The Ford administration is upset with Israel for not building on the 1974 agreement with Egypt during spring 1975. Led by Secretary of State Kissinger, Ford announces a reassessment of Washington’s policy toward Israel. It includes a suspension of economic assistance and reduction in arms supplies. Irked at the administration’s attitude toward Israel, seventy-six senators send Ford a letter openly opposing the administration. Ford and Kissinger are angered that the senate is weighing in on the President’s foreign policy prerogatives. When Ford sees Egyptian President Sadat in Salzburg a week later, Ford proclaimes to him, “the impact of the letter is negligible.” With the flare-up behind them, US led diplomacy with Israel restarts in June and a second disengagement agreement is signed between Cairo and Jerusalem in September. When arms supply to Israel resumes, they are provided at lower rates of borrowing interest than previously.
Thank you for your personal interest in learning about modern Israel
Contributions from people like you allow CIE to assemble and compose materials about Israel's rich and vibrant story. Please play a beneficial role in sustaining our mission. Donate to assure inspired learning for yourself and for others.