Herut Party leader Menachem Beigin said last night that King Hussein of Jordan must choose between “blood and water.” Mr. Beigin, a Minister-Without-Portfolio in the coalition government, spoke at a public meeting in Beisan township, a target of recent Jordanian artillery attacks. He referred to Sunday’s retaliatory air raid which damaged Jordan’s Ghor canal, that country’s major irrigation works.
Mr. Beigin noted that the canal was damaged by Israeli commandos last June 23 and that Israel permitted repairs to be made on condition that Jordan ceased its attacks on Israeli settlements in the Beisan Valley. When the repairs were completed, the attacks resumed. “Hussein had a choice of water or bloodshed and he chose bloodshed,” Mr. Beigin declared.
King Hussein formed a new cabinet today including pro-guerrilla politicians four of whom have not served in previous Jordanian governments. The latest government shake-up followed the resignation of Premier Abdul Rifai. He was replaced by Bahjat Talhouni.
Seven of the new cabinet members were said to support active guerrilla warfare against Israel. Observers said their appointment was a clear sign that guerrilla warfare would increase.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
