Israel, like Palestinians, may seek extra funds

[Tinoire]

Israel, like Palestinians, may seek extra funds
Fri Dec 24, 2004 12:33 AM GMT

By Adam Entous

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Israel, which receives about 1.5 billion pounds a year in U.S. aid, may seek extra funding next year to bolster border security and overhaul checkpoints as part of a plan to pull out of Gaza and parts of the West Bank, sources familiar with the talks have said.

Any additional money for Israel would come on top of increased U.S.

(snip)

The extra funding for Israel could help it cover the cost of deploying high-tech terminals for inspecting Palestinians at checkpoints in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, sources close to the talks said.

(snip)

Israeli Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised the issue in recent talks with American officials. "It was put on the table to be discussed further," said one source close to the talks on Thursday.

The White House has yet to commit to providing extra funding to Israel and Israel has yet to ask, officials said.

(snip)

Key U.S. lawmakers are wary of providing direct aid to the Palestinians. Bush provided $20 million to the Palestinian Authority earlier this month, but on condition that the money be used to pay Israeli utility bills.

(snip)

Bush included $1 billion in direct military assistance for Israel and $9 billion in loan guarantees in his 2003 Iraq war supplemental.

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=J0GEJXR3Z1UQOCRBAEOCFEY?type=worldNews&storyID=643418

[Voltaire99]

1. LOL!

Good thing our economy's so robust that we can spare a few extra billion for the "man of peace."

[DELUSIONAL]

2. More money to Israel??? What about Americans??

What about other really poor third world countries -- in need food grants.

Hurricanes hit Caribbean islands US gives $50,000

When is it O.K. to tell Israel -- NO more money. Manage with what you have -- the US has a responsibility to her own citizens -- like health care. Seems like Israeli citizens have better health care than US citizens.

NO more money to Israel --

Which reminds me -- the International community has to pick up the tab when the Israeli Army goes on the rampage (collective punishment) and destroys homes of the Palestinians. Other world citizens are in poverty and need help.

Could it be that the US acting as deep pockets to Israel allows Sharon to avoid find a path to peace with Palestinians?

Pell Grants cut -- and who knows how many cuts will fall on the American people -- meanwhile the Israeli government demands more money.

There is something wrong with this picture. Seeing well fed, well dressed -- high technology country demanding welfare from the US.

[newyorican]

3. More money to NOT make peace...

Fuck'em.