Israel Matzav

Israel trying to block US - Saudi arms deal

Despite promises by the Obama administration that our qualitative arms superiority over the surrounding Arab states will not be eroded, Israel finds itself in the position of trying to block a US arms deal with Saudi Arabia because it would erode that qualitative superiority. But hey - everything with the Obama administration is peachy keen. Just ask Michael Oren, our ambassador to the US.

The aircraft deal was also raised in talks between Saudi King Abdullah and U.S. President Barack Obama last week. The defense source told Haaretz the Americans are interested in building up the Saudi air force vis-a-vis Iran, which would help deter the Islamic Republic.

Israel, however, hopes that if the deal goes forward, Saudi Arabia will receive fewer advanced versions of the F-15 than those possessed by Israel, which seeks to maintain its air force's superiority. "Today these planes are against Iran, tomorrow they might turn against us," the source said.

Israel and the United States held a number of meetings over the past 18 months on Israel's superiority. The two sides agreed that neither would surprise the other by agreeing a military deal with a third party. A senior source in the U.S. administration told Haaretz the United States has promised Israel it would have priority access to any new weapons system and, in some cases, exclusive rights to buy new weapons systems, as opposed to Arab states.

"The administration is conducting open and completely transparent talks with Israel on the matter, and we are updating Israel on any planned deal to hear its reservations," the official said. "We believe that there are many cases in which the Iranian threat commits us to strengthen the ability of states in the region to defend themselves."

You want to tell me that the Saudis are actually going to attack Iran or otherwise participate in defending themselves against the Mullahs? You've got to be kidding.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:33 AM