Special relationship
צילום: איי פי
Israel, U.S. to resume 'strategic dialogue'
Dialogue suspended for three years over tensions between countries; Iran, northern border to be discussed in current round of talks
The strategic dialogue between Israel and the United States is set to resume on Monday, after it was suspended for the last three years by the Americans.
The bilateral dialogue was launched in 2001, in a bid to establish periodical discussions on regional issues between high ranking officials from both countries that would go beyond the routine talks between the allies that take place on a regular basis.
The strategic dialogue was suspended in 2002 after details of the talks were leaked to the press. The replacement of the head of the Israeli delegation to the discussions, former Knesset Member Dan Meridor, with Uzi Landau did not contribute to the initiative.
The confidence crisis that ensued between Israel and the Unites States in the past year over arms sold to China by Israel served as a further obstacle in the way to resuming the dialogue.
However, in light of the disengagement, and once the crisis was resolved, the Americans expressed their wish to reestablish the dialogue.
In the current round of talks, scheduled to be held on Monday and Tuesday, Israel will put to discussion the need to counter Iran's nuclear armament and the escalation on the northern border with Lebanon.
The Israeli delegation is headed by Minister Tzahi Hanegbi, and includes other security officials and diplomats.
