Sen. Robert Byrd (D. W. Va.), the Senate majority leader, declared in a press interview that it would be “unwise” for Israel to oppose a proposed multibillion dollar arms program for Egypt which includes F-16 jet fighters and other sophisticated U.S. military equipment.
In comments to a reporter here last Thursday, which were confirmed by Byrd’s press secretary, the Senator said the Israelis should focus their energies on settling the autonomy issue. “As long as there is this West Bank autonomy program, our ability to cooperate with Arab countries in meeting the common danger of Soviet expansionism is hampered,” he said. Byrd was a leader on obtaining Senate approval of the controversial arms package last year which provided weaponry for Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel.
Israeli sources here say they are not opposed to Egypt acquiring U.S. arms but question Egypt’s need for F-16 fighters and wonder how Egypt would use them. The point is being made that Israel’s concern is not what President Anwar Sadat would do with the F-16s and Phoenix missiles but that a more radical Egyptian government might use them against Israel.
Meanwhile, in his weekly news conference at the Capital yesterday, Byrd agreed with a reporter that Israel bare “a major responsibility” for the “slow peace” of the autonomy talks but added quickly that “all sides have a major responsibility. There is enough blame to go around.”
The Senator, asked if Israel was primarily responsible for the slow pace, said “I don’t think there is any doubt.” When he was asked further if Israel is dragging its feel in the autonomy talks, Byrd, this time replied, “I was pleased to see in today’s press that some progress has been made. It is vitally important for the security of Israel.” In that connection, he said, “The sooner the parties can move to West Bank autonomy, the better for the security of Israel. Asked if it is “primarily” Israel’s fault, he replied: “I’m not going to lay it primarily at anyone’s door.”
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