U.S. Leaders Hail Israel’s Decision to Reduce Ties with South Africa

The State Department and Congressional leaders have hailed Israel’s decision not to sign military contracts with South Africa.

“We welcome this step as a positive development,” said State Department spokesman Charles Redman, who said the United States had discussed this issue with Israel “on several occasions.”

“It is a good move, not only in terms of what it means for Israel’s relations with the rest of the world, but what it will mean for Black-Jewish relations in the United States,” said Sen. Paul Simon (D-Ill.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs.

Rep. Mickey Leland (D-Tex.), former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, praised the Israeli decision as a “real breakthrough” and said he hopes Israel will follow through in its move to reduce overall relations with South Africa, according to his spokesperson, Ellen Boyle.

Leland, who has met with Israeli leaders to discuss South Africa and who was telephoned Thursday by Israeli Vice Premier and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, said he hopes to travel to Israel soon for further talks.

Rep. Stephen Solarz (D-NY) said he hoped Israel’s moves to reduce ties with South Africa will “defuse pressure in Congress that could jeopardize U.S. aid to Israel.”

Irma Gertler, president of B’nai B’rith Women, said she hopes this positive move on the part of Israel will spark other nations such as Britain, France and Germany to also reject any future arms contracts with South Africa.