Current Israeli-Western relations were described here today as a “honeymoon,” by Gen. Moshe Dayan, former Chief of Staff of the Israel Army. Speaking here at the first meeting sponsored by the Mapai at which he was featured, Gen, Dayan warned that the “honeymoon” might not last much longer.
He asked whether Israel was prepared for harder times ahead, insisting that the present relations between this country and the West was not the outcome of Israel’s own work but merely the coincidence of the West’s growing disillusionment with the Arabs. “It is quite likely the Arabs and the West will have a rapprochement.” he said, and then Israel will face “harder times.”
Gen. Dayan granted that the United States was the most friendly of all nations to Israel. But, he pointed out, the United States had agreed to supply Israel with arms only after Egypt had received arms from the Soviet Union.
Turning to the regional scene, the leader of the younger group in the top ranks of the Mapai opposed the idea of Israel’s integration with the Arab states. With the present lower level of Arab life, he said, this would mean a step backwards for Israel.
The General defended his economic ideas, which have created quite a stir, reiterating his demands for increased production at lower prices, increased efficiency in industry and civil service “even if this causes temporary unemployment.” He criticized the decision of the Histadrut last week to better social conditions of workers. This, he continued, would cost the state 20,000,000 pounds at a time it was looking for a 20,000,000 pound loan to cover immigration and absorption costs.
He attacked various groups of workers, like teachers and engineers, who look for higher wages while they are not prepared to increase productivity. He blamed his own party for failing to maintain a stable price situation last year, with the result that the budget has a 50,000,000 pound deficit.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
