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Europe
El Al planes carrying mil equipment banned from some Euro airports
2006-09-06
Any question as to whose side Europe is on?
JERUSALEM - Planes from IsraelÂ’s flagship carrier El Al carrying military equipment to Israel are barred from landing in several European countries to refuel, according to a high-ranking pilot at the airline.

In a letter to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday, the pilot said Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy and Portugal wouldnÂ’t let El Al planes on special cargo flightsÂ’ stop over during the recent war in Lebanon. The ban was driven by political considerations,Â’ said Itai Regev, the head of El AlÂ’s pilotsÂ’ union.

As a result, much fewer arms than needed reach IsraelÂ’ because the planes, which depart from US bases, have to fly with much lighter cargoes,Â’ to conserve fuel, the pilot said. El Al refused to comment on the letter.
Posted by:Steve White

#8  Yes, and as a result of flying the extra miles, the poor, tired pilots accidentally bombed the French embassy.

Stop! Stop! You're ripping my heart out! If this is what made them miss Ghadaffi Duck by a whisker, I'll be doubly pissed off.
Posted by: Zenster   2006-09-06 18:07  

#7  Yes, and as a result of flying the extra miles, the poor, tired pilots accidentally bombed the French embassy.

Another result was that a couple years later afew dozen French civilians who had nothing to do with France's tortuous policy were murdered in the bombing of an airplane. Unfortuantely no French politician was on board.
Posted by: JFM   2006-09-06 11:44  

#6  Bush should push NATO to sign a peace treaty with Israel. NATO = US military protection, and leaving NATO now to go it alone is probably not a smart option. So, Bush can make some demands on those twits and bring them in line defending Israel.
Posted by: wxjames   2006-09-06 11:15  

#5  You mean equipment like the one that shoots high intensity flares out the back so the SAM doesn't hit he passenger aircraft?
Posted by: Glomort Glons9693   2006-09-06 09:27  

#4  "Didn't france make us fly around their territory when we bombed Qaddafi in the 80's?"

Yes, and as a result of flying the extra miles, the poor, tired pilots accidentally bombed the French embassy.
Posted by: Fordesque   2006-09-06 09:22  

#3  Simple Solution. Tell everyone their arms for Hezbollah. Instant open airports!

Hell, France will probably pay for the fuel and kick in a missle or two for good measure!
Posted by: CrazyFool   2006-09-06 08:33  

#2  Didn't france make us fly around their territory when we bombed Qaddafi in the 80's?
Posted by: bigjim-ky   2006-09-06 08:09  

#1  And this is a surprise? Various Euro countries have denied the U.S. access for military transport (France, Austria and Switzerland come to mind).

I am surprised that France isn't on this list, actually.
Posted by: Mizzou Mafia   2006-09-06 00:39  

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