ISRAELI DEFMIN PERETZ SAYS COUNTERING TERRORISM,

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TEL AVIV 001948 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA, NEA/IPA (MAHER) STATE FOR S/CT (AMBASSADOR CRUMPTON) PENTAGON FOR OSD ISRAEL DESK OFFICER (ANDERSON) DIA FOR DHO-6 NSC FOR DPNSA ABRAMS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2016 TAGS: PREL PTER MASS MARR KPAL KWBG MNUC IR JO EG IS GOI INTERNAL GOI EXTERNAL SUBJECT: ISRAELI DEFMIN PERETZ SAYS COUNTERING TERRORISM, IRAN ARE HIS TOP TWO PRIORITIES Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Gene A. Cretz for reasons 1.4 (b and d). -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (C) New Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz told Ambassador Jones May 17 that defending Israel from the terrorist threat is his number one priority. He said that dealing with the Iranian nuclear threat is his second priority, and expressed gratitude for America's support and firm stance on the matter. The Ambassador requested the DefMin's support for (a) GOI participation in a June 7 Security Working Group meeting, (b) U.S. plans to improve physical security at Israel-Gaza crossings, (c) possible training and ammunition support for the PA President's security guard; and (d) USAID's program to place scanners at Israel-Gaza crossings. The Ambassador also stressed the importance the USG places on transformation of Israel's export control system. Peretz's comments on Palestinian humanitarian issues, the MDA, and human trafficking are covered in septels. END SUMMARY. -------------- TOP TWO PRIORITIES: TERRORISM AND IRAN -------------- ¶2. (C) Peretz said that countering the terrorist threat is his "number one priority," and that he has taken several decisions in line with his "extremely unequivocal worldview" to address threats since assuming office ten days ago. He said that he must combat terror "in an uncompromising way" and take steps to address the plight of the Palestinian people. Peretz said that the tension "boiling" between Israel and the Palestinians is escalating and provides a pretext for terrorists and unfriendly countries in the region to take action against Israel. The DefMin said that he believes Israel must identify pragmatic elements on the Palestinian side and open a dialogue with them. He added that, "The question of a political settlement with the Palestinians is a moral one. We must get rid of large chunks of land in the territories. There is no reason to control other people." ¶3. (C) Peretz said dealing with a nuclear armed Iran is his second priority, and expressed Israel's gratitude for U.S. cooperation on the issue. He said that he salutes the U.S. for taking a firm stand on Iran and treating it as a strategic issue and threat to international security. -------------- -------------- REQUEST FOR DEFMIN'S SUPPORT ON OTHER SECURITY ISSUES -------------- -------------- ¶4. (C) The Ambassador requested the DefMin's support on the following issues: ¶A. Israeli participation in the June 7 Security Working Group meeting organized by U.S. Security Coordinator (USSC) General Dayton (NOTE: Peretz did not commit to participation, but seemed open to it. Pol-Mil Bureau Chief Amos Gilad suggested to Peretz that the Europeans should not be invited to the meeting. END NOTE.); ¶B. The Joint USSC and USAID plan to improve physical security at crossings between Israel and Gaza; ¶C. The USSC's proposal to provide training, and possibly ammunition, to Abbas' Presidential Security Guard (PSG) in order to enhance its ability to protect the president and provide security at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt (NOTE: Peretz said that Egypt and Jordan should provide training for the PSG, and indicated that he would discuss this issue with his advisors on May 18. END NOTE.); ¶D. USAID's USD 50 million program to place scanners at the crossings between Gaza and Green-Line Israel (NOTE: The Ambassador said we would be willing to place an additional scanner at the Karni crossing if we knew that it would be used there. END NOTE.); ¶5. (C) The Ambassador also noted the priority the USG places on Israel's transformation of its export control system. He urged the DefMin to work to ensure quick Knesset passage of the draft Defense Export Control Act and dual-use control order. -------------- BIO NOTES ON THE NEW DEFENSE MINISTER -------------- ¶6. (C) Peretz spoke primarily in Hebrew from well-prepared cue cards placed in front of him, with an aide interpreting to English. As the Ambassador raised issues, the DefMin took notes, and responded to each one substantively, demonstrating familiarity with a broad range of humanitarian issues. Peretz referred more than once to how his "worldview" guides his decision-making, and how sticking to his principles has led to his political success. He interacted easily with the other members of his team (e.g., Military Advisor BGEN Eitan Dangott, and Pol-Mil Bureau Chief Amos Gilad) in front of the Ambassador, and appeared comfortable in his new role. He spoke in Hebrew and relied on an advisor, Shmuel Limone, and Amos Gilad for translation. He indicated at various times during the meeting that he understood what the Ambassador said in English, and himself spoke in English briefly at the meeting's conclusion. He was polite, displayed a good sense of humor, and likes to use it. Peretz told the Ambassador that he would like to visit the U.S. soon. ********************************************* ******************** Visit Embassy Tel Aviv's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/telaviv You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website. ********************************************* ******************** JONES