A four-member delegation left today for Washington to discuss Israel’s request for American economic and military aid. The Israeli mission is expected to begin talks Wednesday with an American team headed by Undersecretary of State Joseph J. Sisco. Heading the Israeli team is Arnon Gafni; director general of the Ministry of Finance. The other members are: Ephraim Dovrat, David Kochav, and Yitzhak Elrom. They are expected to be discussing Israel’s request for a reported $2.8 billion in economic and military aid. The four represent the Defense and Finance Ministries.
The discussions take on a new imperative since the Israeli-Egyptian agreement in the Sinai which may be concluded soon is expected to increase Israel’s defense spending. In addition, as Peres pointed out last week, because of the high cost of American arms, which is constantly rising, every time Israel makes a purchase the government has to change the defense budget and find new ways to pay for the arms.
COST HIKES IN NEW DEFENSE LINES
The new defense line that Israel will have to erect after the interim agreement is reached is expected to cost IL 2 billion and the government is already seeking financial sources to pay for this, according to sources. In addition, more forces will be needed, which means Israel will have to call up more reserves for active duty. The high cost of arms can be seen in the price of the F-15 jets which has risen from $18 million to $22 million for a single aircraft. Similar hikes have been noted in the “Lancer” ground-to-ground missile and other weapons.
The Israeli delegation to Washington, in addition to seeking aid to pay for these weapons and for economic needs, will also try to buy American technological know-how and machinery which will enable Israel to produce its own weapons, making her less dependent on other countries. However, sources note that the U.S. is reluctant on this point although Israel hopes to get it in view of the interim agreement.
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