Source: APAmy Teibel
JERUSALEM
(AP) -- Israeli defense officials on Sunday confirmed $1.6 billion in
deals to sell drones as well as anti-aircraft and missile defense
systems to Azerbaijan, bringing sophisticated Israeli technology to the
doorstep of archenemy Iran.
The sales by
state-run Israel Aerospace Industries come at a delicate time. Israel
has been laboring hard to form diplomatic alliances in a region that
seems to be growing increasingly hostile to the Jewish state.
Its
most pressing concern is Iran's nuclear program, and Israeli leaders
have hinted broadly that they would be prepared to attack Iranian
nuclear facilities if they see no other way to keep Tehran from building
bombs.
Iran denies Israeli and Western claims
it seeks to develop atomic weapons, and says its disputed nuclear
program is designed to produce energy and medical isotopes.
In
Jerusalem, Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said Iran's
nuclear program will take center stage in his upcoming talks with U.S.
and Canadian leaders. Netanyahu is to meet with Canadian Prime Minister
Stephen Harper in Ottawa on Friday and with President Barack Obama in
Washington on Monday.
...
It was not clear whether the arms deal with Azerbaijan was connected to any potential Israeli planes to strike Iran. The Israeli defense officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not at liberty to discuss defense deals.
...
It was not clear whether the arms deal with Azerbaijan was connected to any potential Israeli planes to strike Iran. The Israeli defense officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not at liberty to discuss defense deals.
