While the siege of west Beirut was being tightened, the Israel government issued its demands. These were transmitted to the P.L.0. through Philip Habib and other channels. Habib promised that he would be able to obtain a positive reply by the end of June. Efforts now focused on finding host countries for the P.L.0., arranging for an orderly withdrawal, and if necessary, insuring their withdrawal with the help of a multinational force. Israel insisted that the P.L.0. leave Lebanese soil altogether. The P.L.O. rejected the demands, hoping to win time, during which it expected Saudi Arabia and Egypt to exert pressure on the U.S. to use its good offices to ease the siege. Text:
The Cabinet resolved that:
1. Israel will maintain the cease-fire in Lebanon. If the enemy violates the cease-fire, the I.D.F. will respond with full severity.
2. The Government of Israel recommends that the Lebanese army enter west Beirut.
3. All of the fifteen terrorist organizations of which the roof organization called the P.L.O. is comprised, will hand over their weapons to the Lebanese army. All members of the above-mentioned terrorist organizations, without any exceptions, will leave Beirut and Lebanon.
4. The departing column of the terrorists, under the protection of the International Red Cross, will move across the international Lebanese-Syrian border along the Beirut-Damascus road. The I.D.F. will ensure that in the sector of the road which is under its control the column will have safe passage. If the terrorists prefer an alternative route, this will be made possible for them by the I.D.F.
5. With the liberation of west Beirut and the reunification of the Lebanese capital, the political negotiation between all the parties concerned will begin with a view to reaching an agreement which will guarantee the territorial integrity of Lebanon, the departure of all foreign forces from that country, its independence, and the peace of its inhabitants. This agreement will ensure security and peace of the Galilee and its inhabitants, of Israel and its citizens.
6. Israel will gladly accept the good offices of the United States to the negotiating parties, in order to reach this agreement.