Ten days after he proposed his plan for an expanded autonomy, the defense minister has still not submitted it to the cabinet for formal discussion. By then it was rejected by the Palestinian leadership. But on 29 January, Feisal Husseini, seen as the most important PLO figure in the West Bank, was released from prison. He indicated acceptance of the plan. In the following interview, Mr. Rabin said that when he will be satisfied that there are enough components "in the field that are prepared to accept the four stages of the plan, " he will pursue it in the cabinet. He did not envision unilateral implementation. Excerpts:
I said 'no' to proposals raised yesterday by colleagues to the effect, 'Why wait for calm [in the territories]? Declare an election date today.' Assuming that this is the government's plan, we first must arrive at a situation - while conducting a dialogue - in which we have the feeling that there are enough components in the field that are prepared to accept the four stages of this plan. There is no reason beforehand to unilaterally implement it, that is, to determine an election date.
Q: With which elements in the territories do you intend to arrive at an agreement before calm is restored and elections are held?
A: First of all, this must be the government's plan. But its very presentation, even as a personal proposal, requires that it be dealt with by individuals in the field. I estimate that we will have to examine, if and when this becomes a government plan, whether a sufficient basis exists for it.
Q: Are you acting in coordination with the prime minister and Likud ministers concerning the plan? When will you submit it to the Cabinet?
A: I will submit it when I decide to do so.