NEWS: Israeli IDF Helicopters Sold to Colombian Criminals

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is investigating how American made military helicopters that were delivered to Israel, ended up in Colombia. The surplus helicopters were part of a U.S. aid package to Israel, but U.S. officials later learned that 5 of the helicopters were in the hands of Colombians who are suspected criminals. The U.S. questioned Israel about the aircraft, and now the IDF has launched a full investigation into the incident.

Haaretz Daily
The Defense Ministry is investigating a complaint that a company called Globus Aviation Ltd. was involved in a transaction in which surplus IDF helicopters ended up in Colombia, violating an agreement with the ministry. The possibility that the helicopters have ended up in the hands of criminal elements in Colombia is under investigation.

The main concern of the IDF is that this will hurt relations between Israel and the U.S.. Israel recieves nearly 1/3 of the U.S. foreign aid budget. Since 1992, Israel has received about $2 billion annually in military loan gurantees from the U.S., and over $16 billion in U.S. military loans were converted into grants between 1974 and 1989.

These helicopters were not the most advanced military equipment in the world, and the military components had been removed. The problem is that after practically being given these aircraft, they were sold for $100,000 a piece to possible drug lords in Colombia.

U.S. Financial Aid To Israel
Source:Washington Report On Middle East Affairs

Benefits to Israel of U.S. Aid
Since 1949 (As of November 1, 1997)

Foreign Aid Grants and Loans
$74,157,600,000

Other U.S. Aid (12.2% of Foreign Aid)
$9,047,227,200

Interest to Israel from Advanced Payments
$1,650,000,000

Grand Total
$84,854,827,200

Total Benefits per Israeli
$14,630

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[Edited on 13-4-2004 by dbates]