Is Monday the day Trump announces he's moving the embassy?
There have been rumors all day on Sunday that President Trump will announce as soon as Monday that he is
moving the United States Embassy to Israel to Jerusalem.
The White House has at last confirmed that such discussions are taking place.
And Israel's Channel 2 also says that Trump will announce the embassy move on Monday.
Interesting day ahead.
By the way, Channel 2 has also confirmed that Trump and Netanyahu had a phone call at 8:30 pm Sunday Israel time.
Hmmm.
Labels: Binyamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act, US embassy in Tel Aviv
'Palestinians' threaten violence if US moves embassy to Jerusalem
One of the first things Donald Trump did after he was elected President was to promise to
move the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Now that they realize that Trump is serious (and has named my college classmate Dave Friedman his ambassador to prove it), the 'Palestinians' are responding in the only way they know how. They are threatening violence.
Let's go to the videotape.
JPost reports that
Trump is not backing down.
The Trump team has said that the US president-elect considers moving the embassy a "very big priority."
Throughout
his campaign for the presidency, Trump repeatedly said he would move
the US Embassy if elected – a political promise past US presidents have
frequently made, yet has never been held.
Longstanding US policy
is to treat the status of Jerusalem as an issue to be settled in
final-status negotiations with the Palestinians.
Longstanding US policy has also been to
veto all anti-Israel resolutions in the Security Council, and not to let them pass, let alone
orchestrate their passage. This is the best response of all to Obama's and Kerry's betrayal of Israel.
And if the 'Palestinians' kill each other in response, מה טוב.
Labels: Barack Hussein Obama, David Friedman, Donald Trump, intifadeh, Jerusalem Embassy Act, John Kerry, Palestinians, US embassy in Tel Aviv
Astounding: US Embassy has left terror victim's body in Israeli morgue for six years
Sorry for the lack of posting - I am totally swamped with work and has been all week. This will be quick.
I am embedding a Facebook post by Kay Wilson, a terror victim, who describes the inaction of the US Embassy in Israel under both Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, with respect to the body of Kristine Luken. Luken was murdered in the same
terror attack in which Wilson was injured.
This post is beyond shocking....
I have no words to describe my disgust with the United States government over this incident.
Labels: Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Palestinian terrorism, terror victims, US embassy in Tel Aviv
US Embassy in Tel Aviv stops processing visas
Citing the 'current security situation in Tel Aviv,' the United States embassy has
stopped issuing visas for Israelis who wish to travel to the United States.
Due to the current security situation in Tel Aviv, U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv
remains open but is operating at reduced staffing until further notice,
and has canceled routine visa application processing and American Citizen services.
Emergencies involving an American citizen and visa applications will be
considered on a case by case basis. If you had a scheduled visa
appointment, you will receive an email informing you of the appointment
cancellation, and another email with a new scheduled appointment. If
the appointment is not convenient for you, you may reschedule your
appointment through the scheduling system. You are not required to pay a
new fee. We will update the website and our facebook on any developments. To ask for an emergency appointment, please email NIVTelAviv@state.gov (for visas) or AMCTelAviv@state.gov
(for U.S. Citizens Services) and explain the nature of your emergency.
We will respond to your email quickly with additional instructions.
The Visa Section of the United States Embassy in Tel Aviv processes
applications for nonimmigrant visas only. Immigrant visas are processed
at the Consulate General in Jerusalem. Click on the links below or on
the left side of the page to learn more about the Visa Section.
Curiously, the 'current security situation, has
never led to the suspension of visa issuances in Kiev, Baghdad or Cairo.
A quick check reveals that there is no such “security situation” Important Notice for the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. There isn’t one in Baghdad, Iraq or in Cairo, Egypt, either. No visa problems at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, either. And Yemen is a go, as is Tunisia.
The only other U.S. Embassy in the entire Middle East, other than Israel, where visa services has been suspended is in Damascus, Syria. But that gives cold comfort, given the U.S. Embassy in Syria closed for all
purposes on February 6, 2012. Oh, and Iran – no visas being given out
there, either. There hasn’t been a U.S. Embassy in Iran since 1979.
Visa services are readily available at the U.S. Embassy in Karachi, Pakistan. There is no such “security situation,” Important Notice, like the one in Israel, for the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.
But wait, there is a special message on the U.S. Embassy to Kabul, Afghanistan‘s
website.
Never mind. This message simply states that the State
Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is “currently experiencing
technical problems with our visa system. We are operating at a
significantly reduced capacity” because of the backlog. However, this
problem “is not specific to any particular country, citizenship document
or visa category.” And with that, the general information about
obtaining a visa through the U.S. Embassy in Kabul is provided.
Gee, do you think that this has something to do with the Obama administration's disdain for Israel?
Labels: Barack Hussein Obama, Operation Protective Edge, travel visas, US embassy in Tel Aviv
US Embasy in Tel Aviv cuts to minimal staffing
Just received from a US State Department mailing list to Israelis.
As a result of the July 8 rocket attacks on Tel Aviv and the potential for further attacks, U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv will operate at minimal staffing until further notice. Chief of Mission personnel will not be allowed to travel south of Tel Aviv without prior approval. Embassy families living in Tel Aviv are being advised to remain at home and in close contact with one another.
The Embassy continues to closely monitor the security situation and advises U.S. citizens to visit the website of the Government of Israel's Home Front Command for further emergency preparedness guidance.
Recent events underscore the importance of situational awareness. We remind you to be aware of your surroundings at all times, to monitor the media, and to follow directions of emergency responders.
Anyone heard from Obama yet?
Labels: Barack Hussein Obama, Gaza, Hamas rockets, Operation Protective Edge, US embassy in Tel Aviv, US State Department
'Most pro-Israel administration evah' systematically bars Shin Bet and Mossad agents, IDF representatives and defense industry execs from visiting US
In an earlier post, I reported that the 'most pro-Israel administration evah' has presided over an
80% increase in the rate of visa denials for Israelis traveling to the United States. Maariv on Tuesday reports on some of those being denied visas.
Maariv reports (link in Hebrew) that the US has been systematically denying visas to Shin Bet (General Security Service) and Mossad agents, to representatives of the IDF and to executives of companies in Israel's defense industry. The denials have an economic cost to the United States, as Israel's defense industries do not place orders for American products unless they are able to travel to the United States to see them.
Neither government has commented on the report, but the defense industry has been discussing behind closed doors tens of instances in which visas to travel to the United States were denied.
In addition to the denials, many visas have been limited to three months once the applicant's workplace was disclosed.
Additionally, the IDF's representatives in the US (who usually work on defense procurement) have been given visas for one year, and then have to leave to Canada for weeks on end to await visa extensions.
Behind closed doors, Israeli defense officials reject the possibility that the denials are connected to Defense Minister Yaalon's
sharp comments about US Secretary of State John FN Kerry. However, they believe that they may be connected to an attempt to prevent Israel's defense industries from competing effectively with US defense industries.
The US embassy in Tel Aviv would not comment, but they did say that each visa request is examined individually.
Part of the story is summarized in English
here.
In other news, two weeks ago, President Obama
unilaterally eased the requirements for foreign terrorists seeking to immigrate to the United States.
Labels: defense spending, IDF, John Kerry, Moshe Yaalon, Mossad, Shin Bet, travel visas, US embassy in Tel Aviv
Right and Left unite at rally for Pollard outside US embassy
Some 3,000 Israelis from across the political spectrum rallied outside the United States embassy in Tel Aviv on Sunday to
call for the release of Jonathan Pollard.
"Today, after nearly 30 years [that Pollard sits] in prison, there
is no one who does not know that Jonathan’s life sentence is grossly
disproportionate and unjust," the agent's wife, Esther Pollard said to a
crowd of 3,000 according to event organizers' estimates. "Indeed, many
senior American officials are now calling for Jonathan’s release as a
matter of simple justice, and as a humanitarian issue."
"In Israel there is wall to wall consensus: the nation wants Jonathan home, now," she added, echoing the demonstrators' chants.
Speaking to a crowd that was overwhelmingly teenaged and dressed in
skirts and knitted kippot, Pollard commented that "The Americans are
leaning heavily on Israel. They demand that Israel make painful gestures
to our enemies. Israel keeps on bending over backwards to respond
positively to the American demands."
"How is it that in spite of all the gestures that Israel is making
at the request of the US, the Americans are not willing to make the
smallest, most minimal gesture towards Israel, the release of one
prisoner?" she asked. "We are talking about a prisoner who never
murdered anyone and never hurt anyone."
Pollard added: "If Israel cannot rely upon the US to deal fairly
with one Israeli agent, how can we rely them for the fate and future of
all of Israel?"
Knesset Caucus for Jonathan Pollard's Release co-chairman Nachman
Shai (Labor) mentioned the petition signed by 106 of 120 MKs calling for
Pollard's release, saying that no other cause has so united the
Knesset.
"[US President Barack Obama] is not an enemy of Israel, so we ask
him: It's been almost 30 years already. Let him go. Show human sympathy
for Pollard. We won't stop making this demand until he is free," Shai
stated.
..
"It doesn't look good, Mr. Obama, that only the Jew has been kept in
jail for such a long time," MK Moshe Feiglin (Likud Beytenu) said.
Jonathan Pollard is being held for ransom, and that ransom is the land of Israel.
Labels: Jonathan Pollard, US embassy in Tel Aviv
What the US government really thinks of our security situation
The US government may be pushing Israel to make more concessions to the 'Palestinians,' but as this email shows, they find our security situation to be downright scary (Hat Tip:
GP).
From: <amctelaviv@state.gov>
Date: Tue, Dec 24, 2013 at 7:27 AM
Subject: Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Response to December 22 Bus Bombing in Tel Aviv
To:
U.S. citizen employees of the U.S. Embassy and their families are temporarily prohibited from using sheruts, the mini-bus shared taxis. The temporary prohibition on sheruts is in effect for the next two weeks as we assess the security implications of the December 22 bomb attack on a public bus in the Bat Yam neighborhood of Tel Aviv. This restriction is in addition to the longstanding prohibition on the use of public buses and their associated terminals and bus stops in Israel.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings and news reports, and follow the civil defense guidance provided by the Home Front Command.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Internet website at travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. Download our free Smart Traveler app, available through iTunes or Google Play, to have travel information at your fingertips.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Israel maintain valid travel documents and enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
The U.S. Embassy is located at 71 Hayarkon Street in Tel Aviv and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. U.S. citizens may telephone the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7575 during working hours and the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 630-4000. After hours (for emergencies), U.S. citizens may telephone either the Embassy in Tel Aviv at: (972) (3) 519-7551 or the Consulate General at: (972) (2) 622-7250. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://israel.usembassy.gov or http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov.
Maybe if there's 'peace' they'll keep all their US citizen employees inside a walled compound.... Labels: Middle East peace process, Palestinian terrorism, US embassy in Tel Aviv
Iranian spy arrested in Israel
Yes, yesterday was a travel day and I am somewhere in Europe today. I tried to post last night, but my internet connection crashed in the middle.
Israel's General Security Service has arrested a spy sent by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Among other things, he was scouting the
United States Embassy in Tel Aviv. The man was arrested while trying to leave Israel on September 11.
The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) said the 55-year-old suspect
had been recruited by Iran’s Quds Force, the extraterritorial unit responsible
for special operations, terrorism and subversion run by the Revolutionary Guards
Corps.
The suspect was found with photographs of the US Embassy and
Ben-Gurion Airport.
“During questioning, the suspect, Ali Mansouri,
described entering Israel under a Belgian identity using the alias Alex Mans, as
well as his recruitment and activation process by Iranian intelligence
elements,” the Shin Bet said.
Mansouri is a Belgian citizen and a
businessman of Iranian origin, who was instructed to arrive in Israel and set up
a business network that would serve as a covert base of operations for the
Iranian regime to act against Israeli and Western interests, the investigation
revealed.
Iran offered him $1 million in exchange for his
activities.
Mansouri answered directly to the Quds Force, which is led by
Khamed Abdallahi and Majid Alawi, both of whom are subordinate to the unit’s
notorious commander, Qassem Suleimani, the Shin Bet added.
...
He visited Israel in July 2012, January 2013
and, most recently, came on September 6, for a visit that ended in his
arrest.
Security services found in his possession many photographs of
sites in Israel, some of which are of interest to Iranian intelligence agencies,
such as the US Embassy building in Tel Aviv.
During questioning, Mansouri
divulged information about his handlers, including details about Haji Mustafa, a
senior Quds Force headquarters operative, who met with Mansouri and received
updates about his missions in Israel; Hajai Hamid Na’amti, a Quds Force liaison;
and Mahdi Hanababai, Mansouri’s guide during his time in Israel.
Mansouri
described how his handlers ordered him to cover up his flights to Iran, which he
would take after his visits to Israel for debriefings and
instructions.
But under the 'moderate' Rohani, they love Israel..... Right....
Labels: Ben Gurion Airport, Iranian nuclear threat, Iranian Revolutionary Guard, spying, Tel Aviv, US embassy in Tel Aviv
Congress wants to sell US embassy building in Tel Aviv, move embassy to Jerusalem
A bipartisan group of representatives has introduced a bill to sell the US embassy's beachfront property in Tel Aviv, which has a market value of $100 million or more, and
move the embassy to Jerusalem (Hat Tip:
MFS - The Other News).
The bill, which is
being sponsored by Representatives Trent Franks (AZ-08), Brad Sherman
(CA-30), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Gene Green (TX-29), Juan Vargas (CA-51),
is now being circulated among members of Congress.
The initiative is unique because it recommends that the United
States government either repurpose the current Embassy property in Tel
Aviv to a consulate, or sell the property, which has the potential to
garner an estimated hundred million dollars at market value.
"The United States was the first nation to recognize Israel's
sovereignty, a mere 11 minutes after the new state was formed in 1948.
Today, 65 years later, Israel remains a uniquely precious ally. Just as
the United States has assisted the Jewish people in restoring their
ancient state, it is only fitting that we lead the way in recognizing
Jerusalem for what it is: the undivided, eternal capital of Israel,"
said Congressman Tent Franks.
“It is long overdue for the US government to relocate our
embassy to Israel’s capital, Jerusalem,” said Congressman Brad Sherman.
“Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation to move the US embassy to
Jerusalem in 1995. It is time to follow through on our commitment.”
“For historical, biblical and moral reasons, we are committed to
the unity of Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital with no waivers
and no caveats," said Congressman Doug Lamborn. "Our unflinching support
is especially crucial at this critical hour of turbulence throughout
the region."
Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are 40 miles apart and there really is no justification for an embassy in one and a consulate in the other (find me another country in the world where the US has diplomatic installations that close together). But hey - $100 million is just another Obama golf vacation and he's not going to tick off his Muslim allies to save a drop in the bucket like that.
Labels: Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, US embassy in Tel Aviv
US embassies and consulates closed Sunday due to al-Qaeda threat
US embassies and consulates in Israel and in 13 Muslim countries will be closed on Sunday due to intelligence regarding an
al-Qaeda threat to attack the embassies and the people waiting in line outside them.
Spokeswoman Marie Harf cited information indicating a threat to U.S.
facilities overseas and said some diplomatic offices might stay closed
for more than a day.
Other U.S. officials said the threat was in the Muslim world, where Sunday is a workday.
American diplomatic missions in Europe, Latin America and many other places are closed on Sunday.
Those officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
Here's the official news from the
US Embassy website in Tel Aviv.
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens
The Department of State has instructed certain U.S.
Embassies and Consulates to remain closed or to suspend operations on Sunday,
August 4. The Department has been apprised of information that, out of an
abundance of caution and care for our employees and others who may be visiting
our installations, indicates we should institute these precautionary steps. It
is possible we may have additional days of closings as well, depending on our
analysis.
The Department, when conditions warrant, takes steps like
this to balance our continued operations with security and safety.
However, beyond this announcement we do not discuss specific threat
information, security considerations or measures, or other steps we may be
taking.
For further information, we refer you to the Worldwide
Caution put out by the Department dated February 19, 2013, repeated below:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4787.html”
As a matter of general practice, U.S. citizens should avoid
areas where large gatherings may occur. Even demonstrations intended to be
peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the
vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your
surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for
updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to
enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or
residing in Israel enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment
Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security
updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to
contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly
with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
I understand keeping people away from possible locations of terror attacks, but shouldn't there be more of a response than that? Oh wait, that would mean admitting al-Qaeda still exists even though Osama Bin Laden was killed, wouldn't it?
Labels: al-Qaeda, Islamic terrorism, US embassy in Amman, US embassy in Tel Aviv
Here we go again: Claim Arab cameraman was strip-searched at US Ambassador's July 4 party
A cameraman for the US sponsored
al-Hura network was allegedly
strip-searched by Israeli security before being admitted to the UN Independence Day party on Thursday night. Both US Ambassador Dan Shapiro and Prime Minister Netanyahu have thus far refused to comment about the story.
The Arab satellite channel had coordinated with the Israeli prime
minister's office to cover the event on behalf of the international
media. But when cameraman Samer Jallad arrived, he said he was detained
for questioning, ordered to remove his shoes and sit in the sun for more
than half an hour, and then taken to a room where he was forced to
remove his pants for a body inspection. He said he was held for more
than 90 minutes before he was permitted to enter.
It
was the latest in a string of incidents in which Israeli security have
used heavy-handed tactics against Arab journalists, a practice Israel
has defended as necessary for security. Jallad, who said he has covered
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on many occasions, is a Palestinian from East Jerusalem who holds full Israeli residency rights and has a government-issued press card.
The
Foreign Press Association, which represents international media in
Israel, called on the U.S. Embassy to condemn the incident.
"We
find it especially shameful that a staffer of a U.S.-funded network
would be the victim of racial profiling at an official U.S. event
celebrating American Independence Day," the FPA said. "Such treatment
goes against the core values of freedom and equality that the U.S. seeks
to uphold."
Ambassador
Dan Shapiro refused to comment and only said he had no knowledge of the
incident. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office had no immediate
comment.
I wonder whether
this had something to do with the fear of an attack.
Labels: Binyamin Netanyahu, Dan Shapiro, Fourth of July, security, suicide bombers, US embassy in Tel Aviv
US embassy issues travel advisory for storm: Make sure to secure your submarines
The US Embassy has issued a travel advisory to all Americans living in Israel:
U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security in light of the escalating water levels around Israel. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings and news reports, and follow guidance provided by the police. The Government of Israel’s Ministry of Public Security website provides information on how to choose a secure space, room, raft or submarine in a home or apartment.
U.S. citizens are advised to maintain valid travel documents, boots and rain slickers at all times.
It's a joke! It's a joke! (Text by my friend
Ephy G).
Labels: rainfall, Tel Aviv, US embassy in Tel Aviv, winter
Pro-America rally at US Embassy in Tel Aviv Tuesday at 5:00
I received the following by email from my friend
Noah P.
Over
the past few weeks we've seen anti-American violence and hatred in
front of U.S. embassies across the Middle East. In Israel, a different
kind of demonstration will take place in front of the U.S. embassy -- a
pro-America rally.
Friends
of the United States will gather on Tuesday, Oct. 2nd at 5PM in front
of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv (71 HaYarkon St) to show solidarity and
friendship with America. Please forward this email to your friends, join
and share the Facebook page for the rally (link below), and encourage
anyone who can to show up and wave the American flag in Israel.
The rally is being sponsored by an Israeli group called
Im Tirtzu (which may sound familiar to some of you).
ISRAEL SUPPORTS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
Where: In front of the US Embassy, 71 HaYarkon Street, TEL AVIV
When: September 2, 2012 at 5:00pm
To show our support of the American people after the attacks on US
Embassies in the Middle East Im Tirtzu is holding a rally in front of
the US Embassy in Tel Aviv.
We wish to remind our friends in
the US that there is only one country in the Middle East that shares the
values of freedom and liberty; one country in the Middle East that the
US can always count on for support. Israel stands with the American
people against those who would like to see the fall of Western values.
For more information:
Matan 052-358-2213
Labels: US embassy in Tel Aviv
American ladies rock
Below is a notice I just received from the US Embassy in Tel Aviv about three concerts by a women's group called Antigone Rising. The concerts will be held in Jerusalem, Zoran (in the Jerusalem - Tel Aviv corridor) and Tel Aviv.
Antigone RisingI'd be more impressed if there were concerts in Judea and Samaria, but these ladies are being brought here to
promote an agenda.
But as long as no one is forced to attend, I doubt you'll see any protests outside, and the embassy may have to scramble for publicity.
Labels: Hillary Clinton, Israeli democracy, US embassy in Tel Aviv, women and song
US report: US embassy in Israel 'failed completely' in its PR efforts
A scathing report issued by the State Department's Office of the Inspector General says that the US embassy in Tel Aviv has '
failed completely' in its efforts to garner support for Obama administration policies. It also urges terminating the American loan guarantee program to Israel at the end of 2011.
The report, which deals with the performance of the U.S. embassy in Israel, says American diplomats have difficulty mustering support for the Obama administration's policies and implies the embassy failed completely in its PR efforts during the Obama administration.
"A fragile Israeli coalition government leans toward the views of its members from the nationalist and religious right, creating a challenge for diplomats seeking to build support for U.S. policies," the report says.
The unclassified version of the report was distributed in the State Department in March. At the same time the OIG released a report about the Consulate General Jerusalem. Haaretz has obtained copies of both reports, whose findings are published here for the first time.
The State Department's comptroller's team came to Tel Aviv in October 2010 and spent two weeks talking to its American diplomats.
The reports portray a problematic picture of the missions' performance in Israel.
The Tel Aviv embassy faces intense challenges, generated by Israel's current government, negative public opinion toward President Obama, a sensitive political environment and a vibrant media scene, the report says.
It finds that the embassy's annual public relations budget, intended to influence public opinion in Israel, is about $7 million a year, or roughly NIS 25 million.
Despite its diplomatic wording, the report implies the Tel Aviv embassy has totally failed in its public relations efforts during the Obama term. "Much of the Israeli public is suspicious of U.S. efforts to promote negotiations aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state," it says. "The lively and fractious press often misinterprets American policies."
One of the main issues the OIG team dealt with on its visit in Tel Aviv was the loan guarantee package the United States granted Israel in 2002. The Americans gave Israel loan guarantees of up to $9 billion in world banks to help its economy over the recession.
A condition of the guarantees was that Israel would not use the money for construction in the settlements. The OIG report says the embassy "devotes considerable time to monitoring Israel's compliance with conditions in the loan guarantee agreements," especially as the program has "accomplished its purpose - stabilizing Israel's economy."
"Planning should begin now for [the loan-guarantee program's] orderly termination," the report says. "Israel has been admitted to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, an indication that it is now a modern, self-sufficient economy capable of supporting its citizens as an industrialized country. The OIG team found a broad consensus that the loan guarantee program can prudently be terminated in accordance with the sunset clause in the original legislation, which provided that it would end by 2011."
As I understand it, the loan guarantee program has been a bonanza for the US, with Israel forced to buy things in the US that it could produce domestically or purchase for less elsewhere. In fact, I had an email this morning from someone who referred to the loan guarantee program as the "US Full Employment Act."
Heh.
Labels: loan guarantee program, public relations, US embassy in Tel Aviv
