When Israeli inflexibility combines with Arab resistance…

When Israeli inflexibility combines with Arab resistance to slow events, Sadat becomes convinced that American tactics are giving his erstwhile Soviet and Syrian allies a veto over any diplomacy, which could lead to a new war in which Egypt would likely pay the highest price.

Secret negotiations are held between Israeli Foreign Minister Dayan and Sadat's personal representatives.

To stave off an international conference and to save Egypt's rapidly collapsing economy, Sadat makes the boldest of diplomatic moves: he offers to address the Knesset.

Begin consents, and ...