Israeli soldiers respond with laser-firing rifles to a simulated Palestinian attack playing out on an interactive screen, during an open-fire scenario training in Camp Tsur infantry training base in southern Israel, near Yeruham March 24, 2016. REUTERS/AMIR COHEN
Reuters: Israel says Mideast arms proliferation imperils its military edge
Israel’s neighbors are buying arms on a scale that threatens its regional military superiority, the deputy Israeli air force chief said on Sunday, in remarks that appeared aimed at helping secure more defense aid from a reluctant Washington.
U.S. military payouts to Israel, currently around $3 billion annually, expire in 2018, and Israeli officials have spoken of needing around $4.5 billion. U.S. officials have balked at such an increase.
At the heart of the dispute is how to perpetuate Israel’s qualitative military edge - a guarantee that it gets more advanced U.S. weapons than Arab states get. Israel says it needs to bulk up its armed forces, not just upgrade their technologies, to keep ahead of potential foes.
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WNU Editor: Israel cannot compete with its Arab neighbours who are now more than ever determined to arm-up in view of the many wars and conflicts that are now gripping the entire region .... hence the Israeli demand for more aid from the U.S..