US, Israel Agree to Improve Air Defenses

The US and Israel signed a deal for updated air defense operational cooperation. (EPA)
The US and Israel signed a deal for updated air defense operational cooperation. (EPA)
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US, Israel Agree to Improve Air Defenses

The US and Israel signed a deal for updated air defense operational cooperation. (EPA)
The US and Israel signed a deal for updated air defense operational cooperation. (EPA)

Israeli Air Force (IAF) representatives met this week with US air defense officials to discuss improving air defense systems during emergency situations for both countries.

A statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesperson’s Unit announced that the purpose of the meeting was to improve the “collaborative readiness of the forces for the joint defense of Israel.”

The two countries signed a deal for updated air defense operational cooperation.

Israel tested its air defense capabilities last May during the 11-day war on Gaza, during which it intercepted about 4,000 missiles.

The meetings were chaired on the Israeli side by the commander of the Israeli Air Force’s Air Defense System, Brig-Gen Gilad Biran, and Brig-Gen Greg Brady, commander of the 10th US Air and Missile Defense.

Meanwhile, the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and US security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin signed an agreement for collaboration in integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) systems.

Under the collaboration, the companies will explore potential joint opportunities in areas such as R&D, production, marketing, and other activities.

Sources in Tel Aviv said that the Israeli company would present its outstanding military experience, as it is the most widely used anti-aircraft device in the world.

Israel’s expertise can also be used in US weapons such as Patriot missile launch batteries and advanced radars for use in Israel itself.

The US forces in Europe and Africa intend to build a headquarters for their executive command at the Hatzor Air Base in southern Israel, which boasts three army headquarters. It was built between 2014 and 2019.

Sources confirmed that part of the construction was completed in recent months, and a special wing of the Operations Command with an area of 700 square meters will be built soon.

The US Army is looking for an Israeli contractor to carry out the work, which, according to the plan, will include 152 officers and soldiers.



Reactions to the ICC warrants

An exterior view of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, 21 November 2024. EPA/REMKO DE WAAL
An exterior view of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, 21 November 2024. EPA/REMKO DE WAAL
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Reactions to the ICC warrants

An exterior view of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, 21 November 2024. EPA/REMKO DE WAAL
An exterior view of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, 21 November 2024. EPA/REMKO DE WAAL

These are reactions to the International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas commander Ibrahim al-Masri, who is believed to be dead.

The warrants are for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel's military campaign in Gaza since then.

ISRAEL:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office:
"Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions leveled against it by ICC," the office said, calling the move antisemitic.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog:
"The decision chose the side of terrorism and evil over democracy and freedom and turned the international justice system itself into a human shield for Hamas' crimes against humanity."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar:
"A dark moment for the International Criminal Court," Saar said, adding the court had "lost all legitimacy" and adding that it had issued "absurd orders without authority".

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid:
"Israel defends its life against terrorist organizations that attacked, murdered and raped our citizens, these arrest warrants are a reward for terrorism."

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich:
"Israel will continue to defend its citizens and its security with determination," he said, urging Netanyahu to sever contact with the court and impose sanctions on the Palestinian Authority and its leaders "to the point of its collapse".

Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:
"The International Criminal Court in The Hague shows once again that it is antisemitic through and through."

PALESTINIANS:

Hamas official statement:
"We call on the International Criminal Court to expand the scope of accountability to all criminal occupation leaders."

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim:
"This is an important step on the path to justice and bringing justice to the victims but it remains a limited and spiritual step if it is not backed practically by all countries."

UNITED STATES:
Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President-elect Trump: "The Court is a dangerous joke. It is now time for the US Senate to act and sanction this irresponsible body."

EUROPE:
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the ICC warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant are not political and the court decision should be respected and implemented.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp told parliament, "The Netherlands obviously respects the independence of the ICC," adding: "We won't engage in non-essential contacts and we will act on the arrest warrants. We fully comply with the Rome Statute of the ICC," he added.

France's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine said the French reaction to the warrants would be "in line with ICC statutes" but declined to say whether France would arrest the leader if he came to the country. "It's a point that is legally complex," he said.

Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said, "It is important that the ICC carries out its mandate in a judicious manner. I have confidence that the court will proceed with the case based on the highest fair trial standards."

Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris called the warrants "an extremely significant step" and added that Ireland respects the role of the ICC and anyone in a position to assist it in carrying out its vital work must do so "with urgency".

MIDDLE EAST:
Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the ICC rulings should be respected and implemented, adding that "Palestinians deserve justice".