Begin Expresses Israel’s Deep Sorrow’ over Vance’s Resignation

Premier Menachem Begin expressed Israel’s “deep sorrow” over the resignation of Secretary of State Cyrus Vance who he described as a friend of Israel “who wanted to help our country.” Begin’s sentiments were echoed by Foreign Minister Yitzhak Shamir and former Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan.

In a statement issued yesterday, Begin said “We have had a personal relationship and a close friendship” with Vance. “In my opinion, he is a friend of Israel. He did a lot for our people and wanted to help our country. Mr. Vance had an important and essential role during all the negotiations for peace in the Middle East. I am convinced that he will keep the feelings of friendship in his heart, just as we will keep ours in our hearts.”

STATEMENTS BY SHAMIR AND DAYAN

Shamir sent Vance a cable expressing Israel’s gratitude “for the special privilege to work with you in the joint pursuit of peace. Your contributions to achieve the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, your personal efforts, your devotion and wisdom, make us all proud of having worked with you,” the cable said.

Dayan, who as Vance’s Israeli counterpart had probably the closest relationship with the former Secretary of State, said in a radio interview that “to say the least,” Vance “was the main person in bringing the Israelis and Egyptians together to conclude a peace treaty.” He described Vance as “a perfect gentleman with whom it was a pleasure to work,” an original thinker with a great deal of patience.

This does not mean that he agreed with us on everything,” Dayan said, “but when he disagreed with us he said it clearly and in a pleasant way. We always knew with him where we stood.” He said Vance tried to understand Israel’s problems “but it is possible he understood just as well the Egyptians and the Palestinians.”