The State Department said today that the U.S. has “under review” the possibility of using military bases in the Middle East. Asked if Israel or Egypt have offered the U.S. use of military bases in their territory, the Department’s chief spokesman, Hodding Carter, said parties in both countries have stated that the U.S. would be welcome to use their facilities. He added, “The question of the use of facilities in the whole region is under review.”
Israeli Defense Minister Ezer Weizman referred to that matter when he appeared on the CBS-TV “Face the Nation” program in Washington Dec. 30. He commented on a report in the Egyptian magazine, October, that President Anwar Sadat had offered the U.S. bases if needed. Asked if Israel had made a similar offer, Weizman said there was no need to because the U.S. knew that Israel was a close friend and would give it anything it asked for in the interests of security in the region.
ARMS AID PACKAGE FOR EGYPT
Meanwhile, government sources said today that President Carter has approved a long-term arms aid commitment to Egypt with an initial installment of $350 million. It is part of a proposed $3 billion five-year modernization program for Egypt’s armed forces that would include the sale of advanced American fighter aircraft and tanks. The White House announced Monday that Carter will ask Congress to approve $200 million in military sales credits to Israel in addition to the $3 billion aid package already approved for the next three years.
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