Israel is very interested in new laser weapons beyond the Tactical High Energy Laser (designed to shoot down Katyusha rockets), wanting a more powerful weapon that could deal with Scuds. US contractors, feeling that the Pentagon has short-changed them on laser development money, are partnering up with Israeli companies. The Israelis have cash to spend on lasers, but it is US foreign military aid money that can only be spent at US contractors.--Stephen V Cole