Israel irate over hints US might delay Begin trip

Israel reacted angrily to suggestions that the United States might postpone a visit to the US by Prime Minister Menachem Begin if Israeli-Lebanese talks failed to make headway.

Citing Washington sources, newspapers and state radio said US envoy Philip Habib was carrying a note from President Reagan urging a supreme effort to get the talks moving and hinting that Mr. Begin's Washington trip next month would be postponed if there were no breakthrough. The US Embassy said it could not confirm the reports. Mr. Begin's press spokesman described the reports in the Israeli press as outrageous and infantile gossip.