Between the two cabinet sessions, Mr. Sharon was asked what would be the arrangements for the ceasefire. He replied that two points are crucial - the P.L.O. must remain out of range of the Israeli borders and there can be no possibility for the introduction of additional forces into the area. Text:
Mr. Sharon: Whether the arrangement is of one kind or another, the government will have to check [it]. It is important that the arrangement be reliable and that, following an operation such as this one which we have undertaken, the situation to which we were captive over a long period shall not recur.
Q: Do you envisage an international force or some other foreign force participating in this arrangement?
Mr. Sharon: As I explained, there could be various solutions. It is completely clear that the I.D.F. has no intention of remaining in this area - we have no [such] intention.
Q: What are the conditions under which Israel is liable to consent to a ceasefire?
Mr. Sharon: Firstly, Israel is the one that initiated the cease-fire, we were the first to propose a cease-fire We have no interest in a war with the Syrians - we clarified that right from the start. But the arrangement which a cease-fire requires is making it impossible for the terrorists to be within range of our settlements; it requires that there be no possibility for additional forces being introduced into the area.