On 30 July the P.L.O. presented Ambassador Habib with a six point plan for leaving west Beirut. It called for an Israeli withdrawal from Beirut and the Beirut-Damascus road, the entry of a multinational force into Beirut prior to the P.L.O. withdrawal and a three-stage P.L.0. evacuation. Israel rejected the plan insisting on a one-stage evacuation with Israeli forces remaining in Beirut. Habib was given additional time. Meanwhile, the cabinet met as the I.D.F. continued its slow advance into the southern suburbs of Beirut. Mr. Begin announced that Israel was willing to accept an absolute and mutual ceasefire. This was conveyed to President Reagan. Text:
A) The Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, and the head of Military Intelligence reported to the Cabinet on the political and security situation.
The Prime Minister, on the basis of the cabinet's decision, asked Ambassador Arens in Washington to inform the government of the United States that Israel is willing to accept a cease-fire in Lebanon, with the explicit condition that it be absolute and mutual.
B) The Government of Israel is of the view that measures should begin, through the Lebanese government, to provide accommodation for refugees in Lebanon, in preparation for the winter months.
C) The Cabinet decided to establish a Ministerial committee headed by Minister Mordechai Ben-Porat to elaborate principles, ways and means for a solution of the refugee problem in the Middle East through their resettlement.
The committee will be aided by experts and will submit its recommendations to the cabinet.