Israel reassessing security situation after Iran deal

Two days after the nuclear deal was reached between world powers and Iran, the Israeli defense establishment is expecting that the US military aid package to Israel will increase in the coming years.

Defense officials believe that certain aspects of the aid package may be strengthened, such as the inclusion of an additional squadron of F-35 fighter jets, extra funding for the development of defense systems and restocking munitions that the IDF is in great need of a year after Operation Protective Edge, The JPost reported on Thursday.

US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, who is considered a close friend of his Israeli counterpart Moshe Ya'alon, is scheduled to arrive in Israel next week. Carter is expected to lay out a package of defense "benefits" on Ya'alon's table in order to ease the heightened tension between Washington and Jerusalem over the nuclear deal.

Carter will recite the usual speech in front of the cameras about Washington's commitment to Israel's security and then the two will meet face-to-face to discuss the consequences of the Iran nuclear deal.

If the Americans agree to increase the aid, or alternatively to provide a large grant, they will likely require assurances from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to carry out a military operation without first informing Washington.

Israel will want to add an extra F-35 squadron and will also wish to continue to improve the Iron Dome rocket defense system, perhaps adding more Iron Dome batteries. However, to begin, it will place all of its hopes on the development of the David's Sling anti-missile system, which is designed to shoot down short-to medium-range missiles. It is expected to be operational in the coming year. Israel is also expected to seek improvements in the field of cyber-defense.