Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin, returning from a week-long visit to the U.S. today, spoke to reporters at the airport about the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Force from south Lebanon and mounting tensions on the West Bank.
He said the removal of IDF equipment to new lines south of the Awali River was proceeding more rapidly than expected, but there are no plans to hasten the first stage of the three-stage withdrawal plan which is scheduled to be completed by February 18.
Rabin said there had been no proposals during his talks with Reagan Administration officials in Washington that Israel postpone its withdrawal until arrangements are made for the orderly transfer of security responsibility in south Lebanon from the IDF to either the Lebanese army or United Nations forces. There is concern that once the IDF leaves Lebanon, serious fighting will erupt between the rival factions there. Israel insists this would be the responsibility of the Lebanese government.
Rabin said he would immediately discuss the situation on the West Bank with Chief of Staff Gen. Moshe Levy. Asked about proposals by Minister of Commerce and Industry Ariel Sharon and rightwing political factions that Arab stonethrowers be expelled from the territory, Rabin said he would not reject any proposals out of hand.
He stressed, however, that law and order would be maintained and enforced by the army and security forces only.
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