Israel says back aboard US warplane project

Posted on: Nov. 6th, 2005 || Source: boston.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The United States has re-admitted Israel to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program after the two allies resolved a dispute over Israeli arms exports to China, Israel's defense minister said on Sunday.

Citing concern for Taiwan's security, the Pentagon curbed the Israeli role in the JSF earlier this year.

The move threatened the Jewish state's place among partner nations in the biggest warplane program ever, who could have first right to buy the fighter-bomber jets due out next decade.

"Israel is continuing to be involved in the JSF project as an esteemed and important partner," Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz told Israel Radio following fence-mending talks in Washington.

"The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to sell the JSF aircraft to Israel," he said. Asked if the arms export dispute was over, Mofaz said: "The answer is yes."

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