Rice, Gates offer arms, seek help on Mideast trip

WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates headed for the Middle East today, armed with big military aid plans for allies and seeking their help with Iraq.

Rice said Washington planned to offer Egypt a billion package and Israel a billion deal -- increases on previous military funding -- over 10 years, as well as unspecified defense aid to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

''This effort will help bolster forces of moderation and support a broader strategy to counter the negative influences of al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Syria and Iran,'' Rice said.

On a rare joint trip, the two Cabinet secretaries will hold meetings with leaders in Egypt and Saudi Arabia before going their separate ways to other destinations in the region.

Administration officials say the visit is meant to send a signal to long-standing U.S. allies in the Middle East that the United States remains committed to the region despite its problems in Iraq and the growing strength of Iran.

The Saudi package is expected to upgrade the country's missile defenses and air force and increase its naval capabilities, a defense official told Reuters on Saturday. The package for Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf countries could reach 20 bill