Danger of War Remains, Eshkol Says; Refers to ‘firm’ Pledges by Western Powers

Prime Minister Levi Eshkol told Israel’s Parliament yesterday that the danger of war remained as long as the Egyptian blockade of the Strait of Tiran continued and Egyptian forces remained massed in the Sinai Peninsula. He declared that Israel’s forces would remain mobilized and on their guard as long as the Egyptian troop concentrations were maintained.

Mr. Eshkol paid tribute in his Knesset speech to what he described as the firm attitude taken by the United States in support of Israel’s claim to the right of freedom of transit of the Strait of Tiran. He had words of praise, too, for Prime Minister Harold Wilson of Britain and for other countries which he said supported the Israeli position.

The Prime Minister told Parliament that Israel had firm commitments from a number of maritime powers and expected firm and effective action in the near future. This expectation, he asserted, was based on firm and definite commitments the Israel Government had received. It would be known soon, he said, whether the Western powers will act according to their views.

The Prime Minister told the Knesset that Israel will open the strait by itself, if necessary. Its power to do this, he said, has not been impaired and Israel’s intention was reported to the Presidents of France and the United States and the British Prime Minister by Foreign Minister Eban. The Israel Army, Mr. Eshkol affirmed, was at the height of its power in manpower, know-how, fighting spirit and equipment.