I wouldn’t like to embarrass President Sadat. We did not suggest to him a separate peace treaty with Egypt, because he has difficulties in the Arab world. What we want is a comprehensive settlement, peace settlement. We want a peace treaty with Jordan, with Syria and with Lebanon. And, therefore, the second document takes this … Continued
An “NBC” news report covering the Camp David Accords, including reactions from Begin, President Sadat, locals on both sides, and pundits.
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.
Begin delivers a speech in response to Anwar Sadat’s address to the Knesset. He starts off briefly reflecting on past events to show that Israel has been dedicated to making peace with its neighbors since declaring independence. Then Begin shifts to agree that a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt should not put a wedge between Arab nations because Israel also wants peace with its other neighbors. He hopes that there will no longer be wars between Egypt and Israel and if there are disagreements between the countries, ambassadors will handle it. He shifts to expressing disagreement with Sadat’s statement that Israel took a foreign country. Then he talks about the importance of conducting negotiations respectfully so that there will eventually be a reached consent and thus, a signed peace treaty. Begin includes that he is open to negotiations with neighboring Arab countries and closes by quoting both the Bible and Koran.
On the occasion of his historic visit to Israel, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat addressed the Knesset and called for peace in the region. Immediately afterwards, Prime Minister Menahem Begin spoke and extended a hand to all of Israel’s Arab neighbors.
