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Secret U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding on Arms Sales

(March 10, 1965)

Negotiations between the United States and Israel resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding that marked the beginning of the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship. The agreement signed by Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eskol and President Lyndon Johnson expresses the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security. As part of the agreement, Israel pledged not to be the first country to introduce nuclear weapon in the region. The United States agreed for the first time to directly sell Israel tanks and to give Israel the opportunity to obtain combat aircraft. It is implied that Israel will not oppose U.S. arms sales to Jordan, which the agreement explains is meant to forestall the possibility of Jordan turning to the Soviets for arms.


Source: Israel State Archives