The sources confirmed the Israeli reports, also published on the Ynet
news Web site on March 25. The United States has not confirmed the
reports and the Defense Department did not issue any announcements. Haaretz
had reported that the deal would be announced imminently.
"I think the military-to-military relationship with Israel is as strong
as it's ever been," Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on March 25.
Under the reported deal, Israel would receive three C-130J air
transports over the next three years. The sources said the contract
contained an option for another six platforms.
In 2007, Congress approved a request by the administration of
then-President George Bush for the sale of nine C-130J aircraft to Israel.
The sale was valued by the Pentagon at $1.9 billion and included missile
warning systems, counter-measures and fuel tanks.
The Obama administration has not approved a major military sale to
Israel. Over the last year, Israel has submitted a range of requests for
U.S. aircraft, missiles, refueling systems and helicopter upgrades.
In Washington, congressional sources said the Democratic leadership in
the House and Senate has urged the White House to reaffirm U.S. strategic
relations with Israel despite their dispute over Jewish construction in
Jerusalem. They acknowledged Obama's refusal to sell weapons to Israel had
been overshadowed in Congress during the debate over the administration's
health care bill.
On March 25, more than 250 House members signed a letter to Secretary of
State Hillary Clinton that reaffirmed their support for Israel. The letter
urged Israel and the United States to resolve their differences.
"There is strong bipartisan support for Israel in the Congress that will
not falter," Rep. Nita Lowey, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee
on Foreign Operations told the Jerusalem Post on March 26. "The military
cooperation, the intelligence cooperation, the focus on Iran, is solid and
strengthens every year."
