Differences of opinion between the prime minister and the foreign minister on the nature of the changes in the attitude of the Soviet Union towards Israel were discussed in the following interview. Fears were also expressed that the United States and the Soviet Union were preparing an international peace conference on the Middle East without Israel's knowledge. Mr. Peres felt that the Russians were drawing closer to the American position regarding the PLO participation in the process (only if it recognizes Israel, accepts Resolutions 242 and 338 and renounces terrorism). Excerpts:
Peres: "I am unaware of an American-Soviet plan concerning the Middle East. I am aware of negotiations between the U.S. and the USSR regarding the nature of the international conference, which is supposed to open negotiations. In this matter, the Soviet stand has drawn slightly closer, albeit insufficiently, to that of the U.S. For example, initially the Russians said that there must be an authoritative conference, and now they are talking about an effective conference. This constitutes a considerable difference."
Q: Government figures claim that there has been no change in the Soviet stand toward Israel, but that the U.S. stand is drawing closer to that of the USSR at Israel's expense. Do you agree?
A: You're speaking enigmatically. I believe that there has been a major change in the Soviet stand vis-a-vis Soviet Jewry. I am unfamiliar with those figures who claim that there has been none. If such figures exist, they apparently do not see what is taking place. I believe that the Soviet stand is drawing nearer to the American one, and not the reverse. I have already stated that the Russians are not insisting on an authoritative conference. The Russians introduced Resolution 242 [into the issue]. They are not insisting on a specific solution, such as a Palestinian state, for example. They are also taking other solutions into consideration. They favor negotiations between the parties. However, differences of opinion still exist between the American and Soviet positions. I hope that the Russians will continue to hear [the U.S.].
Q: Do you believe that acts of arson, the throwing of Molotov cocktails and the murder at Moshav Shekef constitute a worsening of the uprising?
A: All those who set fires are setting fire to the quicker and more desirable possibility of negotiations in solving the Israeli-Arab conflict. We will not solve the problem by fires, terrorism or murder. Each increasingly difficult step requires even more difficult measures. This will make matters difficult for all, without benefiting anyone. I believe that one stage has apparently come to an end. I also believe that most Israelis are convinced that although the problems are of a military nature, the solution is a political one. There is no alternative to negotiations.