Religious Affairs Minister Aharon Abu-Hatzeira claimed last night that the recent momentous political events in the Middle East were, to a large extent, initiated by Israel. He also said the government may make some surprising moves in the future aimed at strengthening the hand of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and all moderate elements in the Arab world who want to make peace with Israel.
Addressing a meeting at Netanya, the minister would not elaborate but hinted that Israel had more to do with Sadat’s visit to Jerusalem than was generally acknowledged. He said the government worked hard for five months to prepare the ground for the visit and observed that it was not likely that Sadat got up one morning and suddenly decided “I am going to Jerusalem.”
He said all the activities preceding the visit took place in secrecy. To a large extent they were initiated by Israel. In some cases “we actually dragged others,” he said, and in some the moves were made mutually. He indicated, however, that the United States had not been involved in those moves. He said Israel created a dilemma for Washington–whether to support the moves in the Middle East or not. He said that while previous governments had peace as their goal, the steps taken by the present government were acceptable to the other side and brought results.
Abu-Hatzeira said the government was prepared to do everything possible not to miss this chance for peace. But he warned that negotiations do not mean giving away gifts, a reference to the occupied territories.
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