Israeli journalists in Cairo reported today that the Egyptians expect Israel to come up with substantive proposals for discussion at the Cairo conference opening next week so that agreements can be achieved there to be formalized later at a Geneva conference. Informed Egyptian sources have indicated that the Israeli delegation is expected to bring detailed maps along with their proposals.
Yousouf el-Siba, editor of the semi-official Egyptian daily Al Ahram, told the Maariv correspondent that Israel and Egypt should go to Geneva “only to sign what was agreed before.” Other Egyptian sources agreed that it would be best if all outstanding problems were resolved before going to Geneva.
There may be a similar view among Israeli officials. Defense Minister Ezer Weizman is expected to submit a compendium of Israel’s security requirements and a list of options and alternatives at this Sunday’s Cabinet meeting. These are intended to form the basis of compromises that Israel will offer at the Cairo talks.
Several Defense Ministry teams have been working on the security aspects of a possible peace settlement not only with Egypt but as they apply to Israel’s other neighbors. These include freedom of navigation in international waters, the future of Sharm el-Sheikh, the approaches to the Raffah salient, Israel’s presence on the West Bank and the emplacement of early warning systems.
It was learned that some of Weizman’s ideas grew out of the talks he had with President Anwar Sadat and his aides during their visit to Jerusalem Nov. 20-21. Weizman himself has remained silent on all defense and foreign affairs policies. Premier Menachem Begin has asked all of his ministers to refrain from any public discussion of those delicate matters.
Meanwhile, rumors are rife that Israel and Egypt are already conducting secret talks on substantive matters. Israeli newspapers with correspondents already in Cairo quoted Egyptian sources for their reports while others cited “well-informed sources” in Israel as the basis for their reports. However, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said there was no basis for the reports and other government officials disclaimed any knowledge of such meetings.
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