The Israeli Embassy declined to comment officially today on last Saturday’s New York Times report that Israel has had nuclear capability for more than two years. But an Israeli source disparaged the report, saying: “This is a seasonal story. It comes out twice a year when things are slow.” Asked directly whether Israel has an atomic bomb, the source replied: “It’s too expensive to make.” Reminded that low-cost versions are feasible, the source said: “I don’t know anything about those things.” Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield, Democrat of Montans, said today he was not surprised at the reports of Israeli nuclear capability, adding: “That’s one of the possible dangers In that area.”
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