In the following interview the Prime Minister denied reports of a deal between Israel and Syria, insisted that Syrian troops must leave Lebanon and promised to pursue diplomatic means to defuse the continued crisis, Text:
Q: There have been reports of different proposals being discussed between Israel and Syria with regards to the situation in Lebanon. What is Israel's position today?
A: No discussion whatsoever took place between us and Syria. Syria is in a state of war with Israel, We didn't even have it in our mind to make any suggestions to Syria, but we talked to those who can talk to the Syrians. Especially, we are in permanent contact with the United States. Well, the United States tries to get in touch with Syria, I say tries because until this very day Mr. Assad hasn't received the American Ambassador. He hasn't seen him for the last year. He meets the Soviet Ambassador, he doesn't meet the American Ambassador. For the American Ambassador it is very difficult to get to Mr. Khaddam, the Foreign Minister. I think two days ago, the American Ambassador saw an official in the Foreign Ministry of Syria. So we, of course, want peace, we want a peaceful solution also of the latest crisis. And we want the restoration of peaceful conditions in Lebanon. So, these are the moves and I am very appreciative of the American efforts. Let us hope there will be results.
Q: But from what you are saying, I understand there has been no real progress so far to this hour.
A: No, not yet at all.
Q: Is Israel seeking not only a cease-fire, but a withdrawal of the Syrian forces from positions they took in the recent fighting?
A: The Syrian forces should have long ago left Lebanon. What do they have to do in Lebanon? They came there as a peace-keeping force. They wage war, cruel war, as President Sadat yesterday said in Egypt. They attacked Zahleh and Beirut with the gravest cruelty, killed men, women and children. I completely subscribe to these words by President Sadat. So what kind of peace-keeping force is it? They should have left long ago. They should leave now. But, we never promised anybody to use our army to throw them out.
Q: Mr. Begin, has there been any confirmation yet of Syrian missiles in Lebanon? You said ...
A: There is a confirmation. I said that we are still checking. Well, I can say we still are checking. But, probably, there are such missiles.
Q: There are Syrian missiles in Lebanon?
A: Yes, probably.
Q: And is it true that Israel is going along with the diplomatic attempt to try and resolve this?
A: This is a very grave development. We would prefer any crisis to be solved peacefully and through diplomatic efforts.