Secretary of Defense James R. Schlesinger said today that the need for a long-range U.S. military assistance program for Israel stems from Israel’s concern for her security based on the “relationship” of diplomatic and political processes taking place and military activities. As a result of the Yom Kippur War and the territorial withdrawals by Israel in disengagements with Egypt and Syria, Schlesinger told the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Foreign Operations, Israel’s previous reliance on superior training of her personnel and cohesion of forces “must be reconsidered.”
Schlesinger, responding to questions from subcommittee chairman Daniel Inouye (D.Ha-wali) said there was no “sizeable imbalance” at present in the military strength between Israel and her Arab neighbors. Pointing to the Israeli withdrawals in the Suez and Golan Heights and “prospects of further disengagement,” in the Suez sector, Schlesinger said “this would reduce the territorial protection relied upon by Israel. The Israelis may regard additional equipment compensatory for the loss of territory in the disengagements,” Schlesinger said. Adjustment of levels of military equipment for the long term is to “provide Israel with confidence that somewhere in the world there will be a supplier of equipment. These larger political objectives form the basis of our policy” to provide continued security for Israel, Schlesinger said.
Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres is in Washington meeting with top U.S. officials, including Schlesinger, on the long-term aid program. He had met last night with Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger. Estimates, however, on the extent of the program were not available.
Sen. Inouye suggested that the U.S. program for Israel is “in excess” of $6 billion for the first five years. Schlesinger replied that “the size cannot be determined today.” When Inouye countered “when will the Congress know?” Schlesinger responded, “that’s between the Secretary of State and Congress.”
Schlesinger said that of the $2.2 billion emergency fund for Israel, one billion was “forgiven” in April, a credit of $500 million was made on June 3, and an additional $700 million was “recently” signed as a credit. Congress had authorized the President to grant up to $1.5 billion as a gift to Israel.
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