There is no particular political significance in the forthcoming visit to Haifa of a British flotilla of five warships, the second of its kind in several months, Foreign Ministry circles declared today. However, press reports link the visit here to Soviet and Egyptian naval visits to Syria and the landing of Egyptian troops in Syria 48 hours ago.
The initiative for the visit came from the British who inquired whether Israel would object if the flotilla were to stop over at Haifa between October 24 and 28. Israel replied that there were no objections. The task force, which will be part of the general British fleet during Mediterranean maneuvers, will be composed of destroyers and a fast antisubmarine frigate.
The effectiveness of Israel’s armored forces has been greatly strengthened since the Sinai operation, Col. Barlev Barle, commander of Israel’s Armored Corps, told newsmen today. Col. Barle made this report in connection with special exercises in a hilly region now being carried out by armored units. A few weeks ago, an Israel paratroop striking force also conducted wide scale exercises in a similar hilly area.
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