United States and Israel Focus on Technology Sharing

10/1/2008

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Support for the U.S.-Israel relationship often comes from all corners of the American government. One such place is the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, which last month hosted its inaugural U.S.-Israel High Technology Forum. 

The three-day conference began with an all-day public event in Arlington, Virginia, featuring speeches and presentations by Under Secretary of Commerce Mario Mancuso, Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Defense Pinchas Buchris and other officials from both countries. Topics covered included defense sector cooperation, export controls and future prospects for Israel’s economy.

Since the Bureau of Industry and Security is the primary U.S. agency charged with maintaining export controls for dual-use goods—those products with both civilian and military applications—its initiative in developing and hosting this forum shows the confidence of U.S. officials in Israel’s new export control law, which is firmly in line with U.S. standards. The new law addresses earlier shortcomings in Israel’s export control structure and cements the Jewish state’s status as a reliable strategic partner in the area of defense technology. 

In creating a platform for dialogue on this issue, the annual forum brings the defense-industrial sectors of the two countries even closer. As the United States and Israel work together to fight common threats from rogue states and terrorist groups, both countries can be certain that shared technologies will not end up in the wrong hands. Moreover, scientists and technicians in both countries can rest assured that their respective governments are fully supportive of their numerous joint projects, which are now a declared priority for the Departments of Commerce and Defense, along with other agencies.  •NER•

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