[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[September 26, 1992]
[Page 1671]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 1671]]


Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on Military Cooperation With 
Israel
September 26, 1992

    In accordance with the United States ongoing commitment to the 
preservation and maintenance of Israel's qualitative military edge, 
President Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Rabin have reached agreement 
on certain measures that will be initiated by the United States in the 
very near future. These measures include the supply of Apache and 
Blackhawk helicopters and the pre-positioning of advanced defense 
equipment in Israel. They will be implemented pursuant to previously 
enacted legislation which authorized the transfer to Israel and pre-
positioning in Israel of defense articles drawn from U.S. stocks. It was 
further agreed that there will be closer ties between the two countries' 
armed forces, cooperation on technology upgrades, and the start of 
discussions on Israel's participation in the Global Protection System.
    These initiatives represent a significant effort in reaffirming the 
United States longstanding commitment to a strategic partnership with 
Israel and will effectively maintain Israel's qualitative edge. The 
United States and Israel intend to continue consultations for the 
purpose of determining additional measures necessary to maintain 
Israel's qualitative military edge.