Word: etzion
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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Furthermore, says Tucker, "the logic of the treaty necessitates U.S. military involvement in the Middle East" as a stabilizing force. Among other measures, he favors the U.S.'s taking over the sprawling air base at Etzion, which the Israelis will be giving up as they evacuate the Sinai. He also suggests that Washington consider reinforcing the U.S. Mediterranean fleet and establishing a naval base at Haifa...
...chances are good that America's military commitment to the Middle East would be increased. During his Washington visit Begin suggested, for example, that the U.S. might consider making use of the Sinai airbase at Etzion, which Israel, under the peace terms, would have to turn over to the Egyptians. U.S. officials quickly distanced themselves from any such idea, but that may have been chiefly a diplomatic courtesy, since a deal on the base would have to be discussed with Egypt rather than Israel. While Sadat so far opposes any foreign bases in the Sinai, he might conclude that some...
...exact period to be decided later), as part of a U.N. buffer zone, and retain their settlements along the Gulf of Aqaba?but only under Egyptian rule, as Cairo's "welcome guests." More important, the Egyptians seemed ready to allow Israel to keep its big military airbase at Etzion and continue using the military airbase at Eitam as a civilian airfield. Weizman took the proposals home with him for Begin's Cabinet to study, and hopes to renew the talks within two or three weeks...
...four major airfields the Israelis currently have in the Sinai (see map), Eitam and Etzion are regarded as vital to their national defense. From Etzion, which is located in an area with few flat spaces, Israeli jets can patrol not only the Strait of Tiran but also (with mid-air refueling) Bab el Mandeb at the southern end of the Red Sea. Squadrons at Eitam can guard the southern coast of the Mediterranean and the Sinai as far as the Suez Canal...
...need additional bases simply to accommodate their air force, which is three times as large as it was in 1967. Some U.S. observers have suggested that Israel should be giving more thought to building additional fields within its own borders, but either way, the costs are enormous. To rebuild Etzion 25 to 40 miles to the northeast would cost at least $1 billion?a tab the Israelis would expect the U.S. to pick up as part of the peace package...