Israel needs 20 billion more in military aid from U.S. . Already they get 3 plus billion annually.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak says that a democratic Middle East will make U.S. military funding to Israel even more essential. In fact Israel needs 20 billion more in military aid to ensure adequate defenses against a more democratic Middle East.

Barak suggests that funding an even more massive Israeli military would stabilize the region. That seems unlikely but it would certainly be a shot in the arm for arms manufacturers as Arab countries will rush to buy arms to keep up with Israel.

Usually Israeli requests for aid are met with approval. Already they get 3 plus billion annually. However, it is at least possible that there will be some resistance this time around.

That massive federal deficit has even led to suggested cuts in U.S. military spending. Foreign aid is a likely target for cuts. However, when it comes to Israel and military aid politicians are likely to worry about the power of the Israel lobby and loss of donations to reelection campaigns from the lobby and arms manufacturers.