Deputy Defense Minister Zvi Dinstein war-yesterday that unless Israel’s economy is overhauled, the country will have difficulty meeting ever heavier defense obligations in a few years.
Speaking at a meeting of the Engineers Union, he said that Israel was compelled to devote a larger share of its gross national income to defense than either the United States or France. He reported that despite huge supplies of Soviet weapons being given to the Arab states, Israel had difficulties in impressing on the western powers the ne to maintain a balance of power.
The problem is expected to be discussed by Israel officials with Raymond Hare, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, when he comes to Israel this weekend. Israeli officials feel the matter has become an urgent one because of the large Soviet arms deliveries and the recent United States sales to Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
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