US eyes potential bomb sale to Israel
Pentagon notifies Congress of miltary sales deal of up to $65 million, for bombs, spares, repair parts and US technical assistance
The Bush administration announced on Friday what would be the first officially disclosed sale of US military equipment to Israel since the end of Israel's armed conflict with Hizbullah in 2006.
In a notice to Congress, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Israel had requested as many as 3,500 MK-84 "general purpose" bombs, spares and repair parts plus US government technical assistance in a deal worth up to $65 million if all options are exercised.
"Israel's strategic position makes it vital to United States' interests throughout the Middle East," the notice said. It said US policy has been to promote Middle East peace, support Israeli commitment to peace with its Arab neighbors, enhance regional stability and promote Israeli readiness and self-sufficiency.
"It is vital to the US national interest to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability," the Pentagon added.
The last notification of a proposed sale to Israel meeting public disclosure requirements occurred July 14, two days after the start of the 2006 Lebanon war, and involved a sale of JP-8 aviation jet fuel worth up to $210 million.
In a separate notice to Congress on Friday, the Pentagon disclosed a proposed sale to Turkey of MK-54 torpedoes and related equipment valued at up to $105 million.
Such congressional notices are required by law for sales that meet certain thresholds, because Congress can block a proposed sale.
On Jan. 29, the State Department said Israel may have violated an agreement with Washington in its use of US-made cluster bombs during its war with Hizbullah in Lebanon.
A US investigation began after reports that three types of US-origin cluster munitions were found in southern Lebanon and were responsible for civilian deaths. Israel has said it deployed such arms in line with international law.
