US State Department, The United States and Israel, in a joint statement, say they have agreed on a remedy for previous troubles in their defense technology security relationship.
Issued on August 16, the statement notes the strategic alliance between the two governments and their shared view of the global security environment. It says their new agreement is “designed to remedy problems of the past that seriously affected the technology security relationship.”
According to news reports, that refers to U.S. complaints about Israel's plans to supply spare parts for unmanned Harpy surveillance aircraft it had previously sold to China. The concern was that the sales would upgrade the capability of China's anti-radar aircraft.
Israel's ambassador to the United States, Daniel Ayalon, was quoted as saying the agreement ends the dispute by dealing with principles, not details. “And the major principle is mutual consultation,” Ayalon said.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman similarly said there will not be an American veto for possible arms sales, but that U.S. officials will be informed and consulted. Whitman said the agreement would begin to restore U.S. confidence in Israel's ability to protect sensitive technologies.
Ayalon said the understanding “creates a basis for renewed confidence and cooperation between the two defense establishments.
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