Israel is keeping a close watch on what it regards as a “significant” build-up of Syrian troops on the Jordanian border. While that development appears related exclusively to the growing tension between Syria and Jordan, Premier Menachem Begin considered it sufficiently important, as Defense Minister, to report the situation to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee Tuesday.
The Syrian aim appeared to be to coerce Jordan into cancelling the Arab summit meeting. The meeting opened on schedule in Ammon but with the absence of five rejectionist states – Syria, Lebanon, South Yemen, Libya and Algeria – and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Those countries opposed a summit meeting at this time because of the divisions in the Arab world arising from the Iraqi-Iranian war.
Jordan ignored the Syrian threat, apparently relying on its very strong armored corps and highly mobile army which are considered quite capable of repulsing any Syrian attack. Nevertheless, Israeli military observers warned that while the Syrian troop concentrations are of a demonstrative nature, the situation could get out of hand. They recalled Syria’s attempted invasion of Jordan in 1970 when King Hussein was battling Palestinian terrorists.
Military sources reported that Syrian units deployed facing Israel on the Golan Heights have been unusually quiet, indicating a signal from Damascus that Syria has no intention of moving against Israel.
U.S., ISRAEL EXCHANGING VIEWS
It was learned, meanwhile, that Israel and the U.S. are exchanging views over the tension on the Syrian-Jordanian border and the large military concentrations on both sides. Skirmishes that may escalate out of control are considered a possibility. Deputy Defense Minister Mordechai Zipori and Gen. Abraham Tamir, chief of planning at General Headquarters, will leave for Washington shortly to reopen the strategic dialogue with the U.S. The Syrian Jordanian border situation is expected to be discussed.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
