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Reagan reverse

NZPA Washington President Ronald Reagan personally ordered the reversal of what was a harsh, concerted and mounting campaign by top American Government officials to condemn the Israeli Prime Minister (Mr Menachem Begin), according to a knowledgeable Administration official.

"Everybody was mad as hell at Begin — except one man,” said the official who watched the by-play from a ringside seat. “He was the man who counted.”

Anger with Mr Begin followed Israel’s attack . on P.L.O. positions in a heavily

civilian neighbourhood of Beirut. United States officials were quick to denounce Mr Begin, first, off the record, then publicly. But by the end of the week, largely through Mr Reagan’s intercession, the foucs had shifted from Mr Begin’s hard-line strategy to ending hostilities in southern Lebanon, a change in direction smoothed by Philip Habib's success in achieving a cease-fire.

The only top adviser said to be in agreement with Mr Reagan all along was the Secretary of State (Mr Alexander Haig).

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19810727.2.55.2

Bibliographic details

Press, 27 July 1981, Page 8

Word Count
161

Reagan reverse Press, 27 July 1981, Page 8

Reagan reverse Press, 27 July 1981, Page 8