apirchik is referencing the strategic ally relationship when noting "current 'relationship' between Israel and the USA began only in 1969". From 1948 to the 1960s, Israel played little role in the US strategic calculus and was not being supported like a strategic ally.

In any event, I don't see LY buying a few Airbus planes as biting my American hand, although I'd certainly prefer they buy more Boeing ... including Boeing Connexion. It'll be a fun scene to see the yapping on the flight if the ports for use with VOIP are not shut down. :D

Older doesn't mean wiser :cool:

You can just as well say that the "relationship" began in 1947 on the vote on UN resolution 181. As GUWonder correctly stated, I was referring to the current relationship as strategic ally and partner.

The USA strongly considered some sort of a weapons embargo on Israel in the early 80s when Israel used American F16s to attack Nuclear plant in Iraq. It almost happened again a couple of years ago when the IAI (Israel Aircraft Industry) tried to install American technology on a Chinese intelligence aircraft.

Did I mention that the guy who was the "operator" of Jonathan Pollard (the Israeli spy in the Pentagon) is now a member of the Israeli parliament and soon a minister in the government?

LY has Connexion in all it 744 (except 4x-ELS) and one 777 (ECA) the other three 777's will have them installed shortly as well.

The official word from LY the past few days is that LY is negotiating with the two manufactures (Boeing and Airbus) - this isn't over yet!!!!

Although it's true, what does this have to do with the price of tea in China?

It adds another light on the discussion of how the USA and Israel are such great allies and how much "chutzpa" it is of El Al to consider buying products from a European manufacturer.

I dont get it!

If USAir, Northwest, UAL etc can buy and fly Airbus why cant LY! and after all USAir got The US govt Loans after 9/11 to help it out and still ordered and took Airbus aircraft. As did America West. Jet Blue got special deals with the airports it started out at and it was using Only Airbus.

The ONLY question that is important should be which is a better Plane for what LY wants to utilize it for and which cost it the least amount of $$$ and still do the job it needs done. Anything else is pure Nonsense.

The point here is that all through the years a big deal was made of EL AL buying only Boeing and there was always the "theory" attached to it, that it was because of the special US - Israel relationship and how the government would not bite the hand that feeds it.
The issue itself has blown way out of proportion but it is still a very high profile one and EL AL is not 100% in private hands
If I might take an example from another facet of Israeli -Jewish life (and I do not wish to offend anyone), The eating of pork is only one small aspect of the Kosher laws and no more a transgretion than eating non ritually slaughtered beef or a cheeseburger made with Kosher cheese and Kosher hamburgers, but if you ask anyone what is not Kosher, especially a gentile and plenty of Jews also, they will say eating a pig
That is the "poster boy" for Kosher, and in reality because of the high ticket price and high visibility, Boeing is El Al's poster boy and I don't see it changing in the near future

Also, with regards to US airlines buying Airbus while some would expect LY to buy Boeing could be seen as similar to what you may be willing to accept from your own family you are not willing to accept from someone else's family.

Anyway no need to worry, it was a stunt, in today's paper I read thast LY will get another 767 in November. That will be the 3rd 767 that LY gets in the past two years.
Looks like we are getting closer to a 787 deal.

I completely disagree with you. The 767 is a lot more pleasant and comfortable than the A330. I avoid the A330 like the plague.

With all due respect it is meschugge to trust the EU more than the USA.

The first who will place an embargo would be the EU. And Sweden and Norway already have an unofficial one.

I will take a 767 over a 757/737/A320/a321 etc , but given the Choice Id take a 330 over a 767 anyday of the week.

would be funny however, if after El Al buys a bunch of Airbii, that the EU suddenly starts treating Israel a bit better.....

ELAL could buy AIRBUS (the company)!!!....and the Europeans would still treat Israel the same.

Anyway back on topic, which paper mentioned the additional 767?

Cheers