Israel just received 3 working F-35 stealth fighters from US military aid; a 10 year package POTUS Barry signed and US taxpayers are paying for. But if we’re telling South Korea they need to pay for the US Missiles to protect them, shouldn’t Israel have to pay as well – PB/TK
Critics blast US shipment of fighter jets to Israel – By Jonathon Cook April 27 2017
Israel received three F-35 stealth fighter jets from the United States at the weekend – a new generation of “near-invisible” planes that critics fear will free the country’s hand to launch air strikes and spying operations against neighbouring states undetected.
In total, Israel has bought 50 F-35s from manufacturer Lockheed Martin, and claims it will have the first squadron combat-ready before the end of the year.
Israel is the first country outside the US to be allowed access to the warplane, said to be the most expensive ever developed.
The F-35’s main selling point is its advanced stealth capabilities, reportedly allowing it to evade even the most sophisticated anti-aircraft missile systems. Lockheed describes the plane as “virtually invisible”.
According to Israeli officials, the jet will be able to outsmart Russian S-300 missiles, which are stationed in both Syria and Iran. Israel has launched repeated air strikes in Syria over the past five years, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested he wants to attack Iran.
Analysts have noted that, although the jet comes with a huge price tag – each plane costs around $110m – US taxpayers will be footing the bill.
Continue to Aljazeera.com article: http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/04/critics-blast-shipment-fighter-jets-israel-170426074948986.html
