[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 18 (Monday, May 6, 1996)]
[Pages 767-768]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 ca- 

[[Page 768]]

pabilities 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 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.