Jerusalem, Jan 14: The Unites States and Israel have begun coordinating ahead of a possible war against Iraq and an American liaison unit has already arrived for jointmilitary maneuvers. The American unit that arrived in Israel over the weekend, is responsible for setting up the infrastructure for communication and coordination among the Israeli defence forces, the pentagon and any American forces in the area during the expected war with Iraq, a media report said. "As part of our contingency planning, US and Israel are enhancing their already-strong liaison and communications channels`.. As needed, a limited number of us personnel will augment the US Embassy in Tel Aviv to facilitate this objective," an American source was quoted as saying. The American liaison unit is a part of a general decision to "raise the profile" of military cooperation between the two countries ahead of a possible war with Iraq. Last year, the united states, Israel and turkey held a joint naval exercise.

Bureau Report