US To Israel: Do not sell military equipment to India

Last minute obstacles have obstructed talks between the US and Israel on the latter's intention to purchase the most advanced models of F-16 combat jets.

Israel had intended to install an advanced radar system made by the Israeli firm Elbit on the jets, but the US has insisted that those advanced combat jets were to be served only with US-made radar systems. Israel claimed its own radar systems are the most advanced in the world. The US rejected the Israeli assessment and turned down another Israeli proposal to install a different radar system, jointly being produced by both.

Israeli sources said the American radar systems were being developed in the US for 80 F-16 war planes that were purchased by the United Arab Emirates. The papers said that Israel was asked to purchase this radar system in order to cut the costs incurred by the United Arab Emirates for systems development.

The paper quoted Israeli officials as saying that the significance of this proposal is that Israel will subsidize "the United Arab Emirates radar system that is to be installed in their planes which will have an increased range that will also reach Israel."

In another development, the US has asked Israel to cease negotiations with India over selling new electronic equipment designed for the Indian army. This equipment was developed and manufactured in Israel and does not employ any American technology. The decision was taken in the wake of the nuclear tests that India conducted last month.

Negotiations between Israel and India regarding this equipment have been underway for a year, and an Indian delegation even visited Israel in order to examine the equipment. American pressure on Israel began in the aftermath of the Indian nuclear tests.

Washington had not objected to arms deals between Israel and India in the past. But after the nuclear tests, Washington made it clear that even though the equipment is Israeli and does not contain any American technology, the very fact that such a military deal is being conducted with India constitutes an embarrassment for the US Administration. Israel, US officials argued, is a friendly state and thereby should adhere to the sanctions the US imposed on India following the nuclear tests.