Israel to apologize to Croatia for delay in F-16 deal due to US objection — TV

The director-general of the Defense Ministry, Udi Adam, will reportedly travel to Croatia this week, in a bid to resolve tensions over a $500 million arms deal being blocked by the US.

Israeli and Croatian officials tell Channel 10 that Adam will arrive in Zagreb on Wednesday, where he is expected to apologize for the delay in the purchase of 12 used American-made fighter jets from Israel.

Israel last year signed a tentative deal to sell the upgraded F-16 Barak fighters to Croatia, pending US approval for allowing the jets to go to a third party. However, Washington wants Israel to strip off the upgrades it installed, after acquiring the planes some 30 years ago.

Last week, Croatian Defense Minister Damir Krsticevic said that Israel provided guarantees during the contract bidding process that US officials would green-light the sale. Krsticevic gave Israel until January 11 to get US approval for the deal, or it would be cancelled.

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