Discussions taking place here between Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres and United States authorities on military aid to Israel are not based on specified amounts of funds, Secretary of State Henry A, Kissinger said today. Israel is reported to have asked for a $1.5 billion program spread over a “multi-year” period believed to be from 5-10 years.
Kissinger, at a news conference, said that he has told Congressional committees that the U.S. is prepared to discuss a “long-term arrangement” with Israel and that Peres’ visit is “designed for that discussion” but there is “no particular level” of funding.
Kissinger refused to discuss the U.S. position toward Israel’s retaliatory raids against Arab terrorists in Lebanon. Asked about the raids in connection with the U.S. commitment to Israel on activities across the Syrian border, Kissinger replied that the U.S. statement regarding Syria was in the disengagement plan between that country and Israel. The U.S. will make a separate decision in “each case,” Kissinger said.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
