Israel Cabinet lashes U.S.

Press, 21 December 1978, Page 8

Israel Cabinet lashes U.S.

; \ZPA-Reuter Tel Aviv Israel’s Parliament has adopted a tough resolution condemning the United States for a “one-sided, unjust policy” and supporting Mr Menachem Begin’s rejection of Egyptian peace proposals. The Knesset, Israel's Parliament. by a vote of 66-6, with 27 abstentions, charged that the United States position giving Israel responsibility for the stalemate in peace talks was “one-sided, unjust and does not contribute to peace.” In a speech opening a seven-hour debate. Mr Begin, the Israeli Prime Minister, said the need to maintain

Israel’s security lay behind his Government's rejection of peace treaty amendments proposed by Egypt and supported by the United States.

Speakers from all political parties criticised America’s role in support of the interpretive letters Egypt wanted to add to the peace treaty. A resolution by the Opposition Labour Party also rejected statements by American leaders blaming Israel for the impasse in the talks. But Mr Begin’s coalition voted down the Labour draft because it included criticism of the plan for Palestinian self-rule, a cardinal principle of Mr Begin’s peace policy