A report that Egypt has successfully tested an Egyptian made rocket may lead the Israel Government to proceed with the firing of its second sounding rocket, it was reported here today. Israeli sources, however, indicated skepticism about the report which appeared in the Times of London yesterday that an Egyptian rocket has been successfully tested.
The skepticism was based on the belief that if the report had been true, President Nasser, whose prestige in the Arab world has suffered greatly in recent months, would not have passed up such an opportunity to elevate his status both in Egypt and in the rest of the Arab world. But both Radio Cairo and other channels of Nasser’s propaganda apparatus were silent about the reported launching.
Israel created a worldwide stir last July by launching a sounding rocket 50 miles high and later indicating that a second more sophisticated launch was in preparation. It was indicated today that the second rocket, named Shavit III, had been ready for a long time but that Israel officials had felt it was best not to fire it. A revision of that decision may be considered now by the Israel Cabinet.
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.
