Earlier this month the U.S. and Israel agreed on the deployment of a high-powered early-warning missile radar system in the Negev, to be staffed by U.S. military personnel. The station will receive information from the U.S. team in Europe that will aid it in its work.
The deployment of the Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) system, is widely seen as a kind of parting gift from Washington to Jerusalem as President George W. Bush prepares to leave office.
Two years ago, U.S. Senator John McCain voiced support for the deal while visiting Israel.
Congressman Mark Kirk of Illinois also joined lobbying efforts for the agreement. Kirk is a former naval officer and is expected to be given a senior position in the Department of Defense if McCain is elected president.
On onee of his own visits to Israel, Kirk heard a briefing on the Iran threat, after which he contacted Yoram Ben Ze'ev, then head of the Foreign Ministry's North America division, about setting up an early warning station in Israel.
Israel's missile shield against Iran: Three Americans in a trailer
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