Israeli arms sales to China have provoked a "crisis" in relations with the US but the Jewish state must retain a measure of independence from its key ally, an influential deputy said yesterday.
The comments by Yuval Steinitz, chairman of the Israeli parliament's foreign affairs and defense committee, came after the Pentagon confirmed on Monday that the Bush administration had raised concerns with Israel about its sales and transfer of military equipment and technology to China.
"There is a crisis. It has been going on for about a year, and to my great regret, even [Israeli Prime Minister Ariel] Sharon's visit to Washington didn't resolve this crisis," Steinitz said.
"There is no doubt that relationship with the United States is critical to Israel. But, with all the enormous importance of US diplomatic, economic and military help, Israel must keep its independence and also some reciprocity in this relationship," he said in an interview with army radio.
Two months ago, Washington imposed a series of sanctions on Israel's defense industry following a controversial weapons deal in which Israel was to upgrade a consignment of drones it had sold to China.
The deal provoked US anger and raised concerns that advanced US defense technology contained in Israeli equipment could be used against Taiwan.
Washington has since barred the Israeli defence industry from involvement in key military development projects and has frozen the transfer of sophisticated technological equipment to its Middle Eastern ally, the Israeli media reported.
Steiniz said that it was important to create a mechanism that would ensure both Israel and the US gave due consideration to the other when mulling weapons sales to potential military enemies.
"With China, Israel must continue to cooperate, but it must also continue to show sensitivity to the fears and the needs of the Americans," he added.
Israeli media reports have also suggested that US pressure could end up forcing the defence ministry's director general, Amos Yaron, to step down, with the Maariv daily reporting yesterday that his replacement had already been selected.
But Steinitz hit out at pressure for top defense officials to stand down over the affair.
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