Legislators aim to further expand security aid so as to improve Israel’s capabilities vis-à-vis Iran, Defense News weekly reports
Ynet
WASHINGTON – The US Senate is currently reviewing the US-IsraelEnhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 which passed the House of Representatives earlier this month.
The bill proposes shared satellite intelligence, aerial refueling tankers, specialized munitions and surplus drawdown gear from Iraq.
A Senate aide said the bill has already amassed nearly 50 co-sponsors and is expected to pass “by a lopsided margin or even unanimous vote” once it reaches the Senate floor, the Defense News weekly reported.
“There should not be one scintilla of light between the positions of Republicans and Democrats on the issue of the security of Israel,” said Sen. Johnny Isakson.
F-35 Joint Strike Fighters included in deal (Photo: AFP)
The bill was introduced by Jewish Senator Barbara Boxer of California and aims to extend US government-backed loan guarantees to Israel through 2015. It also urges expanded technology sharing and joint military exercises.
A detailed look at the bill indicates that US lawmakers are in tune with Jerusalem’s proclaimed needs manifested in expanded security aid in areas that are pertinent to a possible campaign against Iran.
The bill, for example, offers the Israel Air Force additional training opportunities in the US to compensate for Israel’s limited air space and encourages an expanded role for Israel within NATO, “including enhanced presence at NATO headquarters and exercises.”
It also proposes making surplus defense gear and services available to Israel, particularly those resulting from the US pullout from Iraq. Under the bill, the US will also strengthen efforts to prevent weapon smuggling into Gaza and threats infiltrating from the Sinai Peninsula.
Moreover, US legislators are also demanding to allocate additional weaponry and munitions and extend the time allocated for US war reserves stockpiled in Israel and expand bilateral cooperation in homeland security, counterterrorism, maritime security, energy and cybersecurity.
http://theuglytruth.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/us-senate-mulls-unprec...
US Senate Eyes 'Largest Aid Package' Ever for Israel Blessed by Obama
Submitted by We the People on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 06:49
A US Senate Committee is poised to discuss a bill that will give Israel one of the largest aid package ever received.
The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, which is going under scrutiny at the Foreign Relations Committee, is expected to expand military links between the two countries and provide Israel with aircraft and special munitions.
Reports also state that the bill will allow Israel to have access to pictures from US spy satellites and extend US loan guarantees to Israel until 2015. In return, Israel will open Israeli air space for US Force exercise.
Special munitions could include bunker-busting bombs. Israel has sought an air-refuelling capacity as a means to cover the distance to Iran in the case of a strike.
"This bill has received the blessing of the Obama administration, which sees it as a conciliatory gesture towards Israel in advance of the agreement with Iran, about which Israel has already begun to express reservations," a source told Globes Online, a website covering Israel business news.
It represents a significant addition to the $1 billion for the missile defence system Israel is developing with the US, the $3.1 billion in regular annual military aid and $70 million for procurement of Iron Dome rocket interception batteries.
A similar bill has already been passed by the House of Representatives earlier this month, despite the opposition of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, who called it "another piece of one-sided and counter-productive foreign policy legislation".
"This bill will not help the United States, it will not help Israel, and it will not help the Middle East," he addressed the House. "It will implicitly authorize much more US interventionism in the region at a time when we cannot afford the foreign commitments we already have. It more likely will lead to war against Syria, Iran, or both."
According to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, however, who sponsored the bill, the Cooperation Act "reaffirms Israel's right to defend itself against threats and puts Congress on the record about America's longstanding commitment to the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship.
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/344551/20120523/israel-ron...
How is propping up a country with arms and billions of dollars affirming it's right to defend itself? There's no 'itself' about that.
More here: http://www.dailypaul.com/236066/us-senate-eyes-largest-aid-package-...
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