Pentagon: Aid Only For 'Essential Items'

[Purveyor]

Source: Jerusalem Post

The IDF can no longer use American foreign military aid to purchase "non-essential military items," The Jerusalem Post has learned.

According to defense officials, the Pentagon informed the Defense Ministry last month that the new instruction pertained to all countries receiving US foreign military financing (FMF), and not just Israel.

The instruction was sent out to all Defense Ministry branches in a letter by the head of the Procurement Department, Menahem Marmorush.

Officials said that according to the FMF regulations, the $3 billion that Israel receives was supposed to be used strictly for weaponry and defense-related projects. Over the years, however, the Pentagon made exceptions and allowed the IDF to purchase non-essential items such as covers for trucks, uniforms and even food for soldiers.

Last week, the Post revealed that in recent Defense Ministry assessments, Defense Minister Ehud Barak raised concerns that the new administration in Washington might try to cut the FMF to Israel as part of an effort to pressure the government into dismantling illegal outposts.

Read more: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1235898318481&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[acmavm]

1. Happily enough we'll make them quit buying them damn unis and

truck covers and stick to bombs and bullets!

<snip>

Officials said that according to the FMF regulations, the $3 billion that Israel receives was supposed to be used strictly for weaponry and defense-related projects. Over the years, however, the Pentagon made exceptions and allowed the IDF to purchase non-essential items such as covers for trucks, uniforms and even food for soldiers.

[shadowknows69]

2. Interesting, looks like we might be tightening Israels allowance a bit

When there's a story that they aren't allowed to buy cluster bombs and white phospherous weapons then we're making real progress.

[Massacure]

3. A dollar is a dollar.

Whether you use an American dollar for a uniform and a Jewish dollar for a bullet or a Jewish dollar for a uniform and an American dollar for a bullet, the effect is still the same...

[Gin]

4. IMO - we should transfer the money we give Israel to Gaza for rebuilding

for one year...Clinton proposed giving Gaza 90 + million for rebuilding...I say..since Israel broke it...they should pay for fixing it, even if it's with US tax dollars.