**The US and Israel have begun talks to formulate a new partnership agreement between the countries

"A gradual transition from aid to full mutual partnership"**

The Israeli Ministry of Defense and the US administration have begun official talks to formulate a framework for new security cooperation, replacing the aid agreement (MOU) that expires in 2028.

By decision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, the Israeli negotiation team will be led by the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Major General (res.) Amir Baram, in full coordination with Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter. The American team will be led by State Department advisor Daniel Holler and the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Herzog.

The American and Israeli teams held an official kickoff meeting this week. Additional meetings will take place in Israel and the United States in the coming weeks.

The emerging agreement, in accordance with the strategic policy of the Prime Minister and Defense Minister, is intended to strengthen the IDF's military superiority through expanding joint investment in R&D and joint production, deepening the partnership between Israel and the US as demonstrated in Operation "Roaring Lion," and through a gradual transition from aid to full mutual partnership.