January 19, 2006

Joint Statement between the US and Israel

The 38th meeting of the Joint Political Military Group (JPMG) between the US and Israel was held in Tel-Aviv on January 11, 2006. Dr. John Hillen, Assistant Secretary of State (PM) and Mr. Peter Rodman, Assistant Secretary of Defense (ISA) headed the US side. Mr. Jacob Toren, IMoD Director General headed a similar inter-agency Israeli group.

The meeting was conducted in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The sides discussed a range of topics of mutual interest including global and regional challenges, maintaining Israeli qualitative edge and additional bilateral issues.

The US and Israel have determined to continue combating global and regional terrorism and at the same time to invest efforts in making the Middle East a safer and more prosperous region.

Both sides agreed to uphold Israel's qualitative military edge since it contributes not only to Israel's security but also to regional stability.

Both sides also agreed to enhance the US-Israeli dialogue on strategic and bilateral issues in order to maintain on-going consultations between the parties.