Premier Yitzhak Rabin told world Jewish leaders yesterday that Israel was prepared to make generous territorial concessions In return for concrete movements to ward peace by Its Arab neighbors, although It would never return to the precarious borders of 1967, The Premier also called on the Soviet Union to end Its policy of diplomatically Ignoring Israel if It wants “to play a meaningful role in the Middle East.”
Rabin spoke to 450 members of an Israel Bond Organization delegation from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe who are visiting Israel at his invitation to discuss the country’s severe economic problems. The group was In Eilat yesterday for the opening of the conference and to mark the 25th anniversary of the IBO with ceremonies at the oil installations and copper mines which represent part of the nation’s natural resources.
Addressing his remarks to Moscow. Rabin said “The Russians can travel from Damascus to , Cairo but they have to learn from the Americans that they cannot have an influence In the area unless they are able to talk to both sides in the Middle East conflict. It is high-time for the Soviet Union to stop Ignoring Israel” Some observers interpreted Rabin’s remarks as a bid for renewal of diplomatic-ties between the USSR and Israel and a desire to broaden Israel’s options beyond its almost total dependence on the United States for diplomatic support.
‘HISTORY CANNOT BE REWOUND’
The Premier also reiterated his sharp response to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s recent 90 day deadline for Israel to come up with major concessions on all Arab fronts or face a new war. He said if Sadat’s pre-conditions for peace talks reflected his true feelings there was no chance of a settlement. Nothing Sadat has said in recent speeches could be construed as a real commitment to make peace with Israel, Rabin asserted.
He said Sadat demanded that Israel return to its pre-June, 1967 borders where it had lived for 19 years without being, able to obtain peace with Its Arab neighbors, “I would like to make it clear and simple. History cannot be rewound, We are ready for a peace treaty and to give back a lot of the territory we control” Rabin said; “I will not specify where and how much. But by no means are we ready to return to the pre-Six-Day War lines.”
For Rabin, who opened the conference at the Larom Hotel last night, It was the first visit to Eilat since he became Premier last year, The one-week gathering will Initiate the 1976 Israel Bond Campaign. Before it ends, the total sale of bond over the past quarter century is expected to pass the $3 billion mark.
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.
