| 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. |