US Senate Elevates Israel's Status As 'Major Strategic Partner' [View all]
NEW YORK – An omnibus bill full of measures to improve the relationship between Israel and the United States has passed the US Senate, after being delayed since May.
The bill declares Israel a “major strategic partner” of the US; enhances Israel’s trade status to expedite export licensing; increases cooperation on energy, water engineering, research and development; and expands authority for forward-deployed US weapons stockpiles in the Jewish state.
But missing from the bill is action on an issue long encouraged by Israeli officials and their advocates on Capitol Hill – inclusion of Israel in the US visa-waiver program, which would allow smooth travel for Israelis.
--clip
The declaration of Israel as a major strategic partner is an elevation from “major non-NATO ally,” Israel’s legal status as a US ally since 1988, and further binds the US executive to ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.
more...
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/US-Senate-elevates-Israels-status-as-major-strategic-partner-375833
= new reply since forum marked as read