Views of Peres, Shamir differ

Former prime minister Shimon Peres believes peace is Israel's most pressing need and a price must be paid in land to attain it.

Yitzhak Shamir, Israel's other surviving ex-premier, argues land is the Jewish state's most sacred commodity, and nothing, not even peace, can justify giving up territory.

The views of the two men, who for several years governed together in a rancorous coalition of necessity, mirror the deep divide in Israeli society as the country nears its 50th birthday this month.

Both withdrew from politics after losing national elections - Shamir in 1992 and Peres in 1996 - but still campaign tirelessly for their goals.

AP PHOTO Former Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Shamir, shown here in May 1991 in Jerusalem, argues land is the Jewish state's most sacred commodity.

Peres tries to arrange financing for Israeli-Arab joint business ventures. Shamir lobbies for Hebrew schools in other countries to encourage more Jews to immigrate to Israel.

Welcoming a reporter to his Tel Aviv office, among a vast collection of books and mementos, Peres was busy corresponding with colleagues and working on projects for his newly established peace center.

"Peace is a must," said the Nobel Peace Prize laureate who still puts in 20-hour days and - with his perfectly combed silver hair and tanned skin - radiates youthful energy.

Israel must withdraw from most of the West Bank and Gaza Strip - home to more than 2.5 million Palestinians and 150,000 Jewish settlers - if it wants to avoid ethnic strife of Bosnian dimensions, he said. Ruling another people violates Jewish beliefs, he added.

04-20-98