[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 9 (Tuesday, February 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S588-S589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                              ISRAELI AID

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I welcome the initiative on the part 
of Mr. Netanyahu and the Israeli government to significantly reduce the 
amount of aid we annually send to Israel. Our countries have a long-
standing relationship which has been witness to the maturing of a 
fledgling democracy in an area intolerant of its presence. In a very 
real sense, we have supported Israel's right to exist as a nation and 
we have supported its economic development.
  I note that Mr. Netanyahu's plan which calls for the complete 
elimination of $1.2 Billion in economic aid, is testament to the 
successful implementation of our past years' investment. The funds we 
provided have not been squandered. The Israeli economy is strong and 
growing. Mr. Netanyahu is doing the right thing at the right time. We 
do not need to continue the current level of these funds into the 
future. However, Mr. President, we must also take care not to undermine 
the economic stability of this democracy and we must continue to insure 
its military strength. For those reasons, I support a gradual phasing 
out of the $1.2 Billion of economic aid and the gradual increase to its 
military aid by $600 Million. Israel has been and remains a strategic 
ally, both in the region and as an important partner in developing 
technologically advanced civilian and defense systems. We must do all 
in our power to not just merely maintain that relationship, but 
strengthen it. I firmly believe that a strong Israel is the cornerstone 
for a stable and peaceful Middle East region.
  The cost of defending itself has been a tremendous burden on the 
Israeli economy. The threats to its borders and its people are very 
real. The Israelis have looked to the United States not only for 
funding assistance but for the hardware with which to defend itself. I 
note with pride that the new centerpiece of the Israeli Air Force is 
none other than the Boeing McDonnell Douglas F-15 I, known as the 
Stirke Eagle here, and as the Thunder, in Israel. This is the most 
advanced operational tactical aircraft in the world today. It will 
increase Israel's security and in turn promote regional stability. This 
is very much in our interest.
  Mr. Netanyahu's proposal will solidify our military partnership and 
bring an end to Israel's status as an economic dependent. Mr. 
President, as Israel strengthens its economic house, we must remain 
committed to preserving that house so that it might remain as a 
democratic beacon in the region. A strong Israel is good for 
America.

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