Uncle Sam to the rescue
Photo: AP
Expected to announce immediate cash transfer
Photo: AP
U.S. to finance border crossings
USD50 million to be transferred to Israel; Bush urges Arab world to deliver on Palestinian aid pledges
WASHINGTON - The United States is set to provide Israel with USD50 million to improve border crossings and allow for faster and more efficient border inspection of people and goods.
The money allocated to Israel is part of the USD350 million Bush had promised the Palestinians during his state of the union address in Congress last week.
Israel had requested the money two weeks ago at a meeting held at the White house and attended by Foreign Ministry Director-General Ron Prushor and Israeli Ambassador to Israel Danny Ayalon.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, scheduled to arrive in Israel Sunday, is expected to announce the immediate transfer of USD41 million, an amount originally allocated to improving the quality of life in Gaza, but held back due to terror.
The U.S. is also pressuring the Arab world to transfer the USD400 million promised to the Palestinians.
The Bush Administration is hoping the money sent from Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates would ease the poverty in the territories and convince terrorists to "retire" and receive a monthly USD100 allowance instead.
