Speaking on the Israeli peace initiative, the foreign minister indicated that the recent Arab summit conference in Casablanca (end of May 1989) did not endorse the Israeli plan, but in fact caved in to PLO demands that elections be held after Israeli withdrawal and there be international supervision over the elections. This Israel could not accept. It sought direct talks on the basis of its plan. Excerpts:
There is no doubt that our political situation has improved as a result of the Israel Government initiative. The PLO's string of successes has been stopped, and we hope that this terrorist organization's ability to threaten and attack anyone desiring dialogue or reconciliation will be weakened. In this connection, we reiterate to our friends in the world that any dialogue with the PLO not only legitimizes a murderous organization and encourages' terror, but also harms chances for peace in our region.
At the latest Arab summit in Casablanca, the Arab countries again expressed tough positions regarding Israel, which create difficulties for the peace process and the chance for peace. For its part, the PLO is continuing, to the best of its ability, to prevent Arab countries and the Arabs of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza District from supporting the peace initiative and allowing a chance for a settlement. This organization threatens the leaders of Arab countries and extorts money from them, which it uses to conduct its terror operations. Its leaders travel between luxurious hotels, and by means of the monies they have extorted they control a not-insignificant number of their proxies in the field. Some of them do not forget to siphon off a percentage of the money into their pockets. This is a mixture of blood and money that inspires fear in Arab countries. This is a business involving corruption and the sowing of fear and suffering among the Arab residents of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza District.
Members of Knesset, the peace initiative of the Government of Israel creates a great opportunity and chance to advance the peace process in the Middle East. The nations of this region should not let another opportunity go by. Therefore, from this rostrum, I want to express the hope that the leaders of the Arab countries and the Arab residents of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza District will not miss the opportunity, that they will respond positively to the Israeli peace initiative, and will agree to direct negotiations with us. If they do so, then there will be hope for the region and peace for its inhabitants.