States. The recent Israeli incursion into Lebanon once again starkly revealed the very essence of the imperialist course of the United States in the Middle East and the level of military and political support afforded Tel Aviv by the United States. However, the facts show that the entrench- ment of Israel in the Arab territories depends in no small 13 way on the direct support and assistance Of Washington. As was pointed out recently by The Washington pod- &cat the very least half of United States military and economic assistance to Israel, which amounts to $2.6 billion a year, that is, $1,000 per capita for all Israeli citizens, is used to pay for the implementation ofIsraeli expansion in the West Bank, Gaza and the Golan Heights.” 135. Those figures shed true light on the hints we hear from time to time from official Washington to the effect that the intensive establishment of ever more Israeli settle- ments is creating certain impediments to the political game engaged in by the United States concerning a Middle East settlement. In actual fact, the present United States Administration, protecting its Israeli protege, far from reducing, is actually increasing considerably its assistance to Tel Aviv, providing it with the possibility of gnawing away even further into Arab territory. For the next finan- cial year this assistance will amount to about $3 billion. And the United States Secretary of State, replying recently to the question of the possibility of the Administration exercising at least a minimum of pressure on Israel, talked about the inadvisability of “forcing people to do things they believe to be against their interests”. Clearly, that approach is welcomed with gratitude in Tel Aviv. How- ever, that policy arouses a completely different view on the part of the Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese living 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the political and military relationships between the United States, Israel, and Arab countries in the Middle East. It highlights the significant financial and military support provided by the United States to Israel, which is used to further Israeli expansion in the region. The text also touches on the impact of this support on the Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese living in the region. Given the focus on international relations, military aid, and political influence, it is likely that the text falls under the categories related to international affairs.

**Category**
International trade, Employment