Begin Sees Improved Atmosphere of Relations Between Israel and the U.S.

Israeli Premier Menachem Begin told reporters aboard his plane yesterday that “there is a change for the better in the atmosphere of relations between the United States and Israel.” Begin made these remarks after his talks in Washington with President Carter and Secretary of State Cyrus Vance on his way to Los Angeles.

The Israeli Premier expressed “cautious optimism” that the peace process in the Middle East could be renewed as a result of his talks in Washington. Clearly satisfied and in a sharp contrast to his unhappiness after his visit to Washington in March, Begin did not go into details of his talks with the President. He only said that he spoke “about essentials.”

The government of Israel will discuss “in the next few weeks” serious issues and then “we shall be in touch” with the United States government, Begin said. Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan, after his talks with Vance last week, also said that there were questions that would now have to be answered by the Israeli Cabinet. “There is a hope for another productive effort to make the peace process possible,” Begin told reporters on the plane. Relaxed, in shirt sleeves, with Ambassador Simcha Dinitz next to him, the Premier repeatedly stressed his delight over the friendly attitude he found in Washington.

Begin described Carter’s statements at the reception for Jewish leaders on the White House lawn as “one of the most important statements” made by the President. Begin said the friendship between Israel and the U.S. is “very profound.”

Later, after his formal chat with reporters, Begin walked up and down the aisle and spoke with Israeli reporters in Hebrew. He said that during his talks in Washington there was no mention by the Administration of a referendum on the West Bank after five years of self-rule. The Administration in the past said that Begin’s proposal for self-rule for the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza should be assessed after five year by the local residents who should determine their own future.

The Premier indicated that the Carter Administration is signalling that another solution should be searched for after five years and that the Israelis should come up with new ideas on the future of the West Bank.

The plane is an Israel Air Force cargo plane with the markings IAF-008 on its side. It had the normal passenger airline seats installed for the Premier’s trip. Begin and his wife, Aliza, along with Dinitz and other aides, sat in a curtained off section in front.

Some of the newsmen complained that the food and coffee served by Israeli airmen and security people was cold. There was also an initial complaint that the cabin itself was too cold. Some of the American reporters also objected because there was no liquor served aboard.