Loan Guarantees to Israel

In your editorial “When Two Allies Strongly Disagree,” (Jan. 22), you state that Washington should stick to its stand that loan guarantees should be tied to an unequivocal halt to Israeli settlement building. Do you think it is really appropriate for one democracy to impose its views on another democracy, one which feels its security needs and vital interests may be at stake? And why tie “settlements,” a political issue that should be negotiated with the Arabs during the peace talks, to the humanitarian rescue of 1 million or more Soviet Jews who may need to get out of the former Soviet republics now before it is too late?

Regarding “conditions” for the loan guarantees, let’s look at this comparison. A person goes to a bank to borrow money to build a house. He meets their conditions and requirements for paying back the loan and has enough collateral to build the house. Does the bank then say, “We will determine the proper design for the house as well as decide who can live in the house?” The bank, obviously, does not.

DAN BEN-ELIEZER

Consul for Press and Information

Consulate General of Israel

Los Angeles