U.S. Support of Israel Reaffirmed

Defense Secretary Frank C. Carlucci wound up his Middle East tour Friday by reaffirming American military commitment to Israel.

But Carlucci repeated his support of U.S. arms sales to Arab nations that Washington believes are moderate and necessary for maintaining stability in the region.

“I feel that it is important for the peace process that the United States retain a relationship with the moderate Arab countries,” Carlucci told reporters at Ben-Gurion Airport before his departure for Washington. “Part of that relationship has to be a security relationship.”

Carlucci, who also visited Jordan and Egypt during a 10-day European and Middle East tour, said restrictions placed on weapons the United States sells were designed to protect allies, including Israel, and “nothing that we do will upset the existing balance.”