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A third of the $2.2bn is expected
to pay for relocating troop bases |
Israel is asking Washington for $2.2bn in additional aid to help fund
its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four small West Bank settlements.
Israeli officials say most of the money will be used to pay for developing the
Negev and Galilee regions - where the bulk of the settlers will be moved.
One third of the sum, officials say, will go towards the relocation of Israeli
military bases.
Washington has already agreed to provide the aid in principle.
But reports say that the amount is much bigger than previous estimates of about
$500m.
An Israeli delegation led by the head of the Israeli prime minister's office,
Ilan Cohen, is in Washington for meetings with US officials. The US team is
expected to be led by Elliot Abrams, the deputy National Security Adviser.
Israel is the world's largest recipient of American aid, receiving an estimated
$3bn annually.
Israeli disengagement from Gaza is due to begin in August.
Approximately 8,500 settlers and the soldiers that protect them are due to
be withdrawn from Gaza. Israel will maintain control over Gaza's borders, coastline
and airspace.
About 630 settlers will also be removed from four small West Bank settlements.
