The former official said the U.S. has proposed to "recognize Israel's security concerns and needs in the Jordan Valley as they exist today." The official said the proposal stops well short of endorsing an Israeli Army presence there, something that Israel has sought but which the Palestinians adamantly oppose.
The language could be used, however, to signal that the United States would not object to international peacekeepers in the Jordan Valley, possibly with Israeli participation.
On Thursday, Israel signed a contract to buy American-made F-35 stealth fighter jets that will significantly strengthen Israel's military. The planes will able to reach Iran undetected by radar. Israel considers Iran a strategic threat, citing its calls for the destruction of the Jewish state, its suspect nuclear program and missiles.
The United States had agreed during President George W. Bush's administration to upgrade its strategic cooperation with Israel and supply it with $30 billion in advanced weaponry and equipment.
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