arms trade

The background of Israeli arms sales to Azerbaijan relates to complex geopolitics relating to Iran – which it borders – and Israeli oil needs.

“The return of sanctions today is a step toward international peace and security,” Pompeo said.

The bill “would require the President to consult with the Israeli government to ensure [qualitative military edge] concerns are settled.”

Sources familiar with the negotiations say the prime minister went along with the plan for the Trump administration to sell weapons to the Emirates.

A year ago, Trump infuriated lawmakers by declaring a national emergency in order to complete $8 billion in military sales to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

The ban is set to expire in October 2020.

Saudi Arabia is among the top five defense spenders in the world. It is one of several US allies to use Patriot.

Gantz said Israel is “a moral nation and a moral country, and we must behave that way in our international relations.”