Counterterrorism Cooperation Accord
(April 30, 1996)
Counterterrorism Cooperation Accord Between the Government of the State of Israel and the Government of the United States of America
The Government of the State of Israel and the Government
of the United States of America ("the Parties"):
Unequivocally condemning all acts, methods and practices
of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, wherever
and by whomever committed and whatever the motivation,
in particular the recent heinous acts perpetrated against
civilians in-Israel;
Recalling the declaration of the participants in the
historic Middle East Summit of the Peacemakers on March
13, 1996 that acts of terror are "alien to the
moral and spiritual values shared by the peoples of
the region" and urging all governments to join
in condemning and opposing such acts;
Convinced that the suppression of acts of international
terrorism, including those in which States are directly
or indirectly involved, is an essential element for
the maintenance of international peace and security;
Calling upon all states to renounce terrorism and to
deny financial support, the use of their territory,
the provision of arms and equipment, or any other means
of support to terrorist organizations;
Convinced that those responsible for acts of international
terrorism must be brought to justice through prosecution,
extradition, or other legal mechanisms;
Sharing the view that international cooperation is
an essential factor in halting the scourge of international
terrorism and that states that support terrorism should
be subject to sanctions;
Recalling their long-standing and fruitful cooperation
on this and other topics of mutual security concern;
Resolved to strengthen their own cooperation in combatting
international terrorism and in encouraging and assisting
other states to join in this effort;
Have agreed as follows:
Article 1
Spheres of Cooperation
1. With a view to enhancing their capabilities to deter,
prevent, respond to and investigate international terrorist
acts or threats of international terrorist acts against
Israel or the United States, and to enlist the cooperation
of others in combatting international terrorism, the
Parties agree to share expertise and otherwise assist
each other in the following spheres, among others:
1) sharing of information and analyses regarding
terrorists and terrorist organizations;
2) training;
3) exchange of experts;
4) exchange of experience in dealing with terrorist
incidents, including crisis management;
5) exchange of information regarding terrorism-related
investigations;
6) exchange of information on transfers of funds
to organizations involved in international terrorism;
7) extradition, prosecution and other legal mechanisms;
8) research and development;
9) consulting closely on counterterrorism policy,
including regional and global counterterrorism initiatives;
and
10) enhancing the counterterrorism capabilities of
others.
2. This agreement is intended to supplement existing
agreements and arrangements between the Parties to address
international terrorism. Nothing in this agreement shall
be construed as derogating from the provisions of such
agreements or arrangements.
Article 2
Establishment of Joint Counterterrorism
Group
1. In order to strengthen further their
cooperation on counterterrorism the Parties hereby establish
the Israel-United States Joint Counterterrorism Group
(JCG). The JCG will serve as a forum for regular consultations
and development and facilitation of programs of counterterrorism
cooperation in the spheres listed in Article 1-as well
as on other mutually agreed counterterrorism topics.
2. The JCG will be composed of representatives from
each Party, including as appropriate representatives
from the various relevant agencies and departments of
each Party that, work on counterterrorism issues. The
JCG will be co-chaired by senior counterterrorism officials
of each Party.
3. The JCG will normally meet annually, alternately
in Israel and the United States. In addition, special
meetings of the JCG may be held to deal with particular
issues or at the request of either Party. At the request
of the JCG, experts of the Parties may meet and be in
direct communication at any other time to assist in
fulfilling the purposes of this agreement.
4. The JCG may from time to time enter into written
understandings or implementing arrangements setting
forth specific activities to be conducted under this
agreement.
5. Between meetings of-the JCG, participants will maintain
contacts with their counterparts as required to carry
out the purposes of this agreement.
Article 3
Security of Information
To the extent that any items, plans, specifications
or information furnished in connection with the implementation
of this agreement are classified by either Party for
security purposes, the General Security of Information
Agreement dated 10 December 1982-between the Parties
and that Agreement's Industrial Security Annex, dated
3 March 1983, shall apply, unless the Parties agree
upon alternative arrangements for protecting the material
from unauthorized disclosures.
Article 4
General Provision
All undertakings of the Parties under
this agreement are to be carried out in accordance with
their national laws, obligations and policies, and are
subject to the availability of appropriated funds, resources
and personnel.
Article 5
Interpretation and Amendment
1. All questions or disputes related to the interpretation
or implementation of this agreement shall be settled
exclusively rough the diplomatic channel to the mutual
satisfaction of e Parties.
2. Either Party may, at any time, request revision
of this agreement by giving the other Party written
notice. Each Party should be prepared to discuss the
proposal within 90 days thereafter.
Article 6
Entry into Force and Duration
This agreement will enter into force on
the date of the second of the diplomatic notes by which
the two Parties notify each her of the completion of
any necessary internal procedures for entry into force
of the agreement. It will remain in force til 6 months
after either Party provides written notice to e other
through the diplomatic channel of its intention to terminate
the agreement.
DONE at Washington, D.C., in duplicate, in Hebrew and
English, both texts being equally authentic, this 30th
day of April, 96, corresponding to the 11th day of Iyar,
5756.
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL:
Shimon
Peres
Sources: Ministry of Public Security |