The Government of Israel, it was revealed here today, intends to step up its efforts for the acquisition of military equipment in order to maintain the balance of forces in the Middle East, following the Washington announcement of a United States decision to supply military jet aircraft to Jordan.
A statement on the subject, reportedly drafted at the highest level was issued here today by the Foreign Ministry. The statement declared:
“The Government of Israel notes the statements of the United States Government on February 5 and April 2, indicating its desire to avoid the destabilizing factors or the creation of arms imbalance. The Government of Israel will urgently pursue its efforts to maintain the balance and correct any imbalances that may arise. The Government of Israel is fully confident that it will be able to maintain an effective deterrent to aggression and cope with any related problems that may arise from the announced U. S. sale to Jordan.”
It was understood that the American decision to supply Jordan with jet aircraft did not come as a surprise to the Israel Government, which knew of the Jordanian efforts to secure the aircraft.
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