Jewish Group Decries Planned Arms Sale
The American Jewish Congress on Sunday said it was “deeply distressed” that the Pentagon plans to sell depleted uranium anti-tank shells and additional conventional arms to four Middle East nations.
It said that, although the uranium anti-tank shells are not radioactive, their introduction into the area increases the risk to Israel and poses the danger that they may fall into the hands of radical Arab states and terrorists.
The shells, which have special penetrating qualities, would go to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Bahrain, and an additional $400 million in conventional arms is scheduled for Saudi Arabia.
The Defense Department notified Congress of the planned sale last week.
Jewish Congress officials said they planned to ask Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger to review the proposed sale.
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