U.S. Aid to Israel
The main reason for Israel’s present economic problems is the lack of resolve on the part of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin, as was shown by his return of the Sinai and its abundant oil reserves to Egypt. These oil reserves would have turned Israel into an oil exporter and would have more than equaled Israel’s current foreign-aid package.
The new air bases constructed in the Negev likewise contributed to Israel’s inflationary spiral. They are also inferior as to location and quality of construction, compared to bases Israel gave up in the Sinai.
By giving in to American pressure, Israel is creating a situation whereby it makes itself vulnerable to even greater pressure toward suicidal concessions in the future. The next contest of wills will be taking place in the liberated territories of Judea and Samaria. The strategy of the so-called “moderate” Arabs is to take what you can now--as a means of taking the rest later.
MAX KESSLER Los Angeles
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