The Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee stated Wednesday that there is no reason to doubt the official version of Israel’s role in the U.S.-Iran arms deal.
The statement was issued after two days of closed hearings by the Committee’s Intelligence Subcommittee. Details of Israel’s cooperation with the U.S. in the arms sales to Iran were provided by David Kimche, former Director General of the Foreign Ministry, and Amiram Nir, the Prime Minister’s adviser on counter-terrorism.
Both officials appeared before the subcommittee by special permission of Premier Yitzhak Shamir. Kimche and Nir testified on Tuesday and Nir again on Wednesday. Their testimony apparently satisfied the Knesset members that Israel acted in the Iran arms sale as a loyal ally of the United States and at its specific request.
The Committee’s statement made no mention of Israel’s alleged involvement in transferring proceeds of the arms sale to the Nicaraguan rebels known as Contras. But apparently it was satisfied that there is no truth to the allegations. Nevertheless, the Committee has not yet concluded its deliberations on the issue.
The hearings were necessary, according to Committee chairman Abba Eban, to clarify Israel’s role in view of reports published in the American media implying that Israel was the prime mover in the entire Iran-Contra affair.
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