The talks between Israel and the U.S. over the latter’s commitment to supply Israel with oil in an emergency, which ended inconclusively last week was discussed at today’s Cabinet session.
Energy Minister Yitzhak Modai reported what be characterized as the “tough” position taken by the American delegation, headed by Assistant. Secretary of State Dean Hinton. The main difference between the two countries apparently is over what constitutes an “emergency.” The Americans say they are committed to supply Israel with oil if Israel cannot obtain supplies sufficient for its needs from other sources.
According to Modai, the agreement was intended to apply to any emergency such as the present situation in which Israel is forced to buy one-third of its oil on the spot market at exhortations prices. The agreement has a life time of 15 years.
When the talks ended last Wednesday, Israel and the U.S. issued a joint statement saying that some progress had been made. The discussions are expected to be resumed in Washington in the near future.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
