US eyes potential mn bomb sale to Israel

Washington, Apr 21: The Bush administration today announced the first officially disclosed sale of US military equipment to Israel since the end of Israel's armed conflict with Lebanon in 2006.

In a notice to Congress, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Israel had requested as many as 3,500 MK-84 ''general purpose'' bombs, spares and repair parts plus US government technical assistance in a deal worth up to 65 million dollars if all options are exercised General Dynamics Corp would be the prime contractor. Such congressional notices are required by law, and do not mean a sale has been concluded.

''Israel's strategic position makes it vital to United States' interests throughout the West Asia,'' the notice said.

It said US policy has been to promote West Asia peace, support Israeli commitment to peace with its Arab neighbors, enhance regional stability and promote Israeli readiness and self-sufficiency.

''It is vital to the US national interest to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,'' the Pentagon added.

The last notification of a proposed sale to Israel meeting public disclosure requirements occurred July 14, two days after the start of the 2006 Lebanon war, and involved a sale of JP-8 aviation jet fuel worth up to 210 million dollars.

Congress sets certain thresholds for disclosure of sales of US military hardware.

Reuters