For four hours, the cabinet discussed the uprising. Minister Weizman's proposal to send a special envoy to Egypt to prevent serious rupture in the relations between Israel and Egypt, was not accepted by the prime minister. The cabinet heard a report from the chief of staff and concluded that while there was a united position on the need to fight against terrorism, a distinction must be made between terrorism and the political process. The cabinet communique stated that the casualty figure portrayed in the world media was highly exaggerated Text:
a. The cabinet heard reviews from the chief of staff and the coordinator of activities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, on the security events in these areas during the past week; from the police minister on the events yesterday in Jerusalem; from acting Foreign Minister Weizman, on the world reaction to the events. A discussion was held afterwards on these subjects.
b. The prime minister summarized:
1) The cabinet is united in its support of the actions of the security forces - the IDF, the civil administration, the GSS and the Israel Police - against terrorism and civil disorder, carried out with maximum effort to prevent causing loss of life. (The figures which were published in the media concerning casualties were extremely exaggerated.) Contacts will continue to be made with the heads of the Arab population, which was the sector primarily harmed by the terrorism and riots, in order to act to bring about a calming of the situation.
2) A distinction must be maintained between the subject of the struggle against terrorism and rioting, and the political process. While all want to see the latter continued, there is a united position concerning the struggle against terrorism. The IDF and security forces are acting tirelessly on this matter, based on the instructions of the government. Israel will not tire in its defense, and the IDF will continue to maintain a balance between deterrence and restraint.
3) Israeli representatives will continue to explain the circumstances behind the events and the effort being made by the IDF to prevent casualties. Contacts will especially be maintained with Egypt concerning this matter.
4) Israel is acting in a way that is more restrained than any other government in the world in similar circumstances, and is certain of its moral strength and its security forces.