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Helms' visit appeared to be more of a political mission than a security check. One reason for it could be that President Nixon, who respects Helms' judgment highly, is presently pondering an Israeli request for additional military equipment. Israel is convinced that Washington is using such aid as both carrot and stick to force it into unwanted compromises. The Israelis told Helms that since the Soviets are moving inexorably southward toward East Africa and the Indian Ocean, establishing a naval presence and setting up ports of call and repair facilities, friendly nations such as Israel ought to be included in Western defense planning. On that basis, the Israelis argue, arms shipments ought to be determined according to strategic priorities, and not be subject to the more local pressures of the Arab-Israeli conflict.