US Plans Up to $1 Billion Hike in Military Aid to ’Israel’
Local Editor
As part of US continuous support to the Zionist entity, "Israeli" and American teams are putting together a plan to increase annual US military aid to "Israel" by as much as $1 billion, on top of the current $3.1 billion, a source close to the military aid process said Wednesday.
According to "Israeli" media, talks on military aid started recently, and are now being discussed by the professional staffs of the two sides' military establishments.
"Israel" refused to hold talks on the military aid framework and the "compensation package" it will receive because of the Iranian nuclear agreement, until that agreement was approved.
A senior "Israeli" military official said that because the Iranian nuclear agreement would require the arming of various Arab countries, particularly the Gulf States, "an answer for preserving ["Israel's"] qualitative military edge was required - and everyone is aware of this."
The agreement on US military aid to "Israel" it to purchase weapons as well as other equipment and supplies, such as fuel. Among the items included are F-35 airplanes. A significant increase in this aid would allow Israel to also buy V-22 tilt rotor aircraft, a deal agreed to last year but postponed due to shortage of funds. The V-22 deal is estimated at a cost of $1.3 billion.
US military aid to "Israel" began in 1962, with the cumulative sum now standing at about $100 billion.
War Minister Moshe Ya'alon is scheduled to visit the United States at the beginning of next week for what is described as a "work trip." He will meet with US War Secretary Ashton Carter. American military aid is expected to be a main topic of their meeting.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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