Neti/rocket
© Kobi Gideon (GPO)Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Israel Aerospace Industries on December 17, 2018.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel has the capabilities to reach any target in the Middle East with offensive missiles. Netanyahu visited Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on Monday where the Chairman of the board Harel Locker, as well as President and CEO of IAI Nimrod Sheffer presented the Prime Minister with ways to strengthen Israel's national security. Netanyahu said:
"There is an accumulation of very talented minds and people here who are developing the cutting edge of the defense of the State of Israel, from micro-satellites that we will launch into space to missiles, only part of which you see here behind me. Space is a huge sphere that the State of Israel is entering.

"They are developing offensive missiles here that can reach anywhere in the area and any target. This is the offensive power of the State of Israel which is very important for us in all sectors. They are developing weapons systems here with special capabilities that no other country has."
IAI Chairman Harel Locker spoke enthusiastically about the company's abilities, saying:
"You have seen and heard here a little of our abilities. This is the realization of the Jewish genius to its fullest. IAI knows how to reach anywhere for the benefit of the people of Israel. Decide and we will go anywhere we like. The sky is the limit."
Netanyahu also commented on an arms deal that would see 12 U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets being sold from Israel to Croatia, which the US reportedly blocked, according to Axios. "This is being conducted between the countries. I have dealt with this personally. At the moment it is too early to be clearer. We are working on it," Netanyahu said.


Comment: In other words, Neti hasn't won this one.


The $500 million deal infuriated Washington which warned Jerusalem last month that the deal would be blocked because it had not been approved by the US before signed, Israeli officials told Axios.

The officials also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the issue with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo earlier this month in Brussels. Pompeo reportedly said US Secretary of Defense James Mattis was the one blocking the deal.

Washington accused Jerusalem of selling the F-16 fighter jets equipped with new and sophisticated Israeli made electronic systems, so as to give at an edge compared to US made fighter jets.

In order for Israel to sell the jets to a third party such as Croatia, it needs an approval from the US which gives billions of dollars in aid to its Jewish ally every year.

In October, a historic military aid package signed between the United States and Israel in 2016 entered into force, providing Israel a whopping $38 billion in US military financing over the next decade. The agreement, signed under the administration of former US President Barack Obama, is the largest-ever military aid deal signed between the two countries.