Israel affirms opposition to sale of AWACS craft

The Cabinet endorsed Israel's recent denunciations of President Reagan's offer to sell Saudi Arabia advanced radar planes and enhanced weapons systems but said it would avoid a full confrontation with the administration over the issue. This indicated a softer Israeli stance after severe criticism by political and military leaders last week on the sale of the airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft.

Cabinet Secretary Arieh Naor said Israel did not intend to engage in a full confrontation with the Reagan administration but would opt for "diplomatic and information" methods to a vert the sales.