Jerusalem, Israel (AHN) – Israel on Monday became the first Mediterranean country to sign a cooperation pact with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

In practical terms, the agreement means Israel will begin providing support in the form of ships, intelligence and port access to NATO counter-terrorism naval patrols in the Mediterranean.

NATO launched the patrols in an area traditionally outside its jurisdiction following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

Two years ago, the alliance approached Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and Mauritania about assisting its efforts in the region.

“Israel is the first one to have agreed to the details of what cooperation should entail,” a NATO official told Reuters.

Both Morocco and Jordan are expected to follow suit, though feelings toward NATO are less than favorable in the Arab Middle East, where the alliance is viewed as a tool of American hegemony.