Sen. Jackson Underscores His Support for American Arms to Israel

United States Sen. Henry M. Jackson, a member of the Armed Services Committee, reiterated today his support for American aims aid to Israel and said the Soviet Union was fully aware that an attack on Israel would bring it into military confrontation with the U.S. Sen. Jackson, the Washington State Democrat who is considered a “hawk” on both the Middle East and Indochina, is the author of the Senate-passed amendment granting Israel credit for her security requirements. He made his comments to newsmen after meeting today with Premier Golda Meir, Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, Chief of Staff Haim Sar Lev and Chief of Intelligence Aharon Yariv. Today was the fourth day of his planned five-day visiting Israel. He will inspect the Suez Canal zone tomorrow.

Sen. Jackson said he was very much impressed with the Israeli military leaders and that the country’s security was in good hands. He said he was also impressed with what he called Premier Meir’s confidence in President Nixon and Congress in the matter of the administration-proposed $500 million aid to Israel. The American legislator said the Mideast quagmire should be seen in the context of a historic Soviet desire to reopen the Suez Canal, gain enough influence in the Arab states to control or cut off oil supplies to the West, and eventually dominate the entire region. “We are here to prevent the Russians from reaching this aim.” he declared. Sen. Jackson repeated his assertion of Monday that Israel should not return to the Jarring peace talks before the Egyptians rolled back their illegal missiles and sites in the standstill cease-fire zone.