The US has asked Israel to keep a low profile in the discussions on Israel’s special aid request. The talks, which are beginning tomorrow in Washington, will be conducted out of the limelight, without press conferences.
The reason for keeping the talks in the background is the Bush administration’s desire to avoid angering the Arab world on the eve of the war with Iraq, which would harm efforts to recruit support for the war.
The While House is also eager to distinguish between the talks with Israel and the negotiations with Turkey and Jordan on their requests for compensation for damages from the war with Iraq.
The Israel delegation to the talks consists of Prime Minister's Bureau director Adv. Dov Weissglass, Ministry of Defense director general Amos Yaron, and Ministry of Finance Accountant General Nir Gilad. The delegation members either arrived in Washington Saturday night, or will arrive today. They will be joined by Israel Ambassador to the US Daniel Ayalon and Minister for Economic Affairs at the Israel Embassy in Washington Boaz Raday.
The Israeli delegation will hold a preparatory meeting tonight, and meet the inter-departmental team tomorrow at the National Security Council. One of US National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice’s deputies will head the US team. Meetings with Rice may take place at a later stage. Separate meetings are also planned with US officials in specific fields.
The Israeli delegation will submit a detailed request: $4 billion in direct military aid, and $8 billion in loan guarantees. As with any aid request, Israel must submit a detailed report on how the money will be used.
The Israeli delegation will state its concern that the US attack against Iraq will unleash a wave of terrorist attacks against Israel. Israel will therefore ask that some of the aid be earmarked for preparations against the attacks. For example, Israel will ask that some of the aid be designated for anti-missile defense systems for civilian airplanes of El Al and the other Israeli airlines. This project will cost tens of millions of dollars.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on January 5, 2003