Israel Awaiting Sisco Visit; Sadat Speech Seen Worsening Stalemate

United States Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Joseph J. Sisco, is expected in Israel next Thursday or Friday. The impending visit of the American diplomat was a subject of discussion at today’s Cabinet meeting attended by Israel’s Ambassador to Washington Yitzhak Rabin who reported on the present status of Israeli-American relations. Foreign Minister Abba Eban reported the latest developments in Israel’s foreign relations generally. According to political sources here, the Government does not expect Sisco to bring any message that might indicate a positive move on the part of Egypt to break the current impasse over an interim agreement to reopen the Suez Canal. According to these sources, a grave view was taken in official Israeli circles of the latest speech by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat Friday to the Arab Socialist Union in Cairo, the only Egyptian political party. Sadat in effect laid down an ultimatum giving Israel until the end of this year to meet Egyptian terms for a settlement. Although he gave no specific deadline, Sadat indicated that he would give the cease-fire only a few more months to endure unless progress was made toward a settlement. He coupled that remark with a vow that Egypt would sacrifice “millions” in a new war against Israel.

While Government sources say there was nothing new in Sadat’s latest speech they indicated that prospects for ending the stalemate seem more remote than ever. Authoritative quarters today reiterated that Israel’s policy continues to be based on principles laid down by the government and endorsed by the Knesset. They said there was no room for any new Israeli initiative as long as Egypt insists on a settlement from which it would be the only beneficiary. Sisco. who was briefed at the Western White House last week, is expected to inaugurate a new phase of American diplomacy when he visits Jerusalem next week. The new phase was described by observers as more activist, placing the U.S. in the role of “prodder” and “catalyst” rather than only a channel of communications between the two sides. Sisco will also run head-on into Israel’s latest request for more Phantom Jets and other military equipment. According to some sources here, Washington will wait until his return before assessing Israel’s latest military needs and reaching a decision.