The United States said it recognizes the “urgent basis” on which it is to cooperate with Israel in the construction of two new air bases in Israel as a result of Israel’s evacuation of two bases in Sinai under the Camp David frameworks.
In a letter addressed to Israeli Defense Minister Ezer Weizman dated Sept. 28 and released the following day at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Harold Brown suggested that the U.S. and Israel “consult on the scope and costs” of the new bases “as well as on related forms of assistance” pertaining to the project. President Carter said at his news conference Sept. 28 that the “degree of participation” by the U.S. in building the bases would be subject to negotiations. Previously, it had been understood that the U.S. would provide the estimated $1 billion needed for the bases while the Israelis themselves would construct the bases.
The air bases to be evacuated by Israel are at Etzion near the strategic port of Eilat on the Red Sea and the Saudi Arabian border across that body of water, and at Eitam in the approaches of the Gaza Strip. Brown, in his letter to Weizman, stated:
“The United States understands that in connection with carrying out the agreements reached at Camp David, Israel intends to build two military air bases at appropriate sites in the Negev to replace the air bases at Eitam and Etzion which will be evacuated by Israel in accordance with the peace treaty to be concluded between Egypt and Israel.
“We also understand the special urgency and priority which Israel attaches to preparing the new bases in light of its conviction that it cannot safely leave the Sinai air bases until the new ones are operational. I suggested that our two governments consult on the scope and costs of the two new air bases as well as in related forms of assistance which the United States might appropriately provide in light of the special problems which may be presented by carrying out such a project on an urgent basis.
“The President is prepared to seek the necessary Congressional approvals for such assistance as may be agreed upon by the U.S. side as a result of such consultations.” U.S. officials estimate that the cost of the air bases will be from $500 million to $1 billion.
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