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U.S. to Provide Israel $2.16 Billion in Military Assistance in FY2004

(U.S., Israel exchange letters Nov 15 confirming assistance
intentions) (350)
The United States intends to provide Israel $2.16 billion in foreign
military assistance in fiscal year 2004, according to a media note
released by the State Department November 20.
Following is the text of the media note:
(begin text)
Office of the Spokesman
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC
November 20, 2002
U.S. Israel Agreement of FY2004 Security Assistance Levels
As part of this year's U.S.-Israel Joint Security Assistance Planning
(JSAP) presentation, the United States and Israel exchanged letters on
November 15, which confirmed that the United States intends to provide
Israel $2.16 billion in foreign military assistance in FY2004. This
assistance, which is subject to Congressional approval, is essential
to preserving important security assistance programs to Israel. Under
Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security John R.
Bolton met November 13 with Ministry of Defense Director General Amos
Yaron and reiterated our support for cooperative U.S.-Israeli programs
and our commitment to continue to seek funding for U.S. participation
in selected joint research and development projects with Israel. Past
studies, and others which may be initiated in the future, are a
cornerstone for future technological and industrial cooperation
between the United States and Israel. We reaffirmed that, for the
purpose of releasing advanced military equipment and technologies, the
United States will evaluate Israel s requests on the same standards
and criteria applied to members of the NATO alliance.
These letters emphasize that this Administration fully appreciates the
dangers Israel faces from proliferation and conventional arms
build-ups in the region, as well as acknowledges the substantial risks
Israel has taken to pursue peace. These letters affirm this
Administration s commitment to maintaining and enhancing Israel s
security and qualitative edge over any combination of adversaries and
displays the full confidence and interest we place in the important
advantages the U.S.-Israeli strategic relationship have and will
continue to provide us.
The Joint Security Assistance Planning presentation allows the United
States and Israel to review Israel s requests for security assistance.
This presentation coincides with the annual Joint Military Planning
Group, which is co-chaired by the Assistant Secretary of State for
Political-Military Affairs and Israeli Ministry of Defense Director
General.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)