— Israel would favor the establishment of an international emergency force in Lebanon to serve as a buffer between the Syrian army and Lebanese Christians, it was indicated today by several ministers during a Cabinet discussion on the deteriorating situation in Lebanon. However, no decision was announced. Such an international force has been proposed by France and apparently has American support.
Later in the day Premier Menachem Begin said Israel would not intervene in the establishment of an international force to keep the peace in Lebanon and would not try to influence the United Nations or any other body in its establishment.
Addressing high school students in Kiryat Malachi, Begin called the situation in Lebanon very complicated and said Israel would continue its policy of seeking out terrorists at their bases in Lebanon and destroying them before they could launch attacks on Israel. He also said “We have helped and will continue to help the Christian minority in Lebanon just as we would help any other minority in danger of its existence.”
Political sources here said Israel would welcome any measure that would end Syrian aggression against the Christians and restore peace to Lebanon. The issue of an international peacekeeping force was raised in diplomatic contacts over the weekend during which Israel reportedly stressed the gravity with which it views the situation in Lebanon.
A special emissary of United Nations Secretary General Kurt Waldheim is expected here later this week and, it is believed, will urge Israel not to intervene in the Lebanese crisis. Israel is expected to demand that the UN seek an immediate cease-fire in Beirut and around the beseiged Christian town of Zahle and press for the evacuation of Syrian forces from Lebanon.
The Cabinet was briefed today by Chief of Staff Gen. Rafael Eitan and chief of military intelligence Gen. Yehoshua Sagui on the Israeli infantry raid into Lebanon last Thursday night in which two Soviet-made T-34 tanks supplied to the Palestine Liberation Organization via Syria were destroyed and five terrorists killed. One Israeli soldier, Yuval Ephrati, was killed and another was wounded. Premier Menachem Begin extended the government’s condolences to Ephrati’s family.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
