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Barak, Ehud

President Clinton Discusses US-Israel Relations and Middle East Peace

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

President Clinton expressed his support for Israel's prime minister and the Israeli team during a recent summit, stating that he believes the relationship between Israel and the United States is strong. However, he also acknowledged the need for a comprehensive review and strengthening of the strategic relationship to ensure Israel's qualitative edge and modernization of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). The President also emphasized the importance of a long-term commitment to support the modernization of the IDF and the need for assistance to upgrade Israel's security in light of the withdrawal from Lebanon.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Clinton plans to conduct a comprehensive review to improve the US-Israel strategic relationship, focusing on maintaining Israel's qualitative edge and modernizing the IDF.
  • The President aims to complete a memorandum of understanding on bilateral assistance to provide long-term support for IDF modernization.
  • President Clinton has not ruled out moving the US embassy to West Jerusalem, with a potential decision to be made by the end of the year.
  • The President emphasizes that Prime Minister Barak did not compromise the security of the state of Israel during the peace talks, with the most progress made in the area of security.
  • The President's approach to a potential Palestinian declaration of statehood is to review their entire relationship, including aid, if a unilateral declaration is made.
  • President Clinton believes that a unilateral declaration of statehood would be a "big mistake" and would have consequences, both domestically and internationally.

Statistics:

  • 21st century: the century in which Israel and other countries will face new threats.
  • 3: the three key areas President Clinton wants to focus on to strengthen the US-Israel strategic relationship: qualitative edge, modernization of the IDF, and assistance to upgrade Israel's security.
  • 1: the designated site in West Jerusalem for the potential relocation of the US embassy.
  • Less than $1 billion: the annual U.S. aid to Israel, as mentioned by the President.
  • Non-existent: the mention of specific numbers or amounts regarding U.S. aid to the Palestinians.

Sources:

  • White House Office of the Press Secretary (transcription of an Israeli Television interview with President Clinton)
  • Congressional bills and proposals regarding aid to the Palestinians (mentioned but not specified in the original text)

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