Israel plans to ask the US Congress for $350 million in addition to the $2 billion it already receives in annual military aid, to help fund its military preparations for war, according to the Jerusalem Post newspaper.
Israel had hoped to receive a grant of $450 million in special aid, but Congress failed to approve it last month, said the paper, adding that that money was to have helped pay for its withdrawal from Lebanon and anti-ballistic missile projects.
A senior defense official said Tuesday that the Israeli government plans to re-submit its request for the extra funding as soon as the Bush administration takes over, said the paper.
Israel is also seeking another $350 million in special aid to build up its military to meet the increased probability of war breaking out, senior defense officials told the paper.
The money requested will be in addition to the funds that Israel would expect to receive if a peace agreement is reached with the Palestinians, the official told the paper -- Albawaba.com
