Kesher Talk

Israel wants more aid: Israel has submitted an official request for special economic aid from the US. The $8-10 billion request includes a special grant and US guarantees for Israel government loans on overseas markets. Israel is imposing a media blackout on discussions with the US about the particulars of the aid, fearing that publicity will harm the chances of obtaining a positive response from the US administration before the elections in Israel.

How likely the nation is to get that funding, no one can say. However, it appears that the White House is open to increasing military funding to Israel. The Bush administration has formally informed Israel it will request $2.16 billion in foreign military assistance for it as part of its fiscal year 2004 budget. It is a slight increase over the $2.1b. the US has asked Congress to approve in 2003. Of course, no 2003 budget has yet been approved by Congress...

posted by Howard @ 11/22/2002 08:10:13 AM