Defense Minister Shimon Peres warned today that Israel would react if Syria intervened in any form in the current fighting between Moslems and Christians in Lebanon. He made the comment to the newspaper. Maariv in connection with a reported statement by the Syrian Foreign Minister, Abdel Halim Khaddam, that Syria would annex Lebanon should that country stand in danger of becoming divided. (See separate story for reaction in Washington.)
Peres said any Syrian intervention would be tantamount to an invasion of Lebanon with all of its consequences and that Israel would not remain indifferent but would consider its moves. Political circles in Jerusalem described Peres’ remarks as restrained. Israel would regard any change in Lebanon resulting from Syrian actions as a direct threat to its own security. A Kuwaiti newspaper quoted the Syrian Foreign Minister as saying that Syria would intervene to prevent the division of Lebanon even if it meant war with Israel.
Addressing the Golani Brigade on the completion of its winter maneuvers today, Peres indicated that he had little hope for peace with the Arabs in the immediate future. The Arabs are not ready for peace and even President Anwar Sadat of Egypt who is purported to be the most moderate Arab leader, has said that peace with Israel will not come in this generation. Peres said. But Sadat wants his territories in this generation, the Defense Minister added, observing that those who deny Israel peace deny themselves the territories.
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