Arab League Official Says Israel Has ‘Veto Power’ on U.S. Policy

The chief representative of the Arab League in the United States said today that the Iran- contra affair demonstrates Israel’s “veto power” over U.S. policy in the Middle East.

In a year-end news conference, Clovis Maksoud said the controversy should cause a reassessment by the Reagan Administration and Congress of America’s attitude toward Israel.

Specifically, the Arab League official said he hoped “the disclosure of Israel’s role in this whole episode undoubtedly would open the eyes of some people in Congress who have given Israel sort of a blanket support.”

Moreover, Maksoud said, it might “restrict the freewheeling suggestions of Israel to people in sensitive decision-making processes in the United States.”

Maksoud did not directly suggest that Israel originated the idea of U.S. arms shipments to Iran or that it played a role in establishing a fund for the Nicaraguan rebels. Government leaders in Jerusalem have denied any involvement in the fund.

But, Maksoud said, the strategic alliance between the United States and Israel provides for sharing of intelligence and creates “a degree of instant response” by Washington to Israeli initiatives.