Israeli Envoy Complains over Lack of Unified Stand on U.S. Arms to Egypt

Ephraim Evron, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., complained today that his Embassy in Washington finds it difficult to campaign against the U.S. Egyptian arms deal because there is no unified stand in Israel on the issue. In the course of an address to senior Foreign Ministry officials, Evron lashed out at “yordim” (emigrants from Israel) in the U.S. who, he claimed, disparage Israel. He also suggested that feuding Cabinet ministers “watch their tongues” because reports of their disagreements reach the overseas press.

On the issue of the proposed sale of sophisticated American weaponry to Egypt, Evron said there were three views in Israel. Defense Minister Ezer Weizman believes that Israel should not oppose the deals while the two countries are striving to normalize their relations, he said. Another school, headed by Moshe Arens, chairman of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, wants Israel to take drastic action to oppose the deals, and Premier Menachem Begin says Israel should concentrate on trying to limit the quantity and quality of arms sold to Egypt.

“How can one fight the American intentions to supply Egypt with sophisticated arms when Israel’s leaders differ on the issue and when the American Administration knows of the difference?” Evron asked. He said Israeli information efforts in the U.S. faced objective difficulties. According to Evron, the yordim are one of the main evils because “for each information emissary that arrived from Israel we see ten yordim who spread slander against the country.” He also said that Israel’s interests were not served by reports of clashes between Israelis and Arabs on the West Bank which receive wide coverage in the American media.