The situation in neighboring Jordan, where pro-Nasser demonstrations are being held for the last two days, demanding that the country join the new federated United Arab Republic–composed of Egypt, Syria and Iraq–was discussed today at the weekly meeting of the Israel Cabinet.
Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion was reported today as warning that the new situation in Jordan need not provoke any panic in Israel, but must also not be taken with complacency. The situation in Jordan is being carefully watched here.
Rifle firing was heard here today and last night as taking place in the Jordanian-held Old City of Jerusalem. Curfew has been proclaimed in the Old City as well as in Amman and in other Jordanian cities where pro-Nasser demonstrations were held yesterday and today. King Hussein of Jordan announced the dissolution of the Parliament and the appointment of his uncle, Hussein ibn Nasser, as the head of a new government, He said that elections for a new Parliament would be held in four months.
(London newspapers reported today that King Hussein is planning to abdicate and flee his country. All Jordanian frontiers were reported closed, and telephone and other communications with the country were reported severed. A son of ex-Premier Rifai said in London that “the idea that a man like Hussein would abdicate is sheer nonsense.”)
Israel’s reactions to any radical changes in Jordan were discussed in recent weeks with the United States Government. However, Shimon Peres, Deputy Minister of Defense, who visited Washington two weeks ago, and who had conferred with President Kennedy, denied press reports about a Kennedy warning against military moves by Israel against Jordan.
It was understood, nevertheless, that, during recent discussions with U. S. officials, Israel reiterated its concern over the grave situation that might develop in the wake of a possible pro-Nasserist coup in Jordan–even if such developments were not accompanied by the immediate entry of Egyptian troops into Jordan.
U.S. officials, it was reported, voiced the belief that Nasser does not intend to move against Jordan or Saudi Arabia. The question was weighted today whether the latest developments might have altered Washington’s appraisal and whether and what steps America contemplates to prevent the overthrow of King Hussein.
Israel’s position on the subject was last enunciated by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion last November. The Israeli Premier warned that, if Egypt were to interfere in the affairs of “our close neighbors,” Israel would be forced to act.
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