Heavy Security Precautions in Effect for Independence Day

Although there are nearly three weeks before Israel celebrates its 25th Independence Day here on May heavy security precautions are already underway along the route of march of the planned military parade. The parade for the most part will wind through the streets of East Jerusalem where the official reviewing stands have been set up. Troops have already been posted alongside some of the wooden stands reserved for spectators to make sure they are not tampered with and armed patrols are circulating through East Jerusalem.

According to informed sources the surveillance of suspicious elements has been stepped up although no arrests have been reported. The parade continues to draw fire from critics who consider it extravagant and an unseemly display of military might likely to offend East Jerusalem Arabs and tarnish Israel’s image abroad. The latest estimate of its cost is nearly IL 25 million.

Moshe Carmel, a former Minister of Transport who served in Israel’s war for independence with the rank of General, wrote in a newspaper article that the military aspects of the parade could still be toned down although it is too late to cancel it. Carmel observed that the April 10 commando raid into Lebanon was much more impressive proof of Israel’s military prowess than any parade could be.

Security sources disclosed that most of the Arab suspects detained after the Beirut raid as a result of documents seized at terrorist headquarters, have been released. The sources said that certain Israeli Arabs and a group of West Bank Arabs linked to past sabotage are still in custody. About 40 persons from the Gaza Strip are still undergoing questioning but are expected to be released shortly, the sources said.