The Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, flies to Washington on Tuesday (September 10) for what could prove the most crucial U.S.-Israel talks in recent years. America's new found detente with Egypt....arms supplies for Israel and the Palestinian refugees are all likely to come under discussion.

Perhaps the issue which will cause the most problems in the occupied west bank of Jordan and its future. Mr. Rabin said recently Israel would not agree to any further withdrawals from Arab territory unless assured that such a move offered a significant advance towards peace in the Middle East/ The definition of "a significant peace" is open to discussion. Since the 1967 war when Israel captured areas of the west bank a number of settlements have been established. For Israel to hand back any part of this area it would want iron clad pledges they would not be used as guerrilla bases.

Recently King Hussein of Jordan said he would be willing to hand over responsibility for the recovery of the West Bank, Jerusalem and Palestinian right s to the Palestine Liberation Organisation. There seems little chance that Israel would agree to negotiating with them. It's expected Mr. Rabin will be asked in Washington for some form of compromise on the withdrawal question.

SYNOPSIS: Israeli military activity in the occupied west bank of the Jordan has been strengthened in the face of Palestinian guerrilla thoughts and a statement by King Hussein of Jordan that he would be willing to let the palestine Liberation Organisation take over negotiations for an Israeli withdrawal.

Areas of the west bank were captured in the 1967 war. Since then the Israelis have set up a string of settlements....a move which many Arabs say shows they have no intention of handing back and of the region.

Amid all the political manoeuvreing and bickering the Allenby Bridge still presents the proof that the west bank front could know peace. Arabs cross daily and there have been no incidents of note since the 1967 war.

On Tuesday Israel's Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin goes to Washington for what could prove the most crucial U.S.-Israel talks in recent years. The new found detente between america and Egypt worries Israel and he will seek clarification of this issue. He will also want an arms deal. But it's the West Bank question which will be one of the main topics. Israel has said it will make on further withdrawals from occupied territory without guarantees of significant advances towards peace.