At the end of February, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was able to defuse the crisis in the Gulf and achieve an agreement with the Iraqi government, which allowed UNSCOM to resume its work. The Cabinet was briefed on this agreement. It also discussed the issue of the IDF's presence in the Security Zone in southern Lebanon in view of some demands by sections in the Israeli public that called for unilateral withdrawal from the Security Zone. The Prime Minister and Defense Minister explained Israel's position. Text of the relevant points from the Cabinet communique follows:
The Cabinet was briefed on security matters by the Defense Minister, the Chief-of-Staff and the head of Military Intelligence. Issues covered included the significance of the agreement achieved by the UN Secretary-General during the Gulf crisis, and other items involving Lebanon and the Central Command.
Regarding Lebanon, the Prime Minister said that the government's policy is to defend the northern settlements. "There is no policy of a unilateral departure from Lebanon, since we estimate that this would lead to an increase in Hezbullah attacks against the Galilee." The Prime Minister added, "If the Lebanese government cooperates in installing security arrangements in southern Lebanon, we will be happy to exit Lebanon, within the framework of implementing UN resolution 425."
He added that the government commends IDF commanders and soldiers working for the defense of Israel's northern settlements.
In this connection, the Defense Minister again noted that the fighting in Lebanon continues, and the IDF commanders and soldiers are operating well and fulfilling their missions as required. The government's policy is to defend the northern part of the country, and this defense is being carried out through the fighting in southern Lebanon. The IDF will continue to operate in southern Lebanon and to protect the northern communities. At the same time, the government accepts resolution 425, in accordance with Israel's interpretation, which calls for the Lebanese government to rule and act to ensure its control in Lebanon, and to prevent activities against Israel from inside Lebanon. If Lebanon indeed does so, Israel will exit Lebanon.
Regarding the negotiations with the Palestinians, the Defense Minister briefed the Cabinet on his Friday meeting with the Palestinians concerning the Interim Agreement committees.
The Prime Minister said that contacts are continuing in order to resume the operation of the various committees. "The obstinacy of the Palestinian side stems from political, not substantive, considerations, in an effort to maintain a constant atmosphere of crisis", he said. He said that Israel believes progress in the committees will create a positive atmosphere and will also assist in advancing other spheres of the negotiations, including the redeployment.