The Cabinet held three meetings in the course of one week. The Prime Minister asked and received latitude to negotiate with the Palestinians in Washington under the broad guidelines approved by the Cabinet. The Cabinet also stated that security considerations would govern any additional redeployment. Text:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday (Thursday), 15.1.98, made the following remarks at the end of the series of Cabinet meetings held this past week:
"We have taken a series of decisions this week, which I believe are important and very balanced. These obviously must be reciprocated in the processes that we undertake, while showing readiness to carry out this process. I am traveling with this to Washington. This is an important mission, and I believe that preparations could not have been better than what the Cabinet accomplished this week. I am extremely satisfied by these discussions.
All the ministers spoke at today's Cabinet meeting, praising the formulation which has now taken place. The ministers reached the following conclusions:
1. Israel is adamant that the other party carries out its obligations, while at the same time Israel will be willing to carry out its commitments.
2. Decisions concerning the new stage and the redeployment will be executed within the framework of the State of Israel's security considerations.
3. I, as Prime Minister, must retain ample freedom of action, in order to conduct important negotiations with the Palestinians when I arrive in Washington.
We have arrived at a very prudent decision. On one hand, it clarifies the necessary and detailed national interests which Israel must protect, while on the other, leaves enough freedom of action for negotiations on the interim and final status agreements. This has been a wise decision."