Days of discussions and preparations for his first visit to the United States as Premier, resulted in Mr. Begin's taking with him to Washington detailed proposals on how to proceed in the direction of peace. But as he left for the U.S. the Prime Minister refused to be drawn into an explanation of his plan.
I am leaving for the United States filled with hope. Israel is an integral part of the free world, and is doing a great deal to preserve the freedom of man. Israel is not a burden for the United States but an ally to the U.S. and to the entire world.
I am conveying to President Carter greetings from the people of Israel, and its expectation and belief that he, President, of the United States, as a friend of humanity, and therefore a friend of the State of Israel, expresses all those noble and uplifting humanitarian values that make life worth living.
On behalf of the entire Israel government, I bring to the President of the United States proposals for the manner in which peace could and should be achieved in the Middle East a lasting peace, a genuine peace, a just peace.
Let it be known that this nation wants peace with all its heart and soul. Our people has been too often bereaved and orphaned. There is no home in Israel which has not lost someone - a father, a mother, a brother, a son - and the grief is always with us, to our last breath.
We detest war. We hate bloodshed. We do not threaten any of the surrounding nations. We seek to live in peace and understanding with all nations.
Last night we again heard a statement from President Sadat - this time from near Toronto - containing threats of war, stating that if we did not accede to his demands, he would not accede to ours. May I suggest to the Egyptian President that he stop uttering threats of war? This nation is not known to lack courage: we shall not panic at such threat, nor shall we give in to them. He wants peace. But if he is attacked, he will have the means to defend himself and to ward off the aggression. But as it was put in the days of yore in the Book of Moses: "Rise up, 0 Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered. And let them that hate thee flee before thee."
As to my journey to the United States: citizens of Israel, I need your prayers for success on the mission I am about to undertake on your behalf and for the sake of the people of Israel which is sending me. Your prayers will help me speak on your behalf for peace, for security, for the future of our children - and with the help of God we shall succeed.
Q. Mr. Prime Minister. Do you anticipate that in, ten days' time, after your return from this visit and following the proposals you are bringing to President Carter, practical negotiations could begin here, in the region?
A. I hope so, Mr. Kittal. I am bringing complete proposals to President Carter and the U.S. Administration -concerning the framework in which it would be possible to start and continue negotiations for signature of peace treaties between Israel and the neighbouring Arab states.
The spokesman for the United States announced only a few days ago that, according to the U.S. view, it is important to strive for signature of peace treaties - i.e. an end to the state of war. Determination of permanent boundaries, exchange of ambassadors, determining channels for economic relations and so on. All these are an integral part of a peace treaty. It is my hope that we shall soon begin practical negotiations on peace treaties at Geneva, and that we shall reach the point of signing them.