For the first time in history, the Arabs in Judea and Samaria would enjoy such a situation. They didn’t have it under Jordanian or Egyptian rule in Judea, Samaria or in the Gaza Strip. We took the initiative to suggest autonomy. It’s a novel human idea. And it was accepted, but it cannot be widened … Continued
One of the most decisive issues is, one, the essence of the autonomy. What is the autonomy? Because I think it is made clear by the Camp David agreement, but there are many proposals. For instance, there is an Egyptian proposal to have an assembly, an executive, a judiciary. I call it a Palestinian state … Continued
Barbara Walters interviews Prime Minister Begin on “ABC” about the progress of the peace process with Egypt, the meaning of Palestinian Arab autonomy, reactions to the Iranian hostage crisis and the Olympic Games in Moscow. He closes with how he wishes to be remembered.
Begin addressed his upcoming trip to Cairo in a speech given shortly after the peace treaty with Egypt was signed. “It is not time to rest on our laurels,” he said, calling for Palestinian Arab autonomy as well as ensuring Israel’s security from all sides. He then called for a campaign in the United States to ensure Israel’s security, as well as for Jewish communities in the United States to stand by Israel. Later, Begin discussed Israel’s poverty problem, referred to the Bonds’ role in helping Israel’s economy, and urged the audience to donate to Project Renewal.
An extensive interview with Prime Minister Begin on “ABC” about the progress of peace talks with Egypt. Taking place months after the deadline for a full treaty, much of the interview deals with the deal’s effects on Egypt’s obligations to other Arab nations, Begin’s feelings of optimism about the talks and Israel’s key role as part of the free world in the Middle East.
