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US Vows to Ensure Israel's 'Military Edge'

Nike Ching

   WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday the United
   States will ensure Israel's military advantage in the Middle East under
   any potential U.S. arms deals with the United Arab Emirates.

   "The United States has a legal requirement with respect to qualitative
   military edge. We will continue to honor that," said Pompeo after his
   meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

   "But we have a 20-plus year security relationship with the United Arab
   Emirates as well, where we have provided them with technical assistance
   and military assistance," he added.

   The top U.S. diplomat's trip to the Middle East comes after Washington
   helped broker the Israel-UAE deal earlier this month, a pact that
   Netanyahu said heralds a new era for the region.'¯

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