PM Begin at a Briefing at Blair House, Washington

Begin discussed the obstacles in the peace process, as well as the autonomy proposal, at a press conference at Blair House, Washington. He then spoke about the security situation in Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip, citing the Coastal Road massacre two weeks prior to the briefing and the Yom Kippur War as examples. He later addressed the Operation Litani’s casualties in Lebanon, the implementation of Resolution 242, and his resignation from the cabinet in 1970.

Israel will not Sumbit Threats

DID PRESIDENT Sadat, before embarking on his journey to Jerusalem last November, know that his two ultimate demands were, and must inevitably be, totally unacceptable to Israel?  He did. On 8 November 1977, the Egyptian President made a statement to his People’s Council in Cairo in which he put forth his demands that Israel restore … Continued

Israel Will Not Submit to Threats

Begin talks about a series of events regarding the peace process with Egypt. First Begin shares that Begin made it clear that Israel absolutely rejected what Sadat stated he demanded from Israel. Begin continues to say that Israel believes in free negotiations without any prior conditions. He mentions that when Sadat came to Jerusalem and spoke to the Knesset, it was a historic event. Begin shifts to talk about Israel’s peace plan, which Jimmy Carter and his advisors deemed fair. Begin then shares his positive reflections on his visit to Ismailia, including the fact that they “parted in warm friendship.” Begin and Sadat agreed to have two committees, one to negotiate military and the other for political matters. After leaving Ismailia on a seemingly positive note, the controlled Egyptian press wrote anti-Semitic slurs. He concludes by saying Israel and its Arab neighbors should be seen as equals because that is in the direction of peace.

PM Begin in an Interview with Luxemburg Radio (Paris) in Jerusalem

Begin addressed to the recently renewed negotiations with Egypt, amid anti-Semitic remarks expressed in the Egyptian press, in an interview with Luxemburg radio. He then went on to discuss the countries’ differing viewpoints on Israeli settlements in the Sinai Peninsula and the region’s demilitarization. Later, Begin discussed a variety of topics, including the autonomy proposal, the role of the United States in the negotiations, and his friendship with Sadat in the wake of Sadat’s hostile interview with October magazine. He then went on to discuss the Israel-France relationship, expressing a wish to see France’s hostile policy toward Israel end and the Franco-Israeli alliance renewed. Finally, Begin spoke about his election to the position of Prime Minister.

No Quick Formula for M.E. Problems

In an interview, Begin discusses different topics regarding the peace process with Egypt and other Arab nations. Begin argues that self-determination does not mean independent statehood and Israel would not accept Palestinian statehood. He also says that although Palestinians will have free political activity, Israel will not allow an organization who wants Israel destroyed. Regarding which nations will have control over the West Bank and Gaza, Begin says that although the land belongs to the Jewish people, there are other claims. Begin strongly argues that settlement building in the West Bank and Sinai should not be viewed as detrimental to the peace talks. Begin says that the peace process is moving, and it’s important that there is patience. The last question was about Likud members voting against Begin’s peace plan. Begin responds by saying he was hurt, but will still pursue his plan.