December 8, 1973

Israel Proposal

I.

Israel is prepared to withdraw its forces, on the West Bank of the Suez Canal, on two main sectors of the front and in the area of the town of Suez.

The area from which the Israel forces shall withdraw, will be taken over by the U.S. Forces.

a) In the Northern Sector: Withdrawal by 1 km eastwards along a line of approximately 25 km in the area crossed by two arteries to Cairo (Ismailia-Cairo and Deversoir-Cairo).

b) In the Southern Sector: Withdrawal by 1 km eastwards along a line of approximately 20 km, in the area crossed by 3 arteries from Suez to Cairo (two roads and a railroad line).

c) In the area of Suez Town: Withdrawal by 1 km around the town, which means that Israel forces will leave the town itself, except for the Western part (where the oil refineries are located). As a result, the road encircling the town, which is situated in the 1 km belt to be evacuated, will also be handed over to the U.N. forces.

II.

1. The withdrawal by 1 km is designed to put an end to the demand for Israel withdrawal to the lines of October 22, 1973.

2. The question of the separation of forces will be dealt with at Geneva.

3. There will be strict observance of the ceasefire, including freedom of passage through the Bab-el-Mandeb Straits—including passage by ships flying the Israel flag.

[Lc]

4. If the Egyptians should not agree to make a declaration to this effect (i.e., putting an end to their demand for a return to the lines of October 22, 1973, observance of the ceasefire, including freedom of passage through the Bab-el-Mandeb Straits), the Secretary will obtain Sadat's promise on these points and will confirm to Israel, in his own name, that these points have been agreed to by Egypt and promised and assured by Egypt.

5. Following upon the Secretary's agreement on these points with Sadat, the Secretary will also inform Israel of the technique that is to be used -- i.e., whether the agreement to withdraw as described above, will be brought up for discussion at KM 101, etc.