WASHINGTON -- After months of silence, the U.S. Defense Department
has acknowledged the prospect that U.S. troops might be stationed on the
Golan Heights to ensure any peace treaty between Israel and Syria.
Pentagon officials said the issue was raised as part of Israeli-U.S.
strategic talks regarding compensation for any withdrawal from the Golan
Heights. The officials stressed that so far nothing has been finalized.
Pentagon spokesman Craig Quigley said this could include U.S. troops on
the Golan Heights. "That would certainly remain an option," Quigley said.
"Again, the issue here is one of this is very much work in progress in
Sheperdstown, and we'll see what develops from those talks, and take up the
discussion from there."
Quigley said Israel presented its request for aid over the last few
days. Israeli sources said the request is for $17 billion for military aid
for a Golan withdrawal.
The spokesman said the Clinton administration would not deal with
specifics until after a peace agreement is signed. Israeli officials,
however, said they want a commitment on U.S. aid before the Jewish state
agrees to withdraw from the Golan Heights.
On Friday, the Israeli daily Haaretz said the government of Prime
Minister Ehud Barak will request $65 billion from the United States. The
newspaper said $17 billion regards the compensation for a withdrawal from
the Golan Heights. Israel will also request military aid for an accord with
the Palestinians that will involve withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza
Strip and relocating communities and obtaining new sources of water.
The newspaper details the list: $3.5 billion is for relocating army
bases; early-warning stations is another $3.5 billion; anti-missile defense
would cost $2 billion; bolstering Israel's defense $8.5 billion. This would
comprise the total for Golan withdrawal.
"We have had only the most preliminary discussions with the Israelis
about what they feel might be some of their security needs in the event of a
peace agreement," National Security Adviser Samuel Berger said. "I think it
is premature to talk about what the elements are of that -- and certainly to
talk about any numbers. We will obviously discuss that with the Israelis. We
will consult very actively with the Congress before making a decision as to
such a package and the nature of it."
