Rabin Says U.S. Israel Friendship Can Weather Transient Disagreements

Premier Yitzhak Rabin declared here today that U.S.-Israel friendship could weather transient disagreements because both nations shared basic common values that bound them together. Rabin made his remarks to an audience of prominent Israelis and American representatives attending a luncheon of the Israel-American Friendship Society. The event was chaired by Jewish Agency Treasurer Leon Dulzin who is president of the Society.

Rabin said his latest visit to the U.S. last month affirmed the shared values that helped mould America’s attitude toward Israel. He spoke of their common dedication to democracy, their common Biblical heritage and the fact that both America and Israel were immigrant societies. He said that, travelling across the United States he felt that “regardless of what was written in the press,” there was deep sympathy and understanding and readiness on the part of the American people to work together with Israel.

Rabin said the U.S. respected the rights of small nations to make their own vital decisions even when such small states needed American military and economic assistance. He called on Israelis to value, cultivate and foster their relationship with the U.S. “Let us not take it for granted,” he urged, “so that even when there are disagreements–and we don’t have to accept everything, sometimes we have to be stubborn–let us not say things which bring needless consequences to the relationship.”

His remarks appeared to be directed at certain Israeli personages who have sharply criticized the U.S. recently for allegedly pressuring Israel for more concessions and delays in the delivery of military equipment. Rabin told his audience that American Jewry had scored achievements unparalleled in the annuals of the diaspora. “They are proud Americans and they are proud Jews and there is no conflict whatsoever,” Rabin said.