On 28 October the U.S. Senate approved the sale of AWACS to Saudi Arabia by a vote of 52 in favor and 48 against. President Reagan had exerted massive pressure to insure the passage of the arms deal, stating that after the death of Sadat, the U.S. must retain influence in the Middle East and that Saudi Arabia was a close friend. Israel's security needs will be looked after in various ways. The cabinet expressed regret over the vote which created new threats to Israel's security. It was also hoped that the ideas expressed in a letter from President Reagan to Prime Minister Begin asserting that the U.S. remained committed to helping Israel retain its military and technological advantages will be realized Text:
The Government of Israel expresses its regret over the decision of the American Senate to approve the proposal of the Administration on the two-fold arms deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia, which is in a state of war with Israel, rejects the Camp David Accords and finances terror in our region.
The Government reiterates that a new and serious danger now faces Israel, new since the restoration of our statehood. We will have to overcome this threat also, we will do all that we have to do in order to overcome.
The debate in the United States concerning this arms deal was held over a long period of time. Friends of Israel, regardless of their origin and political affiliation, conducted the just struggle with courage and dignity. We express to them our gratitude for their efforts. We shall not forget that among those who supported the arms deal with Saudi Arabia, and also among those who changed their position from rejection to support, are many who value the role and policy of Israel in the Middle East and in the Free World, and nurture in their heart warm feelings toward our people and country.
This morning the Prime Minister received a letter from the President of the United States, Mr. Reagan, dated October 28, 1981. In it the President writes, inter alia: "Mr. Prime Minister, you have my reassurance that America remains committed to help Israel retain its military and technological advantages. The security of Israel remains an essential factor in our decisions on strategic issues in the region. This administration has a continued interest in working with Israel on a wide dimension of strategic issues, efforts which serve our mutual interest."
We hope that these words of the President will be carried into realization.