Israeli diplomats termed King Hussein’s proposals “an old rehash not relevant to the Israeli requirement that she be recognized and dealt with directly.” They saw no value in them and charged that the presentation was permeated by “distortions” including the King’s allegation that Israel had rejected the Nov. 22, 1967 Security Council resolution, Israel only last week affirmed acceptance of the resolution in a communication to UN envoy Gunnar V. Jarring, they noted.
What troubled the Israelis most was the King’s outspoken approval of Arab terrorism. Israeli diplomats said that the King’s characterization of the rocket attack on Eilat as “resistance to occupation” indicated “the extent to which he identifies with terrorist aims. These aims do not relate to peace negotiations but the destruction of Israel as a state.”
King Hussein’s remarks were interpreted as “a hard line” by the Israelis. They dismissed the peace proposal as propaganda, pointing out that “if he were sincere, he would enter into direct negotiations with Israel.” The terrorist “aims” to which he subscribed involve not only the recapture of occupied territory but the dissolution of Israel as a sovereign state, they said.
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.
