Word: rabin
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...there is a problem of leadership in Israel. Prime Minister Yitzahk Rabin is being challenged by the somewhat more conservative Defense Minister Shimon Peres, who will probably be a strong opponent to Rabin before the next elections scheduled for September '77. In addition, the threat of the right-wing opposition party is real. The party, headed by Menachim Begin, has recently shown a gain in popularity and could be a strong contestant for power. Rabin, therefore, will have to be extremely careful in his political endeavors...
However, with certain admitted risks, Rabin could try to exploit the present situation. And if he acts fast, he could reap some political benefits before the next elections. Thus, the Carter administration should be careful not to push Israel too hard before the elections: the polarizing effects of such a move could put Begin into power. The average Israeli would probably try to protect himself from external pressure by choosing this more intransigent ruler...
...Rabin initiative on the Palestinian question, even if initially mild, could lead to an extremely positive response from the U.S. The Americans could pave the way for such a proposal by pressing Egypt and Saudi Arabia and through them (or even directly) pressing the PLO to promise possible recognition of Israel if serious discussions of a Palestinian state take place. In influential quarters in Israel, if such a promise of recognition is made, people will be more willing to talk about a solution to the Palestinian problem...
...answer, one of the Premier's aides argues that "Peres wages psychological warfare." The personable, quick-witted Minister of Defense is a much finer speaker than Rabin, handles the press well and thus frequently outshines the dour Premier in public. Peres' supporters, moreover, have tried to malign Rabin by spreading rumors that he cracks under pressure, drinks too much, has crude manners and exercises little leadership. They have even whispered that Rabin waffled before authorizing the commando rescue at Uganda's Entebbe Airport. All this, of course, is proof to Rabin's backers that Peres...
Peres has not said openly that he is in the running for Rabin's job. One reason: the Premier has warned that any Cabinet member, "including the Defense Minister," would have to resign from the government once he became a candidate for Premier. Peres, however, will have to start lining up support fairly soon; the party central committee gathers in the spring to nominate Labor's next standardbearer. By then, Rabin may well find himself on the defensive, blamed not only for Israel's 35% inflation and the mushrooming Yadlin scan dal but also for failing...