Jerusalem Post: US cruise missile sale to Egypt worries Israel
Egypt-Israel, Politics, 11/30/2001

"Sale of advanced American cruise missile to Egypt has Israel and its supporters in the US, infuriated Israeli officials are not loudly protesting the deal," Jerusalem Post reported Wednesday.

"The sale comes as part of the annual military assistance the US provides Egypt, and a several-year effort already under way to help Egypt modernize its navy," the paper said.

The commander in chief of the Israeli Navy reportedly aired concerns about the sale at an event marking Israel Navy Day a few weeks ago.

But with the war on terrorism and America's new bid to help fashion a ceasefire under way, Israel does not want to pick a fight with the US over the sale.

"There was a policy decision made in Israel that we don't want an all-out campaign, it's not the right time, it's not appropriate," an Israeli official said.

"Having said that, we're concerned about the deal because it does edge into the qualitative edge Israel has.

We said that to the administration very openly and if we are asked about it by members of the Congress we air our concerns.

But we have decided specifically not to launch a campaign," the official added.

Previous Stories:
  Egypt calls on Israel to give up nuke option   (11/19/2001)
  On Bin Aliazer's next visit to Egypt   (11/19/2001)
  Bar Association tries Sharon   (11/15/2001)

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