Wikileaks [32]: Gilad: "Israel enjoys peace with regimes in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, & the UAE,.. but the future is uncertain ...each of these regimes faces 'change'.."

SECRET 

SUBJECT: 40TH JPMG: NEA REGIONAL DISCUSSION (PART 3 OF 4) 

¶1. (S) Summary: As part of the 40th Joint Political Military

Group (JPMG), U.S. and GOI counterparts discussed security

issues in the Near East region..... ¶7. (S) Mossad believes Iran wants to become a regional hegemon, and is dictating its agenda by using Hamas and Hizballah as force multipliers. In that respect, Iran is very creative in finding ways to transfer weapons systems to its proxies. Mossad said Tehran also understands the effort to split Syria from Iran's influence, and is working hard to deepen its relationship with Syria as a result. DASD Kahl argued that Iran is weaker regionally today than in recent years. He noted progress in Iraq, the results of the recent Lebanese elections, and outreach to Syria as signs of a weaker Iran. DASD Kahl also noted increased U.S. credibility

in the Muslim world, ...

¶9. (S) A/S Shapiro acknowledged the GOI's desire for specifics regarding U.S. policy on Lebanon, and hoped to invite GOI representatives to Washington in the near future for a full brief led by NEA, with PM participation and support. He cited the need to provide an alternative to Hizballah, which explains U.S. goals to strengthen the LAF as a counterweight. DASD Kahl argued that any LAF cooperation

with Hizballah is pragmatic given the LAF's current weakness...

Gilad said the GOI cannot envision a government in Lebanon without Hizballah, and said the LAF will come to the defense of Hizballah if attacked by Israel -- thus, a strengthened

LAF hurts Israel. Turning to U.S. regional arms transfers, Gilad

suggested Qualitative Military Edge (QME) as a "codename" for potential threats against Israel. Israel currently enjoys

peace with regimes in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, & the

United Arab Emirates -but the future is uncertain, and each

of these regimes faces the potential for change, he argued. U.S. weapons -- "the best in the world" -- level the playing field by reducing the need for training -- and could ultimately aid a future enemy of Israel, Gilad said....