Israel Allows Russian Helicopters for PA

Arutz Sheva - Israel National News ^ | 11/19/5 | Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu

[SmithL]

Russia is donating two transport helicopters to the PA and also is contributing several dozen all-terrain vehicles, according to Moscow News. Israel previously refused to authorize their delivery.

The Russian government had planned to supply the Palestinian Authority (PA) with reconnaissance and patrol fighting machines but backed down "after taking into consideration Israel's position." Instead, the PA will receive 30 all-terrain vehicles, said PA national security advisor Jibril Rajoub. Israel previously refused to allow a Russian offer to give the PA two upgraded medium transport helicopters and armored scout vehicles, which security officials feared would be used against Israel. PA police last week wrote a letter to chairman Mahmoud Abbas stating that it would use weapons only against Israel and not against terrorists. PA interior ministry spokesman Colonel Tawfiq told Jane's Defense Weekly, "The Russians are ready to provide us with ammunition and light arms but [the decision] is up to the Israeli government, which is still refusing to authorize armament provision for our forces." The PA also is scheduled to receive from Egypt half a million bullets, donated by the United States, the China News Agency Xinhua reported. Israel agreed to the shipment on condition that the bullets be used only by the PA security forces. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz Minister previously had objected to giving the PA more weapons and ammunitions. He told the United States that the PA would have all the weapons it needed if it would disarm terrorists. Israel changed its position following American pressure, based on reports from special military envoy Lt.-Gen. William Ward that the PA police could not fight off opposition terrorists because of lack of ammunition. The Russian shipment of the vehicles and helicopters follows an increasingly close relationship between the PA and Russia, a member of the Quartet, which played a pivotal role in forging an agreement with Israel allowing the PA to re-open the Rafiah border crossing without direct Israeli surveillance. Other members are the United States, the United Nations and the European Union Russian police officers are training PA police and security forces, the PA radio service said.

[beltfed308]

Perfect for drive-by pali gunmen.

[No Blue States]

The Russian government had planned to supply the Palestinian Authority (PA) with reconnaissance and patrol fighting machines but backed down "after taking into consideration Israel's position."

Bush had better take another look into Putins "soul".

[M Kehoe]

...that the PA police could not fight off opposition terrorists because of lack of ammunition will.

There, it's fixed.

5.56mm

[DoughtyOne]

The Russians, Condi, Bush... Israel is getting it from all sides these days. When all hell brakes loose, I sure hope those who are demanding Israel accept certain things step up to take ownership of what they have facilitated.

If these helicopters and the all terrain vehicles are used against Israel, Israel has my permission to evacuate Gaza and the West bank into Jordan or any other place they desire.

[b4its2late]

Hamas will shoot them down and blame Israel.

[Neophyte]

If these... all terrain vehicles are used against Israel

Look, it's a deeply covered operation of the Soviet... ouch, Russian sympathizers of Israel against the Pali thugs.

Don't you realize what a disaster of engineering are these vehicles? And they're also real wrecks though brand new... especially if they were assembled on Monday, when the whole glorious working class of Russia has a hell of a hangover.

These, and the well known tendency of Arabs... ouch, Palis to have thumbs for all their fingers, leave no chance the cars to ever become operational.

[DoughtyOne]

Well, let's hope you're right. Thanks.