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Rabin Says Israel Has Never Asked U.S. for Soldiers or Military Advisers

November 19, 1969
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Israel’s Ambassador, Gen. Yitzhak Rabin, said yesterday that his country has never asked the U.S. Government for soldiers or military advisers because “we see its’ our responsibility to defend ourselves.” Gen. Rabin spoke at a luncheon of the Women’s National Democratic Club.

The envoy disclosed that he had received many letters from American Jews and non-Jews who sought to volunteer for military service in Israel. He said all of the would-be volunteers were thanked for their interest but none were accepted because Israel’s policy is to use only its citizens in its defense forces.

Referring to recent Arab allegations that U.S. volunteers were serving with Israeli armed forces, Gen. Rabin said that there are over 3,000 Russian military advisers and Soviet Army technicians serve-in Egypt. He added that the Soviet Navy was now based at Port Said and Alexandria to protect those seaports.

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