The possibility of a $33.6 million cut in Israel’s defense budget is under consideration by a joint subcommittee of the Knesset Defense and Foreign Affairs and Financial committees. Defense Minister Moshe Dayan and his deputy, Gen. Tzvi Tzur and Chief of Staff Gen. Haim Bar Lev attended the first meeting which was held here, the outcome of which was described as inconclusive. Another meeting has been set for next week. Finance committee chairman Israel Kragman will report to Premier Golda Meir and Finance Minister Pinhas Sapir.
Proponents of a defense budget cut claim it is an economic necessity. Opponents allege that it would hurt vital security needs. Sapir said last week that no cuts would be made in the funds needed to purchase armaments. He did not say whether he would support a reduction in the expenditure of Israeli pounds by the Defense Ministry. It was learned meanwhile that fewer reserve units will be called for duty which may help keep the Defense Ministry’s expenditures down.
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