Israel today published the autonomy proposals Premier Menachem Begin presented to Secretary of State Alexander Haig at their meetings here last week, insisting that they conform “fully and in every detail, in letter and spirit” to the Camp David agreements “while safeguarding the interests of all concerned.”
The document was issued by the Government Press Office here at the specific orders of the Prime Minister’s Office. The Foreign Ministry had agreed last week to withhold the material at the request of the U.S.
Under the Israeli proposal, the powers to be granted the self-governing authority on the West Bank and Gaza Strip would include most internal civilian functions but not such sensitive areas as control of water sources. The Israeli proposals do not specify the size of the self-governing body but state, “The number of members will conform with the functions listed.”
Israel is determined to prevent the self-governing administrative council from developing into an independent political entity. It was learned unofficially, that Israel suggested a council of no more than 20 members as against 40 proposed by the U.S. and 80 by Egypt. The body would be elected.
After its establishment, the Israeli Military Government and its civilian administration would be withdrawn and Israeli armed forces would retire to specified security locations “in full conformity with the Camp David agreement.”
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.
