Israel Rejects U.S. Proposal to Freeze Settlements Until May 26

Israel rejected on American proposal today to freeze settlements in Judaea and Samaria until May 26, the target date for the completion of the autonomy negotiations. U.S. special Ambassador Sol Linowitz received a flat “no” to this proposal from Premier Menachem Begin and Interior Minister Yosef burg, head of the Israeli negotiating team in the autonomy talks.

They also turned down a request that Israel agree to discuss security matters in the autonomy context. The Egyptians have insisted that only by jointly clarifying Israel’s security needs can the parties make substantive progress in the autonomy negotiations. Israel takes the position that matters pertaining to its security are solely within its jurisdiction.

Linowitz attended a meeting of the Ministerial Autonomy Committee, chaired by Burg, and met with Begin afterwards. He suggested that a joint security committee be established as part of the regular working groups of the autonomy talks. The Israelis said they did not object in principle to such a committee but only after all other issues pertaining to autonomy are solved and there is agreement on the powers and responsibilities of the administrative council to be elected.

At a press conference here before his meeting with Begin, Linowitz said the autonomy negotiations have been frank, intensive and resulted in a better understanding by all parties. He said there was “certain progress” in the talks but did not elaborate.

Linowitz called the Cabinet’s decision to establish two Jewish religious institutions in Hebron “a disturbing one” and that he “found it as a cause for some concern, which I conveyed to the Premier. It will not be helpful to the negotiations We have made clear that we are regretful that the decision was taken.” The American envoy left for Cairo this afternoon.