New US Law Gives Israel 'Major Strategic Partner' Status

by Yoni Hirsch and Israel Hayom Staff

U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approves legislation to dramatically strengthen strategic-defense ties with Israel and upgrade its economic-commercial status • New law is possible step toward including Israelis in U.S. visa-waiver program.

Capitol Hill moved closer to Israel over the weekend with the "U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act" [Archive] | Photo credit: AP

 

The U.S. Senate on Friday overwhelmingly approved legislation which dramatically strengthens strategic defense ties with Israel, while at the same time the State Department continued over the weekend to signal that Iran will eventually be welcomed as a partner in President Barack Obama's anti-Islamic State coalition. 

 

The U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act upgrades Israel's status to that of "major strategic partner," and is expected to significantly enhance cooperation between the two countries on matters of security and regional affairs. The bill was co-created by Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer and Republican Senator Roy Blunt. 

The new law lays the groundwork for expanding U.S.-Israeli cooperation in a number of areas and upgrades Israel's economic-commercial status. The law is a possible step toward including Israelis in the U.S. visa-waiver program.

However, while lawmakers on Capitol Hill sought out closer ties with Israel, it appeared the Obama administration was seeking to move closer to Iran. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who had previously rejected the possibility of cooperating with Iran against the Islamic State group, addressed the matter again on Friday during a U.N. Security Council meeting on Iraq -- this time sounding far less aggressive over the issue. 

"The coalition needs to be comprehensive," he said. "Almost every country in the world has a role here, including Iran." 

Meanwhile, two former defense secretaries who served under Obama -- Leon Panetta and Robert Gates -- leveled criticism at the White House last week. 

Panetta told CBS News that in his view Islamic State rose to prominence because the United States withdrew too quickly from Iraq and was hesitant in its response toward Syria.

According to Gates, "By continuing to repeat that [the U.S. won't put boots on the ground], the president, in effect, traps himself."

In addition, the Senate also unanimously approved allocating a $10 million reward for anyone who provides information that leads to the capture of those involved in the beheadings of U.S. journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

Yoni Hirsch and Israel Hayom Staff

Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=20267

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