Begin: Differences with U.S. on Israeli Settlements Are Normal

Israeli Premier Menachem Begin said here today that differences with the United States concerning the future of the Israeli settlements in north Sinai exist but that this is in “the nature of things.” Speaking on Swiss television, the Premier said that certain differences are only normal and can be expected.

Begin, who is here for a meeting with leaders of Jewish communities in II West European countries, said that the seven-part statement issued yesterday by the White House following the final talks between President Carter and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat also contained positive things “such as the call for a resumption of the talks” and the quest for peace. Begin was informed at his hotel of the statement and reportedly studied it extensively.

This afternoon, he told the 234 Jewish representatives that they, the Jewish people, were Israel’s best and loyalest ally. He said, “We count on you and you can count on us.” He was given a standing ovation.

Begin said that the peace plan drawn up by Israel and submitted to Egypt was “generous and humane.” He said “We want peace and are prepared to make compromises. We want peace with Egypt but also with all the other Arab states.” He stressed that what Israel is offering the Palestinians, local autonomy, is “more than anything they had been offered by the Arab states which ruled in the past part of the land–Jordan or Egypt.”

The Jewish representatives met here for a Keren Hayesod-United Israel Appeal fund drive but turned the meeting into a show of solidarity with Israel and its policy. Begin is due to return to Israel tomorrow morning.