Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Iraq Starts Recruitment of Arabs for a ‘Palestine Army’ Against Israel

April 13, 1960
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Iraqi newspapers and radio announced today that recruitment would start next Saturday under Iraqi auspices for the so-called "Palestine Republic Army" which Brigadier Abdel Karim Kassem, the Iraqi dictator, announced he would set up to "liberate Palestine from Jewish usurpation. "

The Ministry of Defense, the press reported, has issued detailed instructions on the enrollment and training of recruits for the new army, but there was no indication where the force would be stationed or how it would be deployed.

The "army" cannot be deployed on Israel’s borders unless the Kingdom of Jordan permitted its entry. Jordan strongly opposes creation of such an army since the kingdom claims title to the areas of Palestine not incorporated in the State of Israel.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement