    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [April 30, 1996]
    [Pages 670-671]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    United States-Israel Joint Statement
    April 30, 1996

        President Clinton and Prime Minister Peres have concluded two days
    of intensive discussions on a broad range of issues relating to the
    U.S.-Israeli relationship. Those discussions reflect the deep, long-
    standing and unique bonds of friendship which have characterized the
    U.S.-Israeli relationship and the legacy of shared values, common
    interests, and mutual respect for democracy that have made this close
    and special relationship endure.
        The President and Prime Minister reviewed the extent of the U.S.-
    Israeli relationship in all its dimensions. They agreed that this
    cooperation in security, economic, and diplomatic areas is grounded in
    institutions that are functioning extremely effectively to the benefit
    of both countries. At the same time, they agreed that, in view of
    continuing threats to regional peace and stability, and in particular
    the dangers posed by proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and
    advanced military technologies, U.S.-Israeli strategic cooperation will
    grow in importance.
        To this end, the President and the Prime Minister agreed that a
    steering committee headed by the U.S. Secretary of State and the Israeli
    Minister of Foreign Affairs would be established to explore means of
    enhancing and, where appropriate, formalizing, that cooperation. Two
    working groups will report to the steering committee. The first, dealing
    with security and defense matters, will consider all options including
    the possibility of more formal security accords, for how best to meet
    common threats in the years to come. It will also identify ways to
    maximize the effectiveness of U.S. aid to Israel. The second will deal
    with other policy matters relating to U.S.-Israeli strategic
    cooperation.
        The two leaders affirmed that the strategic partnership between the
    two countries will continue to be based on two key principles: first,
    the United States unshakable commitment to Israel's security and its
    determination to minimize the risks and costs Israel confronts as it
    pursues peace; and second, the U.S.-Israeli mutual commitment to a
    comprehensive peace and their determination to move toward that goal.
        With respect to Israel's security, the President specifically
    reaffirmed the United States commitment to maintain Israel's qualitative
    edge and to preserve and to strengthen Israel's capability to deter and
    defend itself, by itself, against any adversary or likely combination of
    adversaries.
        The President and Prime Minister took great pride in signing the
    U.S.-Israel Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Accord. This agreement sets
    out practical measures enabling their two countries to make the best
    possible use of expertise, resources, and capabilities in the war
    against terror. A Joint Counter-Terrorism Group has been established to
    monitor and oversee the implementation of the agreement. Israel and the
    United States also agreed to seek to coordinate their efforts with the
    international effort against terror launched at Sharm al-Sheikh on March
    13, 1996.
        The President and the Prime Minister also took note of the joint
    statement on theater missile defense cooperation signed by the Prime
    Minister and Secretary of Defense Perry April 28. The United States and
    Israel recognize the defense of Israel will be made more effective by
    undertaking necessary steps to ensure that Israel's theater missile
    defenses are supported by related United States capabilities. The two
    leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive results to date of the
    ongoing bilateral dialogue on issues relating to the transfer of
    equipment and technology to third countries.
        With respect to their determination to achieve a comprehensive
    peace, the two leaders agreed on the importance of implementation of
    agreements reached and the need to expand the orbit of Arab-Israeli
    peacemaking with a view toward achieving normal, peaceful relations
    between Israel and all its Arab neighbors. They welcomed the decision by
    the Palestinian National Council

    [[Page 671]]

    to cancel all the provisions of the Palestinian National Covenant which
    deny Israel's right to exist or are otherwise inconsistent with the
    September 1993 exchange of letters between Prime Minister Rabin and
    Chairman Arafat. This action is an important demonstration by the
    Palestinians of their commitment to honor the terms of the 1993 Oslo
    Accords.
        The President and Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction with
    the improved understanding reached last week on Southern Lebanon as a
    result of Secretary of State Christopher's negotiating efforts and after
    discussions with the governments of Israel and Lebanon and in
    consultation with Syria. They noted the importance of prompt activation
    of the monitoring committee and consultative group established by the
    understanding.
        Finally, the President and the Prime Minister agreed on the need to
    end the Arab boycott and to eliminate discrimination against Israel in
    all international organizations, including the United Nations.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.