The Israel Cabinet devoted most of its meeting today to the Israel-Jordan border tension which has been heightened by last night’s attack on two trains traveling between Haifa and Tel Aviv and coordinated raids on a number of settlements in the same area. Although the Arabs were out in force, they were repulsed by Israeli units and retreated to Jordan territory in central Palestine.
An urgent meeting of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Security Committee has been called on this issue for tomorrow. The Cabinet spokesman, who would not reveal the nature of the Ministers’ discussion this morning, did not hide his anxiety over the most recent developments. He also expressed doubt that Jordan would accept a proposal made Friday for a high level Israel-Jordan conference, presided; over by United Nations truce Chief Gen. William Riley, to settle the border situation.
Last night’s attacks followed by 24 hours a clash in the northern Negev between Arab infiltrates and Israeli border patrols One Arab was killed at the scene of the clash, which was four and one-half miles inside Israel territory. Earlier, a strong Jordan unit invaded Israel territory in the Hebron area and succeeded in occupying several key positions before the Israelis turned the tide, The Jews suffered a number of casualties.
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