Statement Objecting to U.S. Arms Sale
to Egypt and Saudi Arabia
(May 16, 1978)
Speaking to a conference of the Israel Industrialists
Association, Mr. Begin called
the Senate decision to approve the Carter Administration's sale of fighter
aircraft to Egypt and Saudi
Arabia a "severe decision", which contradicted the commitment
given to Israel in 1975. Mr. Begin
felt that the decision would only increase the rigidity of the Arab
states and make negotiations more difficult.
"The severity of the American Senate's decision which was made
on the basis of the administration's proposal cannot be minimized.
"It is our duty to state today as well that we the State of Israel
received an absolute and unconditional commitment (for the supply of
these planes) two and a half years ago. To our regret during the course
of time a condition was attached to this commitment to our regret, while
a state of war still exists with two countries (which are involved in
the deal) Egypt and Saudi Arabia - these countries are receiving sophisticated
weaponry. I could have said that this decision will rigidify our enemies'
stance. I will not make such a contention for a simple reason: Their
stance is rigid anyway.
"Every friend and every citizen of Israel" continued the
Prime Minister, "must understand that the conditions of peace are
trying to be dictated to us: To dictate, to force us into a place from
which it is not only difficult but impossible to protect the civilian
population. And we have made a commitment in our generation to make
every effort so that the civilian population shall not be attacked:
Men, women and children.
"This is the duty of our generation, which saw
all the horror and which established the revival with its very own hands
and sacrifices, and thus we shall continue to aspire to peace and to
exert efforts for peace."
Sources: Israeli
Foreign Ministry |