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Cabinet Decides Not to Cut Diplomatic Relations with Austria

September 7, 1978
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The Cabinet considered a resolution to cut Israel’s diplomatic ties with Austria at its weekly session last Sunday because of Chancellor Bruno Kreisky’s insulting remarks about Premier Menachem Begin and Israel. But a decision was postponed, apparently because the ministers are divided over the wisdom of taking such drastic action, it was learned today.

Justice Minister Shmuel Tamir favored a diplomatic break, arguing that if Israel did not, Austria eventually would. But Interior Minister Yosef Burg, who is Acting Foreign Minister, said such a move could harm Israel’s vital interests. He said it was sufficient at this time to express revulsion over Kreisky’s statements.

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