Palestinian autonomy talks Liberation Organization nor any other Palestinian organization was directly involved in the talks. The talks began in late May 1979. The third round of talks were held at Herzliya, Israel on June 25–26, 1979. The delegations were led by Prime Minister Mustafa Khalil (Egypt), Minister Yosef Burg (Israel), and Ambassador James Leonard (United States). Egypt said it did not speak for the Palestinians but rather sought Palestinian elections for a council that would represent the Palestinians. Delegates met in the Netherlands on February 27, 1980. On May 8, 1980, Anwar Sadat unilaterally suspended the negotiations. In July 1980, the talks
Anwar Sadat for many years after, Sadat was known as the "Hero of the Crossing". Israel recognized Egypt as a formidable foe, and Egypt's renewed political significance eventually led to regaining and reopening the Suez Canal through the peace process. His new peace policy led to the conclusion of two agreements on disengagement of forces with the Israeli government. The first of these agreements was signed on 18 January 1974, and the second on 4 September 1975. One major aspect of Sadat's peace policy was to gain some religious support for his efforts. Already during his visit to the US in October–November