Jerusalem - US Senator Calls For Gradual Cut In Aid To Israel |
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Last updated on: January 7, 2013 12:45 PM
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Republican Sen. Rand Paul in Jerusalem Photo: Rav HakotelJerusalem - U.S. Sen. Rand Paul on Monday called for a gradual reduction of American foreign aid, delivering the message in an unlikely venue — since Israel is among the top recipients of American assistance.
Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, told reporters that the U.S. can’t afford to keep borrowing money and then handing it out to others, even to allies like Israel.
“It will harder to be a friend of Israel if we are out of money. It will be harder to defend Israel if we destroy our country in the process,” he told the Jerusalem Institute for Market Studies, an Israeli think tank. “I think there will be significant repercussions to running massive deficits ... you destroy your currency by spending money you don’t have.”
Paul, a longtime opponent of foreign aid, acknowledged he was expressing a “minority opinion” and doubted Congress would end foreign aid in his lifetime. “It’s unlikely anything changes, but I think it is worth discussing,” he said during his first trip to Israel.
Israel gets about $3 billion a year in military aid from the U.S.
Paul insisted Washington should first cut aid to countries with strained ties to America, such as Pakistan and Egypt, and only later wean Israel off aid. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously stated he was interested in doing that.
Paul said the aid, used in large part by Israel and Egypt to buy U.S. weapons, was creating an arms race in the Middle East that could ultimately harm Israel, not help it.
“I’m concerned that some of the weaponry that we are currently giving to Egypt may one day be used against Israel,” he said.
Most American military assistance to Israel must be spent on U.S.-made equipment, providing a boost to the military industry there.
Paul suggested Israel would actually benefit from less aid, saying it would enhance its sovereignty by not having to approach the U.S. “on bended knee” when making its own decisions.
“I don’t think you need to call me on the phone to ask permission for what you want to do to stop missiles from raining down on you from Gaza,” he said.
Paul, the son of former presidential candidate Ron Paul, is mentioned as a potential presidential contender in 2016.
A member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Paul is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres and other Israeli leaders before heading off for meetings in Jordan and the Palestinian Authority.
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Read Comments (41) — Post Yours »
1
Jan 07, 2013 at 08:56 AM Secular Says:Report as Inappropriate
The merits of aid to Israel notwithstanding, his position is that of Moshe Feiglin.
2
Jan 07, 2013 at 08:59 AM radrad Says:Report as Inappropriate
I agree; independent countries should be independent.
Besides, with the gas begining to flow in Israel, there should be revenue to IY"H replace the tzedaka WE can't afford to give. Of course we should stop supporting our enemies like pakistan, egypt and the like. That money will only bite us later!
3
Jan 07, 2013 at 09:02 AM AlbertEinstein Says:Report as Inappropriate
What this dufus doesn't realize is that most of the $3B goes back to the US, since Israel uses it to purchase US military equipment.
4
Jan 07, 2013 at 09:16 AM enlightened-yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ What this dufus doesn't realize is that most of the $3B goes back to the US, since Israel uses it to purchase US military equipment. ”
Rand Paul knows more about how that money is used to support military industry than you do since he reviews the aid bills in Congress. Both Pauls have been against excessive spending on military industry, so he doesn't mind if 3 billion won't go back into supporting U.S. weapons factories.
5
Jan 07, 2013 at 09:16 AM Chazak Says:Report as Inappropriate
The debtor is a slave to the lender
6
Jan 07, 2013 at 09:23 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ What this dufus doesn't realize is that most of the $3B goes back to the US, since Israel uses it to purchase US military equipment. ”
Wrong....those are funds from a separate military assistance account that must be used for purchases of U.S. weapons. The foreign aid component has much fewer "strings" and gives EY broad discretion as to where and how it can be spent. At a time of budgetary austerity, ALL U.S. foreign aid except for humanitarian assistance should be terminated.
7
Jan 07, 2013 at 09:24 AM Election2012 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ What this dufus doesn't realize is that most of the $3B goes back to the US, since Israel uses it to purchase US military equipment. ”
#3 supporting Israel isn't a bad idea but when you write that the money is used to purchase American military equipment It's pretty idiotic since we are still paying for it.
8
Jan 07, 2013 at 09:28 AM Philllip Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ What this dufus doesn't realize is that most of the $3B goes back to the US, since Israel uses it to purchase US military equipment. ”
Using your logic...... the US is than giving away military equipment for free....
or that Israel is obtaining the equipment for free.
You may want to reconsider your sign on name....
9
Jan 07, 2013 at 09:35 AM vinreader1 Says:Report as Inappropriate
Stop sending aid to the Palestinians.
10
Jan 07, 2013 at 09:41 AM Anominous Says:Report as Inappropriate
US annual expenditure in its own army is about $500 billion a year. So the $3 billion in Aid to Israel is less than 1% of what the US spends on itself. It is a very worthwhile investment into Israel for many reasons, aside from the fact that the money is also used to buy US equipment and stimulate the US economy.
11
Jan 07, 2013 at 09:46 AM Brooklynhocker Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I agree; independent countries should be independent.
Besides, with the gas begining to flow in Israel, there should be revenue to IY"H replace the tzedaka WE can't afford to give. Of course we should stop supporting our enemies like pakistan, egypt and the like. That money will only bite us later! ”
Tzedaka??? Is that what you call it? Even if we cut ALL foreign aid our government would figure out how to give it away. 47% that's the figure of Americans NOT paying taxes - and you're worried about a few shekels being thrown at Israel??? How do you think they paid for the iron dome? Not from the sale of foreign falafel licensing.
12
Jan 07, 2013 at 09:55 AM Peter Says:Report as Inappropriate
The US spends far more money keeping US troops in Europe that it does on foreign aid to Israel. There is no need for US troops to be in Europe. Furthermore, the US spends more money keeping US troops in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Turkey than it spends in aid to Israel. Shouldn't the Saudis and Kuwaites pay the US for the protection they are now getting for free?
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Jan 07, 2013 at 09:58 AM Kzler Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Using your logic...... the US is than giving away military equipment for free....
or that Israel is obtaining the equipment for free.
You may want to reconsider your sign on name.... ”
Israel is receiving military aid also from Germany . The first two Dolphin submarine were for free and the others with diminishing subsidies
14
Jan 07, 2013 at 09:59 AM heimishe Says:Report as Inappropriate
The idea of stopping to send so much money abroad is not bad, but why start with our friend Israel? Why shouldn't we stop sending money to supprot the terrorists, like; Palestine, and their freinds?
15
Jan 07, 2013 at 10:26 AM shredready Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ What this dufus doesn't realize is that most of the $3B goes back to the US, since Israel uses it to purchase US military equipment. ”
do you have a business if so give me money to spend on your merchandise
16
Jan 07, 2013 at 10:37 AM Yiddl Says:Report as Inappropriate
So the chareidim aren't the only ones taking handouts. What chutzpa the frei have to kvetch about the frumma.
17
Jan 07, 2013 at 11:01 AM DRE53 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ What this dufus doesn't realize is that most of the $3B goes back to the US, since Israel uses it to purchase US military equipment. ”
So if you have a store, wouldn't you give me 10,000 dollars if I'll spend that money at your store?
18
Jan 07, 2013 at 11:07 AM Liepa Says:Report as Inappropriate
Before we start with Israel's 3 billion, lets see precisely what Flakistan, no friend of the US, and Egypt, another metzia, not to mention all the other countries around the globe, receive in US funding annually, courtesy of my hard earned dollars, taxed by our federal goverment.
It might be wise to completely halt foreign aid, across the board, at least until we bring the federal budget deficit into balance, instead of raisng taxes or/and cutting certain benefits to low income earners, charity begins at home, afterall.
As for Paul Rand, he's smart enough to call for reduction in aid to Israel on Israeli soil. Had he called for a reduction of foreign aid whilst in Egypt et al, not sure if he would have made it back to the airport..........................
19
Jan 07, 2013 at 11:09 AM ExpatriateOwl Says:Report as Inappropriate
And what about commensurate cuts in aid to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai, Turkey, et cetera?
20
Jan 07, 2013 at 12:19 PM PashutehYid Says:Report as Inappropriate
One thing to keep in mind is that during the 80's, Israel had developed and even built 2 working prototypes of a new highly sophisticated fighter jet called the Lavi. It would have been completely homegrown, including the engines, as Pratt and Whitney had a plant in Israel. The US applied a lot of pressure on Israel to cancel the program, since it would have been competition for the F16 in worldwide markets. (Israel didn't need enough for itself to be cost-effective, without the potential to export planes to other countries.)
Because of US pressure, it was cancelled. The US had to then promise aid to the Israelis to buy US planes as a consolation prize, or inducement to drop the idea. Viewing the success of Iron Dome, we can surmise that this would have been quite some plane, being built with Israeli technology.
So while I would like to see Israel become independent of the US, however, that must allow Israel freedom to develop its own arm industry, as well.
21
Jan 07, 2013 at 12:53 PM 5TResident Says:Report as Inappropriate
The US also gives billions in aid to Egypt.
22
Jan 07, 2013 at 01:38 PM Kzler Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Tzedaka??? Is that what you call it? Even if we cut ALL foreign aid our government would figure out how to give it away. 47% that's the figure of Americans NOT paying taxes - and you're worried about a few shekels being thrown at Israel??? How do you think they paid for the iron dome? Not from the sale of foreign falafel licensing. ”
show evidence and facts that 47% of Americans are not paying. You are ruminating Romney's malarkey
23
Jan 07, 2013 at 01:40 PM KZler Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ One thing to keep in mind is that during the 80's, Israel had developed and even built 2 working prototypes of a new highly sophisticated fighter jet called the Lavi. It would have been completely homegrown, including the engines, as Pratt and Whitney had a plant in Israel. The US applied a lot of pressure on Israel to cancel the program, since it would have been competition for the F16 in worldwide markets. (Israel didn't need enough for itself to be cost-effective, without the potential to export planes to other countries.)
Because of US pressure, it was cancelled. The US had to then promise aid to the Israelis to buy US planes as a consolation prize, or inducement to drop the idea. Viewing the success of Iron Dome, we can surmise that this would have been quite some plane, being built with Israeli technology.
So while I would like to see Israel become independent of the US, however, that must allow Israel freedom to develop its own arm industry, as well. ”
Israel has built an over-the-horizon radar system which China wanted to buy but the U.S. vetoed the sale
24
Jan 07, 2013 at 02:04 PM anon Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ One thing to keep in mind is that during the 80's, Israel had developed and even built 2 working prototypes of a new highly sophisticated fighter jet called the Lavi. It would have been completely homegrown, including the engines, as Pratt and Whitney had a plant in Israel. The US applied a lot of pressure on Israel to cancel the program, since it would have been competition for the F16 in worldwide markets. (Israel didn't need enough for itself to be cost-effective, without the potential to export planes to other countries.)
Because of US pressure, it was cancelled. The US had to then promise aid to the Israelis to buy US planes as a consolation prize, or inducement to drop the idea. Viewing the success of Iron Dome, we can surmise that this would have been quite some plane, being built with Israeli technology.
So while I would like to see Israel become independent of the US, however, that must allow Israel freedom to develop its own arm industry, as well. ”
Really? Lavi or not, do you really think israel can survive a 5 minute war without the Americans? think again. !ואמרת בלבבך כוחי ועוצם ידי עשו לי את החיל הזה
PashutehYid? or is it a Pashuteh zioni!
25
Jan 07, 2013 at 02:37 PM ne Who Remembers Says:Report as Inappropriate
In 1984, when Shimon Peres was interviewed on CNN, he stated that "there will come a day when we won't need a penny from the United States". After nearly 30 years, we are still waiting.
26
Jan 07, 2013 at 02:50 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ So if you have a store, wouldn't you give me 10,000 dollars if I'll spend that money at your store? ”
Only an idiot would do that. The businessman would be broke in no time.
27
Jan 07, 2013 at 03:31 PM A Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The idea of stopping to send so much money abroad is not bad, but why start with our friend Israel? Why shouldn't we stop sending money to supprot the terrorists, like; Palestine, and their freinds? ”
Did you not read the article? That is exactly what Rand Paul suggested.
28
Jan 07, 2013 at 03:33 PM A Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ So the chareidim aren't the only ones taking handouts. What chutzpa the frei have to kvetch about the frumma. ”
What are you talking about? Do you think the US gives the money to Israel and then someone stands on a street corner in Tel Aviv handing out dollar bills to people who pass by?
29
Jan 07, 2013 at 03:37 PM A Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ And what about commensurate cuts in aid to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai, Turkey, et cetera? ”
Am I the only one who read the article? Go to paragraph 6 and read:
"Paul insisted Washington should first cut aid to countries with strained ties to America, such as Pakistan and Egypt, and only later wean Israel off aid."
Does that answer your question?
30
Jan 07, 2013 at 03:41 PM AlbertEinstein Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ One thing to keep in mind is that during the 80's, Israel had developed and even built 2 working prototypes of a new highly sophisticated fighter jet called the Lavi. It would have been completely homegrown, including the engines, as Pratt and Whitney had a plant in Israel. The US applied a lot of pressure on Israel to cancel the program, since it would have been competition for the F16 in worldwide markets. (Israel didn't need enough for itself to be cost-effective, without the potential to export planes to other countries.)
Because of US pressure, it was cancelled. The US had to then promise aid to the Israelis to buy US planes as a consolation prize, or inducement to drop the idea. Viewing the success of Iron Dome, we can surmise that this would have been quite some plane, being built with Israeli technology.
So while I would like to see Israel become independent of the US, however, that must allow Israel freedom to develop its own arm industry, as well. ”
The frum Yid who cancelled the Lavi on behalf of the US did it for a valid reason, which, in retrospect the Israelis agreed to. That decision probably saved Israel's defense budget.
Please read "The Flight of the Lavi", by Dov Zakheim.
31
Jan 07, 2013 at 03:45 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Israel has built an over-the-horizon radar system which China wanted to buy but the U.S. vetoed the sale ”
It is not an OTH radar. It is a surveillance and tracking radar. The US contributed over 50% of the development funding, as part of the Arrow program (today it's called Green Pine).
One of the conditions to the US funding, which Israel agreed to, was that the US has the right to veto propsed sales of the technology to a third party.
32
Jan 07, 2013 at 03:49 PM ShmuelG Says:Report as Inappropriate
I see absolutely no problem with what Rand Paul said. I would gladly repeat it and sign off on it.
33
Jan 07, 2013 at 04:20 PM Aryeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
War machinery stagnates the economy. Remember "guns and butter"?
34
Jan 07, 2013 at 05:00 PM proudjewboy Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The US also gives billions in aid to Egypt. ”
& APC.s to lebenon
35
Jan 07, 2013 at 05:27 PM ShmuelG Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ What are you talking about? Do you think the US gives the money to Israel and then someone stands on a street corner in Tel Aviv handing out dollar bills to people who pass by? ”
I think you very well understand what Yiddl #16 is talking about, but you wish to pretend not to. Let me spell it to you thusly: The chilonim live subsidized lives while hypocritically accusing chareidim of doing the same. Clear enough?
36
Jan 07, 2013 at 06:24 PM TexasJew Says:Report as Inappropriate
Let Rand Paul worry about his son that was arrested this past weekend. He's got as good a chance of being President of the US in 2016 like Romney does.
37
Jan 07, 2013 at 06:50 PM scmaness Says:Report as Inappropriate
a great idea,we depend on hashem only,imm geula!
38
Jan 07, 2013 at 07:51 PM MarkTwain2 Says:Report as Inappropriate
Why not kill two birds with one stone? Stop the aid to Israel, ship bochrim who don't enlist in IDF to USA and let USA fund their Torah learning with the freed up money via HUD etc- the Lakewood fed govt support package.
39
Jan 07, 2013 at 08:29 PM PaulinSaudi Says:Report as Inappropriate
I used to think I was a Libertarian. Then Ron Paul began to run for president. He is very consistent doctrinally. But he showed Libertarianism to be nasty and stingy. In any case, he turned me away from the idea.
40
Jan 08, 2013 at 01:20 AM I_Am_Me Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Really? Lavi or not, do you really think israel can survive a 5 minute war without the Americans? think again. !ואמרת בלבבך כוחי ועוצם ידי עשו לי את החיל הזה
PashutehYid? or is it a Pashuteh zioni! ”
It's amazing how people forget God. I am stunned you can actually ask if Israel can stand five minutes in a war without America! Yes, we can! (& no I'm not an Obum fan ie his slogan, lol). America is not God, so I reiterate yes we can last decades, centuries & even milleniums without America, but not without God
41
Jan 08, 2013 at 08:32 AM PaulinSaudi Says:Report as Inappropriate
Don't you wish you were at that meeting? Great fun. But you have to give Paul snaps for going out of his way to upset people.