Israeli Officials Silent on U.S. Arms Deals with Egypt

Top Israeli officials have refrained so far from public comments on the high level of U.S. military aid for Egypt. But there is concern here, particularly over the sophisticated weaponry, including F-15 and F-16 aircraft, that the Carte Administration plans to provide to Egypt and the matter is expected to be raised at upcoming meetings between Israelis and visiting American officials.

Assistant Secretary of Defense David McGiffort is due here later this week after a visit to Cairo, Yosef Moayan, Director General of the Defense Ministry and Brig. Gen. Zvi Shor, the Ministry’s financial advisor, are expected to go to Washington next week to discuss Israeli military needs. The subject of American military supplies to Egypt is believed likely to come up in the course of these meetings.

Defense Minister Ezer Weizman reportedly intends to ignore the issue, arguing that what matters is the strength of the Israeli Air Force, not the Egyptian. That view is supported by government officials who believe that Israel cannot launch an all-out campaign against selling warplanes to Egypt at a time when the two countries are about to exchange ambassadors.

However, one source at the Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying, “This is a scandal. Never before has Israel kept quiet over such a large scale airplane deal with Egypt. This silence will cause us a lot of damage.” The official urged that Israel launch a massive campaign against the deal in the U.S. Administration, the Congress and in public opinion, raising the question as to why Egypt needs the most sophisticated American combat aircraft when it is establishing normal peaceful relations with Israel.