(UPI/Washington Times)Joshua Brilliant - Israel is in the midst of a dispute between two world powers: the U.S. and China. Israeli officials are seeking ways to deal with a U.S demand that they confiscate parts of Harpy drones they sold China in the 1990s and Chinese expectations that they repair, or upgrade, them. The U.S. reportedly fears the drones could threaten U.S. troops in Taiwan. Israel is committed to obtaining U.S. approval for the sale of any system that includes American components or know-how. However, an Israeli official said there is "nothing American" in those drones. According to Yediot Ahronot, Israel reported the Harpy's original sale to China. "The Americans did not like the deal but did not express determined objections. In Israel, they understood (that to mean) everything is permitted," wrote defense specialist Alex Fishman. In March 2004 the Pentagon asked Israeli Defense Ministry Director General Amos Yaron whether Israel sold China more such drones. Yaron replied it provided spare parts in 2002. China asked for seven more kits in 2004, and because of the U.S. sensitivity, Yaron ordered that they not be delivered. An Israeli defense official said the agreement with China provides for maintenance and upgrading, and Israel was following that old agreement. "The Americans are exaggerating a bit with their demands....All along they think they are being conned, but Israel is acting with transparency," said MK Uri Ariel.
2004-12-30 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive