Israel’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yehuda Ben-Meir called today on “the entire free world” to use its influence on Syria “to end its occupation in Lebanon.”
“Syria should understand that it would be completely isolated by the international community if it continues its occupation of Lebanon,” Ben-Meir declared in a press conference held at the Israeli Consulate here. He charged that Syria has been so far “doing all in its power to undermine the agreement” on troops withdrawal between Israel and Lebanon reached through the mediation of Secretary of State George Shultz.
Ben-Meir, who began an eight-day visit to the U.S. during which he will meet with Administration officials in Washington, said that “The Syrians know that Israel has no intention of engaging in hostilities with Syria. They know it. The Russians know it. It is clear that the Syrians want to continue to occupy Lebanon and do not want to see a free Lebanon.”
ISRAEL SEEKS TO AVERT WAR
Asked about the danger of a new war between Israel and Syria, Ben-Meir said “Israel will do everything humanly possible to avoid an outbreak of hostilities and war between Israel and Syria. Israel’s response to the situation, however, will continue to be cautious and we will continue to take all measures of alertness to meet any eventuality.”
Asked if Israel will consider pulling back its forces in Lebanon even if Syria refuses to withdraw its troops, he said: “if it will become clear that the Syrians will not leave Lebanon, we will consult with the United States and Lebanon on realignment of the Israeli forces” in Lebanon.
Ben-Meir said that Israel continues to stand behind the agreement it reached with Lebanon. “We will not give in to Syrian and Russian threats,” he said.
Ben-Meir also said that thousands of Palestine Liberation Organization terrorists have infiltrated back into Lebanon from behind Syrian lines. He estimated the number of terrorists in Lebanon today as between 7,000 and 10,000.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
