Israel expressed dismay and anger today at the suspension in the delivery of American F-15 and F-16 war planes. A Foreign Ministry spokesman described the suspension as an “unjust and damaging action, bordering on breach of contract.” While there have been delays during U.S. policy reconsiderations in the past on new items under discussion, government spokesmen stressed that this is the first time there has been a halt in the delivery of items already contracted for, with signed agreements.
The spokesmen were reacting to reports from Washington that the Reagan Administration has decided to withhold the delivery of two F-15s and 10 F-16s. Political circles pointed out that the American decision is damaging the peace process and the mutual trust between Israel and the U.S. They were careful to stress, however, that their dismay and anger was not an indication that a crisis exists between the two countries.
Political analysts suggested that the continued delay is a form of pressure on Israel to agree to the American supply of AWACS early warning aircraft to Saudi Arabia and to agree to amend its policies towards local autonomy for the West Bank and Gaza Strip Palestinians.
Prof. Yuval Ne’eman, leader of the ultranationalist Tehiya movement, appealed to Premier Menachem Begin today to postpone his scheduled visit to Washington early next month until the delivery of the aircraft is renewed. Former Premier Yitzhak Rabin suggested that Israel delay its formal ratification of the multinational force agreement for the Sinai until Washington lifts the embargo. Yosef Rom, a Likud Knesset member, presented a motion in the Knesset today along that line. Defense Minister Ariel Sharon refused to comment on the embargo.
The 10 F-16s include four whose delivery was held up after Israel bombed Iraq’s nuclear reactor June 7 and six whose delivery was postponed after Israel’s raid on terrorist headquarters in Beirut July 17. Also delayed are two of the 15 F-15s that Israel has ordered from the U.S. Another four F-16s were due to be delivered this week.
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