Israel On Their Own?
May 29, 2009 / 9:44 am • By Dr. Melissa ClouthierPresident Obama is spending lots of his time reaching out to the Muslims of the world, but has assured Israel he’s their buddy. Do you believe him?
I don’t.
And here’s evidence that President Obama is paying lip service to Israel. From the World Tribune:
The Obama administration has blocked Israel’s request for advanced U.S.-origin attack helicopters.
Government sources said the administration has held up Israel’s request for the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter. The sources said the request was undergoing an interagency review to determine whether additional Longbow helicopters would threaten Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.
“During the recent war, Israel made considerable use of the Longbow, and there were high civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip,” a source close to the administration said.
The sources said Israel has sought to purchase up to six new AH-64Ds in an effort to bolster conventional and counter-insurgency capabilities. They said Israel wants to replenish its fleet after the loss of two Apache helicopters in the 2006 war with Hizbullah.
That’s right, tie the hands of the only self-sustaining Democracy in the Middle East. With a friend like President Obama, who needs enemies?
4 Responses to “Israel On Their Own?”
May 29 2009 / 12:42 pm
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Melissa,
Not seeling Apaches to the Israelis will simply mean that Israel will become even more self-sufficient militarily than ever before.
The trend started right after the 1973 war when Israel desperately needed supplies (especially spare parts) for their vehicles. The US government, under Nixon, delayed them. Bear in mind that the Israelis used British Centurions and US M-60s for tanks. After that, was it really surprising that the Israelis switched over to the Merkava tank (which, BTW, is probably equal to the M1A2)?
Same thing with their air force, although they don’t actually have any native jets (I think the Kfir was the only one they did, though admittedly I’m not an expert). However, Israel does have a thriving high-tech industry and they put electronics in their F-15s and F-16s that we don’t have. If they really wanted to, I don’t think Israel would have any problems building their own attack helicopters and fighter jets. But it’s probably easier and cheaper to buy American and then improve on them (which they also did with their Bradley IFVs).
Personally, I don’t think Netanyahu should listen to Obama. It’s clear that the Messiah will use Israel as a fall guy to try to facilitate peace in the Middle East. Of course, once Israel falls, the West in general will be next…
May 30 2009 / 8:53 am
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I don’t think it’s possible for a country the size of Israel to be self sufficient in weapons procurement and support…indeed, even the US is not self sufficient–for example, during the Iraq war a Swiss company refused to continue selling us a critical component for the JDAM missile.
May 31 2009 / 12:31 pm
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david,
I’m not saying that it’s easy, but it is possible. Israel has a strong local defense industry. Same with Iran (though they aren’t as technologically proficient…but they’re getting there). Compared to Syria, for example, which can manufacture small arms and copy older Soviet models but has no real industry for supplying new weapons. Israel does.
June 10 2009 / 2:29 pm
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Of course Israel is on its own. What muslim, black liberatarion beliving “donkey” in the WH would give Israel any consideration. Afterall, bow to the higher authority in the muslim prince of the arab countries. And then visit all of the enemies of Israel who have vowed and not disowned their promise to destroy Israel. Yep, the country of Israel is on its own. And as an American, with My once proud country going to muslim hell in a handbasket, I am seriously considering going to Israel and live there , fight for them, and die for them if called upon. My country is gone until the donkey voters are “smartened up”. Ah, but I believe its too late.