Source: The World Tribune
President Barack Obama has rejected another Israeli request for advanced combat platforms.
Diplomatic sources said Obama refused a request by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israeli access to a proposed stealth variant of the F-15E fighter-jet.
Netanyahu, during what was termed a tough and unpleasant session, failed to win Obama's agreement to approve the export of US offensive systems, including combat jets and helicopters produced by Boeing.
"Netanyahu asked that the United States expedite the export of military equipment and allow Boeing to export the stealth F-15 as part of the Foreign Military Sales program," a diplomatic source, briefed on the July 6 meeting at the White House, said. "Obama did not reply."
The sources termed the 90-minute one-on-one session between Obama and Netanyahu as "tough", with the two men far apart on such issues as a Palestinian state in the West Bank as well as Iran. They said Obama warned Israel against any military strike on Iran and stressed that Washington would resolve Iran's nuclear threat through a mixture of sanctions and diplomacy.
For the first time, the sources said, Netanyahu urged Obama to release weapons and platforms approved by the previous administration of then-President George W. Bush. This included air transports, attack helicopters, precision-guided munitions and other systems approved by Bush in 2007 and 2008 and since frozen by Obama.
A key request was for Obama to grant Israel access to Boeing's proposed F-15 stealth variant, called Silent Eagle and unveiled in 2009. Both Israel and Saudi Arabia have expressed interest in the stealth design, but the Obama administration has ordered the closure of the F-15 production line as the Defense Department prepares for the introduction of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter...
On July 10, the Silent Eagle completed its maiden flight in a demonstration of the F-15's stealth capabilities. Boeing said the 80-minute flight would soon be followed by a test of its weapons suite, including the firing of the AIM-120 air-to-air missile.
The sources said Obama also urged Netanyahu to accept Palestinian Authority conditions for the resumption of direct negotiations. One of the demands submitted by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas was for Israel to agree to a full withdrawal from the West Bank before talks begin...
For his part, Netanyahu maintained that the alliance between Israel and the United States continued to be "stable and strong." Speaking to the Cabinet on July 11, the prime minister said his meeting with Obama included discussions on Iran, Palestinians and efforts to force Israel to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The Israeli premier did not report any agreement with the president.
Note:
"Obama urged Netanyahu to accept Palestinian Authority conditions for the resumption of direct negotiations".
Interesting! What has changed in relations between Obama and Netanyahu since Obama took office?
Israel, it is clear Obama stands with the Palestinians ....
..... nothing more to say!
Bee Sting
