Israel Embassy officials declined comment here on the speech delivered yesterday before the conference of Jewish organizations by John D. Jernegan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, on Middle Eastern defense developments.
Israel circles were reported to feel that this speech completely missed the central point in the current discussions between the two governments. The Israel view, as expressed by Prime Minister Sharett last week and Ambassador Abba Eban yesterday, is that the imbalance created by recent Western treaties in the Middle East entitled Israel to receive two things: a firm guarantee of her territorial integrity and appropriate military assistance to redress the disturbed balance. These are regarded in Israel circles as the two minimal and immediate remedies for the insecurity created for Israel by developments initiated in the area by or under the influence of the United States.
The question of Israel’s association with other states in a regional defense project is regarded in Israel circles as a different and relatively separate subject. The Government of Israel has not published specific views or proposals on this matter which is not the main point at issue. Regardless of the question of defense organization, Israel is said to feel that the United States has a moral and political responsibility to act on its specific claims.
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