Premier Yitzhak Rabin opened the way today for a full-scale Knesset debate–probably next week–on his position regarding a settlement with Jordan on the West Bank. The matter was raised by Likud at a special recess session of the Knesset this morning. Rabin said he had no objections to a debate and was confident that his policies could stand the test of Knesset scrutiny.
Likud is seeking a debate on the Premier’s recent statement that he would favor territorial concessions on the West Bank in exchange for a Jordanian declaration of non-belligerency. Rabin described his statement today as clear and forthright. He also recalled his government’s pledge on taking office that it would call elections before signing any peace agreement with Jordan that involved an Israeli pull-back from the West Bank.
Rabin, who was heckled from the Knesset floor as he spoke today, stressed the government’s responsibility to explore all possible avenues toward peace. “I want to be able to look straight into the eyes of the mothers and fathers whose sons might have to die in the next war and to say that the government did everything possible to move toward peace.” Rabin said.
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