Netanyahu Likely to Accept U.S. Defense Aid Conditions as Talks Enter Final Round

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(Worthy News) - Acting National Security Adviser Jacob Nagel is expected to take part in a decisive round of talks in Washington this week on a military aid deal with the United States. Haaretz has learned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leaning toward giving in on a good many of his demands and accepting most of the American terms. These include a gradual phasing out of Israel’s spending of one-fourth of the American aid on purchases from Israeli defense contractors.

A senior official in Washington who asked to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the matter said that Nagel is expected to meet at the White House with U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice immediately on the latter’s return from China toward the end of the week. Rice has been coordinating the talks with Israel on the aid deal together with Yael Lempert, who heads the White House’s Israel desk.

Negotiations between the United States and Israel on the aid package for the coming decade began in November. After a few rounds the talks ran aground in May. The Americans made clear that their offer was final and it was up to Israel whether to sign while President Barack Obama is still in office or wait for the next president to take office in January 2017. [ Source ]

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