The US is softening its stance on dual-use technology exports to Israel, suggests the results at the US-Israel High Technology Forum meeting in Arlington, Virginia, this week. Defense sources in Washington said that the change in position is due to US recognition of the effectiveness of Israel's Ministry of Defense's supervision of defense exports to China.
One source said, "In effect, this is a prize for Israel for closing the tap of defense exports to China."
For several years, the US has refused to sell dual-use technology goods to Israel, such as supercomputers for simulations used to design ballistic missiles. Some software and infrared imaging systems are defined as dual-use goods whose export to Israel was banned due to US concerns about Israeli military technology exports to China. US sources said that some Israeli technology sent to China originated in the US.
The US-Israel High Technology Forum is the top bilateral dialogue on dual-use goods. The meeting is chaired by Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Mario Mancuso for the US and Ministry of Defense director general Pinchas Buchris and Chief Scientist Dr. Eli Opper for Israel. According to the meeting agenda, the forum "is designed to facilitate secure bilateral high technology trade and investment by providing a forum to discuss challenges and opportunities related to technology development, investment, and trade."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 10, 2008
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