US to speed up stealth fighter delivery to Israel

YAAKOV KATZ , Jerusalem Post, 25.10.07. In an effort to bolster the Israel Air Force in the face of Iran's race toward nuclear power, the Pentagon has agreed to move up delivery of its newest stealth fighter to Israel by two years, to as early as 2012, The Jerusalem Post has learned. Last month, the IDF announced plans to purchase a squadron (at least 25 aircraft) of the fifth-generation Joint Strike Fighter. That delivery was expected to commence in 2014. Eight countries - including Britain, Turkey and Australia - are members of the Joint Strike Fighter project. Israel became a security cooperation participant after paying $20 million in 2003 for access to information accumulated during the jet's development. The jet will be priced at between $50m. and $60m. Also Wednesday, defense officials expressed concern regarding reports in the Russian media that China has signed a deal with Iran for the delivery of two squadrons of J-10 fighter jets, developed by Beijing and based on a model of the Israeli-made Lavi.

They said it was possible that Syria would also buy the aircraft, a move that would greatly enhance its capabilities. The J-10 is based on technology and components sold to China by Israel following the decision to stop development of the Lavi project in the 1980s. The J-10 can use detachable fuel tanks to fly to targets 2,940 kilometers away. If true, it could reach Israel and return to base. Until now, the Russian-made MiG-29 (Fulcrum) has been the Iranian fighter jet with the longest range, 2,100 km.

Riyadh gives talks with Israel cautious welcome

Mark Tran and agencies, Guardian, 1/08/07. Earlier this week, the US announced massive arms sales to the region as part of its latest diplomatic push, with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states set to receive $20bn (£10bn) worth of weapons, while Israel is being offered $30bn.

Ms Rice, who is now in Israel, was expected to press Mr Olmert to respond to Saudi overtures by making more concessions to the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, whose Fatah faction still controls the West Bank.

Israeli officials said Mr Olmert was prepared to discuss borders and other core issues in "general terms" that could lead to an "agreement of principles" for establishing a Palestinian state.

But Mr Olmert has not agreed to fully fledged negotiations over the three main final status issues - borders, the status of Jerusalem and Palestinian refugees - as proposed by Mr Abbas. Israeli officials said any commitment now could raise expectations and lead to further violence if talks broke down.