August 2, 1982
The President met with Israeli Foreign Minister Shamir this morning. The focus of the discussion
was Lebanon. The President reaffirmed his support for Ambassador Habib and his mission, which
is based on the policies, expectations, and hopes of the Government of Lebanon. The President
emphasized that an early diplomatic settlement of the current problem of west Beirut is the
essential first step in ending the trauma of Lebanon, beginning the process for a better future for
this ravaged country, and moving on to the broader peace process. The President stressed the
need for a complete end by all parties to the hostilities in and around Beirut as a prerequisite to
allow Ambassador Habib to pursue his urgent work. The world can no longer accept a situation
of constantly escalating violence. The President highlighted the humanitarian needs of the large
civilian population of west Beirut, with emphasis on the need to maintain essential services and to
assure adequate supplies of food and medicines.
Note: Also present at the meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House were the Vice
President, Secretary of State George P. Shultz, Assistant to the President for National Security
Affairs William P. Clark, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Samuel Lewis, Israeli Ambassador to the
United States Moshe Arens, and other U.S. and Israeli officials.