US makes pact with Israel on Last Day of Business for Bush

Immediately prior to Israel’s decision on Saturday, to declare a ceasefire in Gaza, Tzipi Livni, the Israeli Foreign Minister received signed assurance from US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, that the US government would provide security and intelligence personnel to assist the Israeli military as it occupies all Palestinian land.

Previously, the US maintained only material support to Israel, providing them with weapons shipments and billions of dollars each year. Now, the US is committed in writing to Israel’s foreign minister. Condoleezza Rice stated the US is dedicated to providing “resources, wherewithal and technology necessary.”

Essentially, the US will provide Israel with military and intelligence equipment, as well as personnel who will serve to “inhibit the ability of Hamas to rearm.”

Rice met with Livni just two hours before the Israeli cabinet voted on a unilateral ceasefire. Some analysts suggest that this is not an entirely bold move, and could have been years in the making. The US has secured a new role for its military in the region; and on the very last day of business for the Bush administration.

It is not expected that the Obama administration will overturn this.

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