Editorial (Vol. 48, Issue 1)

Since the positions of the Government of the United States seriously deviate from the Camp David Agreement, contradict it, and could create a serious danger to Israel, its security and its future, the Government of Israel has resolved that on the basis of these positions it will not enter into any negotiations with any party. 

- Response of Israeli Cabinet to the Reagan Peace Plan.

While we have specific questions and problems with the President's proposals, we believe they are presented in a sincere spirit of finding common ground for involving all parties to the conflict in the negotiating process and giving fresh momentum to the search for Middle East peace.

- Response of Bnai Brith to the Reagan Peace Plan.

Public support of the Reagan “peace initiative” by B'nai B'rith and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) can only be described as disturbing and irresponsible because of its blatant disregard for the stated policy of the Israeli government. The Begin cabinet has declared unequivocally that the plan “had disturbed the delicate balance of the peace process, undermined the accords and damaged the prospects for their success.” The plan is viewed by the Israeli Cabinet as a complete abandonment of the ideals and principles established in the Camp David Accords.

As representatives of American Jewry, these organizations ostensibly have the responsibility to further the interests of Israel by utilizing available resources. While qualifying their remarks by rejecting certain aspects of the Reagan plan, these leaders’ public statements in contradiction to those of Prime Minister Menachem Begin, can in no way be deemed supportive of or beneficial to Israel.

Israel, besieged almost endlessly by world opinion, has managed miraculously to defy those who differed with her in the past. The Israeli government should not be forced to deal with dissension from those who are presumed unquestionable allies.

It is our hope that in the future, criticism of official Israeli policy will be kept inside closed doors and not appear on page one of The New York Times.