U.S.-Israel Formal Agreements: Counterterrorism Cooperation Accord

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