US letter on freeze deal has been completed, 'Post' learns

[whosinpower]

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=196514

Middle East expert says Obama made offer, but Congress must now approve deal against backdrop of incoming Republicans seeking to save money; also says Netanyahu looking for "fallback understanding."

snip - Makovsky pointed out that while the Obama administration is making the offer, it’s Congress that must approve such a deal. Although Congress is typically supportive of Israeli aid and military acquisitions, incoming Republicans who will be taking over the US House have been talking about the need to save money and perhaps cut foreign aid.

In this climate, Makovsky said that Netanyahu is looking for some sort of “fallback understanding” so that he can present the security cabinet with an iron-clad arrangement for the planes in order to get the ministers’ backing for the freeze.

He also referred to a “verbal affirmation” from Netanyahu to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the there would be “meaningful progress” on border issues during the 90-day freeze. He said that Israeli officials have concerns about a solitary focus on territory, or even on territory and security, over those 90 days, since Israel sees its best “chips” as being land. Officials are worried that if they give ground on this issue it will leave them in a weaker position when it comes to dealing with the even more sensitive issues of Jerusalem and refugees, so they are looking to find a formula they feel comfortable with.



So - there we have it. The deal is written - BUT, Obama is throwing into the faces of the republicans to watch them squirm over their desire to cut costs. There is a certain sweet irony here....the republicans have painted Obama as a muslim loving anti Israel president...if they criticize Obama as being too generous, they are against the peace process.....and if they agree to the deal, they have to face their constituants who are demanding government cut costs.

[azurnoir]

1. perhaps he could somehow tack the extension for 99er's on to it

it would be sure to passed that way

[shaayecanaan]

2. Probably...

traditionally this is how the President has relied upon the foreign aid budget getting through. The foreign aid loop is prepared by the White House. Congress could object to one item or another but that might mean that Israel doesn't get its aid for a few months or so, which is unacceptable to both parties, so usually the loop goes through without a hitch.

Unfortunately the appropriations bills for the various foreign aid packages are separate from the spending bill itself and separate from each other so they are often held up. So often the Egyptians have to wait some time and jump through quite a few hoops before they get their foreign aid. Same with the Palestinians.

Ed Cantor and the Republicans want to separate the Israeli aid out from the foreign aid budget so the Republicans can reject the aid budget without affecting Israel, which is unlikely to happen. As such, the foreign aid loop will probably pass the House and Senate without incident.

This will likely disappoint the populist base of the GOP, in the same way that they're likely to be disappointed on a range of issues (repeal of Obamacare, etc). Something that left-wing supporters of the Democrats are well and truly used to.

[azurnoir]

3. actually there is a way albeit stinky

its called "earmarking" I believe that is things put into a bill that will cost money but have nothing to do with the bill, however I do not think it will work, but it is quite enlightening that our Congress will make thousands of Americans destitute but can't wait to spend money on Israel, I truly hope the bill does not pass or perhaps what should be attached is our aid to Lebanon which Congresswomen Lowey says she will release but wants it to voted on by Congress first

[shaayecanaan]

4. they have done that before with "drawdowns"...

I don't understand it entirely but somehow these end up in the defence budget and they essentially amount to grants.

David Steiner (formerly of AIPAC) bragged about these in a phone conversation that was secretly taped:-

http://www.wrmea.com/backissues/1292/9212013.html

The foreign aid to Lebanon is mostly contained in the loop, about $246 million is being sought for FY 2011.

[azurnoir]

5. ah drawdown might have been what I was thinking of n/t

[oberliner]

6. Isn't it illegal to tape someone's phone conversation without their knowledge?

Was it in 1992?

[shaayecanaan]

7. I dare say that it is

no doubt that is a matter that could be discussed with Mr Katz.