The United States will grant special aid packages to Jordan and Egypt in a show of appreciation for their moderate stance on the Israeli-Palestinian clashes, and their general contributions to stability in the region, reported the Haaretz newspaper.
Israeli officials said the package is also aimed at diverting criticism in the Arab world for $800 million in special military aid that Washington intends to grant to Israel, according to the daily.
Israeli diplomatic sources disclosed recently that the US administration has informed Jerusalem of its intention to grant the special aid package to Israel in two installments, with $450 million in 2001, and $350 million in 2002.
The special funding is in addition to $1.92 billion in 2001 and $1.98 billion in 2002, which the US is expected to grant Israel.
According to Haaretz, this special military aid is intended to help fund the costs of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and contribute to meeting strategic threats against Israel.
The US administration has not yet issued a formal request to Congress for the aid package, said the paper, adding that this will be done after the presidential election on November 7.
According to one source, it remains unclear whether the US will grant aid to the Palestinians, in view of the recent criticism against their leadership in Congress, said the daily – Albawaba.com
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
