U.S. aids Israel in anti-terrorist campaign
March 5, 1996
Web posted at: 1:00 p.m. EST (1600 GMT)WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States sent sophisticated detection equipment and technical experts to Israel Tuesday to bolster that country's "war" against terrorists.
A planeload of equipment assembled by the CIA left for Israel Tuesday. Officials would not be specific about the contents, saying they did not want to tip off terrorists about what to expect.
President Clinton also announced other steps Tuesday.
"I'm sure all of you as Americans share my outrage at the campaign of terror which is being directed at the people of Israel," Clinton said in announcing the U.S. aid. (230K AIFF sound or 230K WAV sound)
In a speech to the National Association of Counties, Clinton said the country must help end the terrorist attacks on innocent Israelis. He listed the following measures:
- The immediate emergency transfer to Israel of the detection equipment for use at checkpoints
- The dispatch of American specialists to work with Israeli counterparts to strengthen anti-terrorism measures
- The development of a comprehensive package of training, technical assistance and equipment to improve anti-terrorism efforts by Israel, the Palestinians and other governments in the region
- The president also contacted several Mideast leaders for their support, including Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Syrian President Hafez Assad.
The U.S. plans were developed by Clinton's national security advisers at a White House meeting Monday. The first wave of experts left with the detection equipment about 9 a.m. EST on a special Air Force flight. More equipment will be shipped on an emergency basis in the next few days.
The bombings in Israel within the last two weeks have killed at least 61 people, including four suicide bombers, and wounded more than 200.
Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, on a campaign stop in New York, said Congress might cut back funds to assist Palestinian's efforts at self-rule, if Arafat doesn't do more to combat terrorism.
Larry Johnson, a former State Department official, criticized the U.S. measures.
"Sending an anti-terrorism team to Israel is the policy equivalent of sending air conditioners to Eskimos. The Israelis ... have better intelligence than we do."
Clinton, however, accentuated the importance of the policies.
"The United States has always stood with the people of Israel through good times and bad. And we stand with them today." (133K AIFF sound or 133K WAV sound)
The Associated Press contributed to this report. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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