Israel wants U.S. to foot part of pullout bill
Photo: Ata Awisat
Uncle Sam to the rescue?
Israeli delegation to ask Washington for USD 2 billion to cover disengagement costs, including relocation of IDF bases in Gaza and development of outlaying areas; President Bush has already pledged American pullout assistance
WASHINGTON - An Israeli delegation is planning to ask the United States Monday for about USD 2 billion to fund costs associated with the disengagement plan.
The amount is intended to be earmarked for the relocation of IDF bases in the Gaza Strip into the Green Line, as well as development projects in the southern Negev desert and northern Galilee region, among other things.
The Israeli delegation headed to Washington includes representatives of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Treasury, and security officials.
Bush pledged assistance
The meeting with American officials is expected to take place this evening and last for several hours. Economists and members of the National Security Agency, State Department, and the Pentagon will represent the American side.
During the session, the Israeli team will present to the Americans for the first time a detailed specification of pullout costs, as well costs associated with development of the Negev and Galilee. Notably, President Bush has already pledged American assistance on those fronts.
In a previous meeting held at the white House several weeks ago, the Americans expressed willingness to comply with the request for the special assistance and asked Israel to present a detailed economic plan for the disengagement and development of the Galilee and Negev.
Notably, until recently, the Israeli tactic has been to present the country’s economic needs to the Americans without asking for a specific sum of money.
