Pres. Eisenhower regretted he pushed Israel to pull from Sinai

Dr. Joseph Lerner

Eisenhower was hotheaded in the situation. His telephone call to Prime
Minister Anthony Eden was delivered in a crude barracks-style tongue lashing
. Two days into the war he admonished Prime Minister Ben Gurion "... you
ought not forget that the strength of Israel and her future are bound up
with the United States." This was followed by specific threats: If Israel
did not leave Sinai and Gaza there would be U.N. condemnation, U.S. aid
would be terminated, the tax-status of charitable contributions would be
challenged and Soviet "volunteers" might invade Israel. Critics of Israel
point to Eisenhower's treatment of Israel in this episode as exemplary.
Later, he changed his mind regarding Israel.

In October, 1965 Max M. Fisher visited Eisenhower at his Gettysburg farm.
Eisenhower told him "... looking back at Suez, I regret what I did. I never
should have pressed Israel to evacuate the Sinai. He continued: "... If I'd
had a Jewish advisor working for me, I doubt I would have handled the
situation the same way. I would not have forced the Israelis back" (Peter
Golden, "Quiet Diplomat, Max M. Fisher" pp.xviii - xix ,Herzl Press 1992).

I find it surprising that Eisenhower's change of mind regarding his
approach to Israel has not become common knowledge, especially since setting
the record right (even belatedly) is popular. I am puzzled that friends of
Israel have not made the effort.

I believe Eisenhower belatedly realized his action against Israel missed an
opportunity to promote peace. But, I reject his notion that he would
necessarily have made a different decision had he had a Jewish advisor on
the matter. There were Jews who agreed with Eisenhower's policy. I expect
he was really saying that his specific advisers gave their advice because
they were not Jewish and were influenced by Israel being a Jewish State.

Eisenhower merits credit for revealing his change of mind. Still, why didn't
he make it public?