President Chaim Herzog of Israel, warned today that the growing military power of Syria creates “a very dangerous situation.” He said that the Soviet military build-up of Syria poses a threat not only to Israel and Lebanon but to Jordan as well.
Addressing the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations at a meeting at the Regency Hotel here, Herzog, on the fourth day of a 10-day visit to the U.S. said that as a result of the massive arms supply to Syria in the last year “The Syrian army became one of the largest armies of the world,” with some 4,000 tanks at its disposal.
Herzog also said that there is in Syria “the only Soviet fighting unit outside the Soviet bloc” and the Syrians are equipped with the sophisticated Soviet made SAM-5 missiles.
HOPES FOR DIALOGUE WITH PALESTINIANS
Regarding the downfall of Yasir Arafat, leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Herzog said he was asked by some people if he is not sad to see this “moderate” leader disappear. “No. I am not sorry to see Arafat go,” the President said, noting that Arafat was a “murderer” who sought the destruction of Israel. He added that it is hoped that the Palestinian people will “wake up” to the new realities in the Mideast and will open a dialogue with Israel.
Herzog was guest of honor at a reception given by Naphtali Lavie, Israel’s Consul General in New York, last night. The reception, at Lavie’s residence, was attended by diplomats, Jewish leaders and representatives of the media.
After addressing the Presidents Conference, Herzog flew to Atlanta where he will speak before the 52nd General Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations tonight.
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