The Israel Cabinet discussed in detail yesterday Israel’s attitude toward the possible annexation of the Gaza Strip by the United Arab Republic, it was reported here today.
Egypt has never formally taken over the territory and, even before the Sinai operation, held the 25-mile-long area under military governorship. According to rumors from the Arab world. UAR President Gamal Abdel Nasser is considering annexation of the Gaza area in the form of a “Palestine Arab State” which would “join” the UAR. This would give him a strong propaganda weapon for spreading dissension within Jordan, by agitating for annexation of the territory held by Jordan which was originally marked out for an independent Palestine Arab state by the United Nations.
The Cabinet is also understood to have received a full report from Premier David Ben Gurion on the B-17 plane which left Israel with an arms cargo for a Latin American country but was forced down in Algeria where the French confiscated the weapons. Further, the Premier told of his two meetings with the new Soviet Ambassador. Michael Bodrov.
Mr. Bodrov. it is understood, plans to pay acquaintance calls on several Cabinet Ministers for a firsthand discussion of Israeli problems. Observers here note that Soviet envoys in other capitals, including Washington, are also busily engaged in such face-to-face meetings with Western leaders.
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