Delegations from the United States and Israel began discussions this week on a new long-term security cooperation agreement as the two countries navigate their evolving relationship.Daniel Holler, counselor to the State Department, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee are leading the U.S. delegation, while Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter are representing the Israelis. They held the inaugural talks this week, and further sessions will occur in the coming weeks.Huckabee said the new deal will “end direct aid to Israel for a value-added mutually beneficial comprehensive partnership.”
This new agreement will replace the existing memorandum of understanding, which went into effect in 2018 and will expire in 2028.
“The new framework, reflecting the strategic vision of Israel’s Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, is designed to strengthen the IDF’s qualitative military edge through expanded joint investment in research, development, and co-production, deepen the U.S.-Israel partnership demonstrated during Operation Roaring Lion, and gradually transition from aid to a completely reciprocal partnership,” a statement from the Israeli Ministry of Defense said.
