Israel-U.S. sign $3bn contract for F-35 fighter jets, Syria says deal threatens region

[News_Editor]

Israel-U.S. sign $3bn contract for F-35 fighter jets, Syria says deal threatens region

2010-10-09 02:11:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) -- After Israel on Thursday reached a contract agreement with the U.S. government to buy F-35 stealth fighter jets, Syria's Foreign Minister says the deal threatens security in the region, local media reported Friday.

Israel will be purchasing 20 fifth-generation F-35 stealth jets from the U.S. for almost $2.75 billion, receiving the first jet some time between 2015 and 2017, at $96 million per plane. These latest jets are capable of flying without being detected by radars and subsequently anti-aircraft missiles.

The contract was signed in New York by the Director General of Isreal's Defense Ministry Ehud Shani, which could be expanded to 75 more fighter jets. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement would strengthen Israel's military.

Last month, Defense Minister Ehud Barak the F-35 would provide Israel with "continued air superiority and help retain its qualitative military edge in the region,†stating that the fighter jets would provide improved capabilities for Israeli security operation near and far.

However, Walid Muallem, Syria's Foreign Minister, warned that the announced agreement seriously threatens the "stability and security in the region."

"We are told that (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu will announce a two-month freeze on settlements, provided this issue is not raised again, and obtain in exchange a deal for very sophisticated arms," he said. "The question is no longer a two-month settlement freeze, but rather a threat to Arab security," Muallem added.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-10-09

[Jingthing]

Syria's Foreign Minister says the deal threatens security in the region, local media reported Friday.

Syria, ally of Iran. 'Nuff said.

[Tigs]

Syria's Foreign Minister says the deal threatens security in the region, local media reported Friday.

Syria, ally of Iran. 'Nuff said.

I don't get your post Jingthing. What do you mean 'nuff said'?

The fact is that the statement by Syria is absolutely correct. At the moment we have the Arab League all supporting the ceasation of direct talks between Palestine and Israel, because Israel continue with the building of illegal settlements. The US who are trying to broker the talks have tried getting mighty hard with Israel, who in turn have effectively turned to the US and said 'ram it'. Now whilst the US should be considering a hard line approach with this country that has failed to comply with UN Resolutions for years, it goes ahead with a massive upgrade program for Israeli air assets, which is just going to rub salt in to an already open wound.

Think about it.

[Jingthing]

Iran is also arming, likely will have have nukes within a year or two. That is much more destabilizing for the entire middle east than more fighters for Israel.

When Syria speaks, Iran is largely behind it. A war is brewing, nobody in their right mind likes that, but it is happening nonetheless. I have my side if it comes to that, and it ain't Iran, home of the stonings, holocaust deniers, and state sanctioned murders of homosexuals and political dissidents.

Edited October 9, 2010 by Jingthing