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VOLUME 13-14: 1992-1994
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18. White House Statement on U.S. Military Assistance to Israel, 26 September 1992.
Following the discussions between President Bush and Prime Minister Rabin in August, the Bush administration made public its decision to supply Israel with Apache and Blackhawk helicopters and pre-positioning of advance defense equipment in Israel. Israel would also be included in the American Global Protection System. Israel's concerns grew as a result of the Scud missiles attacks on its population centers during the Gulf War. Since then it has intensified its quest for appropriate measures to deal with this threat. Text of the White House statement follows:
In accordance with the United States' ongoing commitment to the preservation and maintenance of Israel's qualitative military edge, President Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Rabin have reached agreement on certain measures that will be initiated by the United States in the very near future. These measures include the supply of Apache and Blackhawk helicopters and the pre-positioning of advanced defense equipment in Israel. They will be, implemented pursuant to previously enacted legislation which authorized the transfer to Israel and pre-positioning in Israel of defense articles drawn from U.S. stocks.
It was further agreed that there will be closer ties between the two countries' armed forces, cooperation on technology upgrades, and the start of discussions on Israel's participation in the Global Protection System. These initiatives represent a significant effort in reaffirming the United States' long-standing commitment to a strategic partnership with Israel and will effectively maintain Israel's qualitative edge. The United States and Israel intend to continue consultations for the purpose of determining additional measures necessary to maintain Israel's qualitative military edge. |
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