Lavi Fighter jet program that according to most estimates would have destroyed competition at the time.
And as any soldier (US or Israeli) can tell you if they have a choice they prefer ammo stamped with “IMI” and not American made bullets (at least in Israeli/dessert conditions)
Barlev – I disagree with you but I really appreciate the honorific title of Rabbi.
2,3,4 bottom line is every Israeli administration in the history of the state wanted the money. AIPAC lobbies for it and Israel is desperate for it. Obviously they need the funds and find it beneficial.