A leading Israeli official criticized the press and some world leaders for underplaying Israel’s flexible stance in its peace talks with Egypt. Gen. Aharon Yariv, director of Israel’s Institute of Stragetic Studies, called attention to Israeli Premier Menachem Begin’s recent conciliatory position in peace talks, pointing out that Begin has made a great many concessions and has shifted his position dramatically from the original platform on which he won the election. On the other hand, Yariv said, President Anwar Sadat of Egypt has not changed his position over the past year.
Yariv spoke at an Emergency Assemblage called by the Jewish Federation of North Jersey last week, in response to the apparent shift in United States relations with Israel. The assembly was attended by various elected officials, clergymen and high-ranking Israelis.
BLAMES CARTER FOR SETBACK IN TALKS
The Israeli official commented on the timetable for genuine peace set by Begin at 2-3 years, saying that he himself would have proposed a longer period of time. “A genuine peace with open borders and a relationship of trust, takes years to develop. Until such a peace is developed, Israel’s security is essential, its survival is at stake.”
He explained that progress in negotiations suffered a setback when President Carter contributed toward hardening the Arab position in the negotiations; Carter’s recent public statements along with his proposed sale of advanced war planes to Saudi Arabia and Egypt have interfered with the negotiating process as well, suggested Yariv. Nonetheless, he concluded on an optimistic note, saying that a lasting peace could be possible and even near as long as there are no obstacles in the negotiating process.
Yariv’s speech was followed by pleas to the public, calling for political action in the form of mailgrams and letters to officials, and full support of the United Jewish Appeal. Various elected officials read messages opposing the proposed plane sale and expressing complete support for Israel and its people.
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