Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06TELAVIV2781
2006-07-13 17:09:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Tel Aviv
Cable title:  

ISRAELI MOD DG TOREN ON EXPORT CONTROL REFORM

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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TEL AVIV 002781 

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/IPA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/13/2016
TAGS: PREL PARM ETTC PINS IS GOI EXTERNAL ECONOMY AND FINANCE
SUBJECT: ISRAELI MOD DG TOREN ON EXPORT CONTROL REFORM

Classified By: Ambassador Richard H. Jones. Reasons: 1.4 (b, d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TEL AVIV 002781

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/IPA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/13/2016
TAGS: PREL PARM ETTC PINS IS GOI EXTERNAL ECONOMY AND FINANCE
SUBJECT: ISRAELI MOD DG TOREN ON EXPORT CONTROL REFORM

Classified By: Ambassador Richard H. Jones. Reasons: 1.4 (b, d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: MOD DG Jacob ("Kobi") Toren told the
Ambassador July 11 that the GOI's new Export Controls
Division took over the processing of new export licensing
requests this month. Toren also explained that the
government hoped to formally submit the Defense Export
Control Act to the Knesset as early as July 16 and expressed
confidence that the legislation is supported by a majority in
the legislature. Toren said that in the meantime, existing
law, processes, and enforcement are sufficient to handle
export controls and any alleged misconduct. Toren inquired
about USG efforts to identify humanitarian projects to fund
in the Palestinian territories that would not benefit Hamas
and expressed hope that Europe will remain firm in opposing
the Hamas government. END SUMMARY.

--------------
MOD'S EXPORT CONTROL DIVISION UP AND RUNNING,
DEFENSE EXPORT CONTROL ACT NEXT ON THE AGENDA
--------------


2. (C) The Ambassador began the meeting by asking Toren for
an update on GOI's export control reform efforts, noting that
the USG is encouraged by GOI's progress to date. Toren, who
was accompanied by Rami Yungman, senior coordinator for
Defense, Strategic Dialogues and Cooperation, responded that
the MOD's new Export Controls Division became responsible
this month for new export licensing requests. According to
Toren, MOD officials selected Eliezer (Eli) Pincu to head the
new office because they wanted someone senior and experienced
who could work well with both his USG counterparts and his
own colleagues. Toren explained that Pincu shortened his
term as head of the Israeli MOD mission in Paris due to the
importance the GOI places on the export control issue and
that Pincu is shuttling back and forth to Paris, but will be
in the MOD full-time beginning in August. Toren said that,
overall, he is optimistic that the new office will perform
well, but admitted there will be a learning curve and that
"not everything will be perfect from the outset."



3. (C) Toren moved on to discuss the status of the draft
Defense Export Control Act. He explained that while a new
government and personnel changes across ministries had slowed
progress, a common understanding now exists on the roles that
relevant GOI institutions will play in a new export control
regime. He said that the draft legislation could be
submitted formally to the Knesset as soon as July 16, just
prior to the Knesset's summer recess. Toren told the
Ambassador that the government has a clear majority that
supports the legislation, but it is possible that committees
will make changes because not everyone is happy with the
draft. The Ambassador noted that Israel's reform efforts
could enhance Israel's export capabilities, as reforms would
create confidence in the country's export control procedures.
Toren replied that "when you shake up a system, you discover
how you can do things better," but he maintained that
Israel's system of controls had performed well to this point,
with misconduct or misuse occurring in much less than one
percent of all transactions.


4. (C) Toren also stressed that there has been continuity
between current law and the reforms. The GOI has enough
enforcement power through current law to handle
export-related misconduct, according to Toren, and the MOD
works closely with industry experts in all phases of the
process, including production, delivery, on-site
installation, and maintenance. He added without elaboration,
however, that the MOD introduced some changes to existing law
on dual-use technology. Finally, Toren clarified for the
Ambassador that recently crafted export control regulations
merely codify existing law.

--------------
HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS FOR THE PALESTINIANS
--------------


5. (C) Toren inquired about the status of USG efforts to
identify humanitarian projects in the Palestinian territories
that the USG could fund that would not benefit the Hamas
government. The Ambassador explained that Secretary Rice
would review soon a package of projects that includes some
GOI-preferred options and suggested that Toren's staff
discuss the issue further with USAID Mission Director Jim
Bever.

--------------
IDF OPERATIONS IN GAZA
--------------


6. (C) The Ambassador concluded the meeting by asking Toren
for his assessment of the situation in Gaza. Toren explained
that the more he hears the Palestinians assuring the public
that captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit is alive and well and
will be respected, the more he worries that Shalit is already
dead. Toren also explained that the IDF must proceed with
its operations to uncover tunnels in Gaza. He thanked the
Ambassador for the USG's "firm" policy toward Hamas and
expressed hope that the Europeans will remain strong as well.
"If we give legitimacy to a terror government like Hamas,
then there's nothing to prevent regimes in North Korea,
Syria, and Iran from also being recognized as legitimate," he
added.

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