NATO chief says allies to join anti-IS coalition

NATO chief says allies to join anti-IS coalition

(Worthy News) – NATO’s chief has affirmed that the alliance will join the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group but will not wage war against the extremists, as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to meet allied leaders.

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that joining “will send a strong political message of NATO’s commitment to the fight against terrorism and also improve our coordination within the coalition.”

But he underlined that “it does not mean that NATO will engage in combat operations.” [ Source ]

US increased military aid to Israel ahead of Trump visit

US increased military aid to Israel ahead of Trump visit

(Worthy News) – The US has promised to increase military aid to Israel to help maintain the country’s military edge in the region as it faces mounting threats from its neighbors, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said as he spoke at Wednesday’s Mount Herzl ceremony marking Jerusalem Day.

“The US has promised to maintain Israel’s qualitative advantage in the Middle East,” the premier stated. Netanyahu then revealed that three days earlier, before US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Jewish state, “the US added another $75 million to the aid package for [Israel’s] missile defense program.”

Trump’s promise to preserve Israel’s advantage came amid concerns in Jerusalem about the recently announced $110 billion US-Saudi Arabia arms deal. [ Source ]