NYTimes: Bush admin planning arms-sale package to Arab Gulf countries - Israel not happy

[sabra]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/05/world/middleeast/05weapons.html?hp=&pagewanted=print

Israel’s Protests Are Said to Stall Gulf Arms Sale

WASHINGTON, April 4 — A major arms-sale package that the Bush administration is planning to offer Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf allies to deter Iran has been delayed because of objections from Israel, which says that the advanced weaponry would erode its military advantage over its regional rivals, according to senior United States officials.

Israeli officials, including the former defense minister, Shaul Mofaz, have come to Washington in recent months to argue against elements of the planned sales. In particular, the Israelis are concerned about the possible transfer of precision-guided weapons that would give Saudi warplanes much more accurate ability to strike targets, officials said.

...

The Israeli complaints have introduced a new uncertainty into the administration’s plan to beef up Persian Gulf militaries as a bulwark against Iran and as a demonstration that, no matter what happens in Iraq, Washington remains committed to the Sunni Arab governments around the region.

Several officials in the State Department and the Pentagon said that plans to formally notify Congress about the potential weapons sales had been delayed at least until later this month. After notification, Congress has 30 days to decide whether to block the sales. Support for maintaining Israel’s military superiority remains strong on Capitol Hill, and administration officials are discussing how to allay the concerns, including the possibility of a separate arms package for Israel.

[TahitiNut]

1. It's business; nothing personal, of course.

Sell the tools of death and destruction for the profit - that's what passes for 'right' these days.

[City Lights]

2. Money trumps everything in Bushworld. eom

[bdamomma]

3. You can also read the article here.

http://www.haaretz.com/


http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/845893.html


Report: Israeli objections delaying U.S. arms sale to Arab countries

By Haaretz Service

Israeli objections are delaying a major arms-sale package that the Bush administration is planning to offer Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf allies to deter Iran, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

Israeli government officials confirmed the report, saying that Israel has pressed the United States not to offer a major weapons deal to its Gulf Arab allies for fear it would damage Israel's military deterrent in the Middle East.

Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz raised the matter during a March 11 meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the officials said on condition of anonymity since they were not authorized to discuss the sensitive subject with the press.

[Spazito]

4. Hmmm, could this "delay" be the reason the Saudis are....

giving the bush admin the cold shoulder lately? The cancellation of the state dinner, etc, says they are upset with the bush cabal for something. If so, this puts the cabal between a rock and a hard place, just where I love to see them, lol.

[Supersedeas]

5. and how much for your women???

[Javaman]

6. Is this what happens when the saudi king turns down an invite to his

own birthday party thrown by moron*?