Interview with Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh
CBS "The Early Show",
Wednesday, July 26, 2000
BRYANT GUMBEL: In terms of the concessions that were offered and
what's acceptable to the Israeli people, was this the Palestinians'
best chance for peace -- was this it? Has it come and gone?
MR. SNEH: Well, as you mentioned, Prime Minister Barak went to the
direction of the Palestinian positions, the longest range Israel
leader ever made. And I'm afraid it will be very disappointing for
the Palestinians in the future if they think that through other means
they can achieve more. Barak went to the maximum that he can go as
far as the support of the Israeli people is concerned.
GUMBEL: Mr. Erekat, who you also heard, sounded optimistic that an
agreement could still be reached by September 13. Do you share his
optimism?
MR. SNEH: You know, in our region, we don't have the privilege to be
pessimistic. We must be optimistic. I share with him the belief that
if the negotiations are resumed and there is a more constructive --
more realistic, I will say -- approach of the Palestinian side, I
believe we can strike a deal. It's feasible. And I believe it can be
done. I hope no other circle or round of clashes between Israelis and
Palestinians would occur in the meantime. It's something which is
very important to prevent. I believe that by the end of the year, we
may reach an agreement.
GUMBEL: As you well know, there are already calls for a new jihad.
How do you view the likelihood of increased violence?
MR. SNEH: Well, as you know, on our part, we are doing our utmost in
that the tension would be reduced to minimum, not to provoke -- to
ease the tension and if something happens, to contain it as early as
possible. I hope this would be the attitude of the Palestinian
Authority as well. If both sides would do their utmost to prevent an
eruption of violence, we can prevent it. And then it would be easier
to negotiate again.
GUMBEL: If Mr. Arafat proceeds with his plan to unilaterally declare
a Palestinian state on September 13th, how will Israel respond?
MR. SNEH: You know, when one side takes a unilateral step, the other
side will follow, and it's a bad exchange -- instead of dialogue,
taking unilateral steps. This is not what I advise Chairman Arafat to
do. It would be very counterproductive.
END