Biden Criticizes Israel, U.S. Jews for Not Reacting Immediately to the U.s.-saudi Arms Deal

— Sen. Joseph Biden (D. Del.), a leading opponent of the proposed U.S. arms package deal for Saudi Arabia, strongly chastized the American Jewish community and Israel here last night for not reacting immediately in opposition to the Reagan Administration’s plan to supply offensive weapons to the Saudis.

Addressing members of the national executive committee of the Zionist Organization of America, Biden, the second ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that the Administration will initiate tactics that will modify the American arms package.

He cautioned, however, that the dangers to U.S. and Israel security will continue. The Senator said he intended to join Sen. Alan Cranston (D. Calif.)

in sponsoring a resolution of disapproval in the Senate as soon as the Administration’s proposal arrives on Capitol Hill. “If we do not make the fight now,” Biden said, the appetite of Saudi Arabia” will not be satiated.”

Ivan Novick, president of the ZOA, praised Biden for his fight against the sale. Novick urged the American Jewish community not to retreat from its position in oppostion to the arms package. “If American foreign policy means that we can turn our back on friends due to ‘changed circumstances’ as dictated by Saudi Arabia, what ‘changed circumstances’ can alter our commitments to Israel in the future if Saudi Arabia once again asks the U.S. to pass another ‘litmus test,’ Novick asked.

He told the ZOA leaders that “day after day” he has “heard strong words ringing through the air how the U.S. is prepared to stand up to the USSR, one of the world’s mightiest powers. Why are we so bold, so courageous and so forthright with the Soviet Union and so timid and apologetic to Saudi Arabia? The fact is, Saudi Arabia needs the support the U.S. and we should set the agenda for the basis of our relationship.”