The Bush administration may link Israel to a U.S. missile-defense system.
Ahead of President Bush’s three-day visit to Israel this week, Jerusalem sources said intensive talks are under way about a proposal to station a U.S.-made ground radar in Israel that would significantly expand its early-warning capabilities in any future missile war with Iran or Syria.
Israel already enjoys access to the Pentagon’s Defense Support Program, a network of satellites that track hostile missile launches worldwide.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told his Cabinet Sunday that the Bush visit Wednesday to Friday would provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral issues “of crucial strategic value to the State of Israel.”
The White House declined comment on a possible radar deal but said the president was not scheduled to announce any defense pacts while in Israel.
