Oren: Always pursue F35s of U.S. regulations gel offers (Jerusalem Post)

Ambassador to United States, Michael Oren, said that Israel is seeking still additional F - 35 fighter even 20 aircraft after the failure of one offers U.S. to provide aircraft in exchange for a freeze on the construction of the colony.

20 Jets would in addition to the 20 Lockheed Martin Corp. - built F - 35 Joint Strike Fighters, valued at approximately 2.8 billion dollars, Israel ordered in October, Oren said Bloomberg News reporters and editors in Washington yesterday.

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US refuses to confirm an offer of 20 F-35 fighter aircraft

"It was clear from the outset that the 20 we purchase not enough and we would require more", said Oren. The F-35 aircraft are "ballast" in helping to maintain its military advantage qualitative Israel on potential enemies in the region, he said.

Responsible for defence from both countries discussed the means to pay for "Dear" jets because Israel has no funds, said Oren.

The United States had offered 20 additional F - 35 jets as part of an effort to revive the peace talks in the Middle East direct between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which stalled after a previous freeze on the construction of settlements in the West Bank was completed in September. The Chief of staff General Gabi Ashkenazi confirmed bid at a November 17 at the Pentagon press conference.

Administration of Obama, said last week stop pushing Israel for a moratorium on new construction of 90 days.

"Discussion of the 90-day extension is out of the table, but 20 additional jets are much on the table", Oren. ""It is not attached to the 90-day freeze." »

"Do not was a bribe.

Discussion on the delivery of Israel with an additional set of 20 F-35 aircraft begins around mid-year, part of a long US company help Israel "defending against an opponent in the Middle East or a combination of adversaries", said Oren. "It wasn't a bribe and was not intended to be a bribe, but part of the ongoing discussions."

These recent sales of weapons in the Middle East, including the transfer proposed arms to Saudi Arabia to the United States have eroded military aircraft by Israel against the countries of the region which have the largest defence budgets Israel, Oren said.

The United States currently provides Israel 3 billion a year in military aid. The program is not as sufficient to buy the protection he had 20 years when it has started, said Oren.

In October, the Obama administration told Congress plans to sell arms to Saudi Arabia valued at $ 60 billion what is perhaps the largest sale of arms to another country in the history of the United States if all purchases are made.

The plan provided for Boeing Co. F - 15 fighters, helicopters attack and bombs guided by satellite, in accordance with the notices sent to Congress on 20 October. It also covers transport helicopter made by United Technologies Corp. and Raytheon Co. advanced radar

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