Israel Determined to Remove Arab Forces from Demilitarized Zone, Sharett Says

Although Israel has accepted the cease-fire order issued by the U.N. Security Council in connection with the Israeli-Syrian conflict, two problems still cause the Israeli authorities anxiety, Acting Premier Moshe Sharett told Parliament here today. These problems are: The security of the Jewish settlements in the demilitarized zone and the presence of Syrian para-military forces in that zone.

“The Government is resolved to do its utmost — primarily with the assistance of the United Nations — to remove such forces,”‘ Mr. Sharett said. He pointed but that the Israel-Syrian conflict which seemingly broke out over the drainage of the Huleh marshes by Israel “has its real roots in the unclear terms of the Israel-Syrian armistice agreement and especially in Syria’s exaggerated demands regarding certain Huleh areas — demands which Israel has always rejected and finally rejects today.”

Reviewing the military developments, Mr. Sharett praised the Israel army unit which repelled the Syrian invaders under most difficult conditions, and expressed the sympathy of Parliament to the bereaved families who lost sons, husbands and fathers during the fighting. The Israel-Syrian dispute, he reported, was caused solely by Syria’s territorial ambitions which could not and would not be satisfied, the said.

“Israel’s forces” he continued, “occupied large areas across the border during the battle, but withdrew from those areas to which Israel has no claim. Although not bent on expansion at Syrian expense, Israel is resolved to defend its resources and every inch of Israeli soil against Syrian aggression,” he concluded.

An informal meeting of the Israeli-Jordan Mixed Armistice Commission was held there today to discuss cooperation between the authorities on both sides of the border to prevent infiltration and looting by Bedouins from Jordan territory and to return property stolen from Israelis which has been recovered by the Jordan authorities.

The Jordanians also made a complaint that during the Independence Day celebration last Thursday Israeli planes violated Jordan air space. The Commission, however, accepted Israel’s explanation that the violation was unintentional.