When Egypt failed to agree to consider some of the Israeli suggestions, the talks were suspended. President Ford's message to Premier Rabin backfired and aroused much indignation in Israel. On 22 March the cabinet decided to suspend the talks. The reasons are contained in the following statement:
The talks that were intended to initiate a movement towards a peaceful settlement between Egypt and Israel have been suspended.
From the early stages of the negotiations, Israel stated its readiness to evacuate the Gidi and Mitla passes and the Abu Rodeis oil fields in return for a renunciation of the state of war by Egypt.
Egypt refused to renounce the state of war and insisted that it continue. Nevertheless, Israel offered, in return for a less binding political undertaking, to withdraw its forces from the present disengagement lines, including the western part of the strategic passes of the Mitla and the Gidi, and to transfer them to UN control. Israel offered to transfer the oil fields to Egyptian administration. This offer was rejected as well by Egypt. This rejection by Egypt led to the suspension of the talks.
Israel remains ready, as always, to persevere in its efforts towards a settlement with Egypt, and will continue to maintain the closest contact with the U.S. government towards this end.
Israel extends its deep gratitude to the U.S. government, and particularly to Secretary of State Kissinger, for his untiring efforts in the cause of peace.