During his visit to Washington in April 1975, King Hussein concluded an agreement with the U.S. for the sale of Hawk surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery for the strengthening of Jordan's air defence system. Israel protested this deal. Replying to a Likud motion to the agenda, Mr. Allon explained the background of these developments and Israel's action.
Mr. Speaker, Members of the Knesset,
At the beginning of this month, the Israel government was authoritatively informed of an arms deal which had been concluded between the governments of the United States and Jordan, during King Hussein's visit to Washington in April of this year. The main purpose of this deal was reportedly the strengthening of the Jordanian's air defence system by means of Hawk surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns.
Upon receipt of this information, I instructed our ambassador in Washington to express to the government of the United States, the grave concern of the Israel government over this deal, as well as its reservations and opposition to it - in view of its timing.
As you all know, following the suspension of the talks between Israel and Egypt for an interim settlement, the U.S. government announced that it was now reassessing its policy in the Middle East. In this connection, it was announced that, for the duration of this period of reassessment, the U.S. would suspend all new arms acquisitions deals including the supply of a number of important items to Israel for which high-level approval had already been obtained, although agreements had not as yet been signed.
This did not pertain to existing agreements.
We have not resigned ourselves to such suspension, and have lodged an appeal.
In all honesty it must clarified that, the items for whose acquisition agreements were signed before April 1st of this year, are being supplied regularly.
In view of the aforesaid, the government of Israel is entitled to expect that, while the U.S. is suspending its acquisitions requests, it would do the same with respect to Jordan just as we might expect that while the U.S. government sees fit to postpone the visit of the Minister of Defence - a visit that had already been mutually agreed upon and coordinated - it might refrain from holding discussions on subjects related to defence, with our eastern neighbour - not to speak of Saudi Arabia.
But this is not all.
In spite of the reference to defence weapons, there is no doubt that the arms deal concluded recently between the U.S. and Jordan, strengthens the military power of that country and increases its ability to become a partner to Egypt and Syria's military options. In addition, taking into account the effect of the modern weapons sold to Saudi Arabia - the Saudi Arabia that never concealed its intentions to actively assist in a war against Israel there is definitely a threat to the balance of power in our region.
Though I believe that the leaders of the American administration did not have this in mind there is a definite danger that the substance, timing and background of the U.S.-Jordan arms deal (not to mention the U.S.-Saudi Arabian deals) will serve as an encouragement to extremist factors in the Arab world to push the Arab states in the direction of war this in complete contradiction to the peaceful efforts and aspirations that are common to the U.S. and to Israel.
Members of the Knesset,
On this occasion I must point out a number of facts relating to recent events in the Kingdom of Jordan. Of late, harsh statements have been coming from authorised spokesmen as well as through Jordanian media. Simultaneously, there have been reliable reports regarding unusual movements in the Jordanian army along the frontier with Israel and plans for Jordanian-Syrian military cooperation. We are still not fully aware of the point or purpose of this Jordanian activity - whether it is merely a demonstration or more than that. We are of course alert to it, and are doing whatever is necessary in order to meet any eventually - however, I should like to hope that the leaders of Jordan are equally aware of the dangers which may result from these steps - dangers to peace in the region and to their own countries. I should also like to hope that they are aware of the danger that, should they set off a spark, there may be forces in the Arab world and perhaps even inside Jordan, who might bring pressure to bear on them to continue on this path -even if they decide to change face.
Mr. Speaker,
Although these facts are well known, it is not superfluous to reiterate them. Israel is interested in peace with all of her neighbours. Israel is acting consistently in the interests of peace. She sees no alternative to peace. We are interested in continued political initiative and political activity, the chances of which still exist. At the same time, the government of Israel is aware of the problems and dangers I have cited, and is doing everything necessary in order to cope with them.
I propose that the matter be passed to the Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee.