Premier Yitzhak Shamir promised today that Israel would make no a priori promises of territorial concessions in order to induce Jordan to come to the negotiating table.
Speaking during a political debate in the Knesset, he appeared to be replying to opposition Labor Party chairman Shimon Peres who said the main problem is how to create “a psychological climate” which would allow an opening move toward negotiations with Jordan.
With respect to relations with Syria, Shamir said Israel would not be tricked into any provocations. “The Syrians are well aware that they will make no gains by provoking Israel, ” he said.
He said that Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel have a common interest in keeping the region calm. In that connection, he said that Israel should suggest to the Gulf states — the states bordering the Gulf of Akaba — to reduce the chances of a potential military conflict.
Coalition and opposition spokesmen seemed in agreement on only one issue–condemnation of the purported Jewish terrorist underground on the West Bank currently under investigation by the police.
“It is of concern and regret, ” Shamir said, “that after 36 years of our independence there are those among us who challenge the authority of the State and do not accept and honor the basic principle that the government of Israel and the government only, is responsible for the security of Israel.”
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