NEW YORK - An omnibus bill full of measures improving the relationship between Israel and the United States has passed the US Senate, after delay since May. The bill declares Israel a 'major strategic partner' of the US, enhances Israel's trade status to expedite export licensing, increases cooperation on energy, water engineering, research and development, and expands authority for forward-deployed US weapons stockpiles in the Jewish state. But missing from the bill is action on an issue long encouraged by Israeli officials and their advocates on Capitol Hill: inclusion of Israel into the US visa waiver program, which would allow smooth travel from one country to the other.
