US President Barack Obama has approved $2,775 billion in military aid to Israel, the first payment in a commitment that will reach at least $30 billion in 10 years. Not many might be bothered to realise that Obama was only fulfilling a pledge made by his predecessor, George W Bush, and the move also adds to the growing disappointment over his performance in office, commented a UAE daily.
The Sharjah-based English language daily, "Gulf Today" has said in its editorial that an overview of the US assistance to Israel shows that the US funding is a significant portion of Israel's military budget, which amounted to $13.3 billion in 2008. The US used to provide both military and civilian aid, but it has since been merged entirely into military aid at Israel's request, WAM reported.
In addition to military aid, the US also provides $3.15 billion in loan guarantees to Israel. It is part of a Treasury Department scheme aimed at keeping Israel's debt manageable.
"That is yet another irony. The US budget is spinning out of control with a $1.4 trillion deficit, and America's own debt is continuing to rise , now estimated at $12 trillion, but there was no serious debate of reducing aid to Israel", it noted.
"One theory is that the pro-Israel neoconservatives in Washington have somehow set up Obama in a position where he has no choice but to continue the decades-old policy of extending unlimited support for Israel. He is in no position to pursue an even-handed approach to the Arab-Israeli conflict", the paper commented.
In the meantime, more and more Americans are asking why their elected representatives could continue say no when it comes to helping and protecting them because the deficit is too high and there is no money to help them in the midst of the worst downturn in 80 years, but still comes up with $3 billion a year aid to Israel, it added.
They are asking their elected representatives how many hospitals could be built in the US with $3 billion. They are asking their elected representatives how many schools could be built in the US with $3 billion. They are asking their elected representatives how many shelters could be built for the homeless with $3 billion.
"They are asking their elected representatives are what the US is getting in return for their generosity towards Israel. Well, that is easy to answer: Further erosion of American credibility and image and acquisition of more Arab and Muslim hostility. Add to that continued instability in the Middle East that would undermine American interests in the region", it concluded.
UAE paper shows apprehension over military aid to Israel
