US President George Bush put a freeze on $200 million in anti-terrorism assistance for Israel yesterday. However, the president said that he would turn to Congress to compose specific amendments in order to pass on the funds. Since Congress is currently in recess until the end of the month, Israel may not receive the money until some time next year.
The $200 million earmarked for Israel was part of a $29 billion Congress-approved spending proposal geared to support the US war on terror, as well as assist New York’s recovery from the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center. The president said that the package exceeded the necessary spending limit by $5.1 billion. $50 million had also been earmarked for humanitarian aid to the Palestinian Authority.
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Chairman Tim Wuliger and
and Executive Director Howard Kohr said that they were disappointed that the financial package was delayed. “AIPAC believes that both branches of government [executive and legislative] should move expeditiously to find a way to provide this needed $200 million for Israel's anti-terror efforts,” read an AIPAC statement.
The $200 million earmarked for Israel was part of a $29 billion Congress-approved spending proposal geared to support the US war on terror, as well as assist New York’s recovery from the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center. The president said that the package exceeded the necessary spending limit by $5.1 billion. $50 million had also been earmarked for humanitarian aid to the Palestinian Authority.
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Chairman Tim Wuliger and
and Executive Director Howard Kohr said that they were disappointed that the financial package was delayed. “AIPAC believes that both branches of government [executive and legislative] should move expeditiously to find a way to provide this needed $200 million for Israel's anti-terror efforts,” read an AIPAC statement.