The people of Israel were asked by the government today “not to pay any attention to flying rumors and false news deliberately spread by hostile forces to sow panic in Israel.”
“More than at any other time,” said a government communique, Israelis “must be aware of two things–complacency and panic. Let us stand firm as in bygone years, vigilant and confident in the justice of our cause and in the strength of knowing that Israel’s guardian does not slumber nor sleep.”
Explaining the Cabinet’s decision to order partial mobilization of the reserves, the communique enumerated the developments that compelled the government to take such a precautionary measure, and said:
“Our people should know that Arab armies are always mobilized because their forces consist entirely of regular soldiers, while Israel’s defense arms are small and are designed mainly for the reception and training of recruits. Our defense forces consist of reserves, and in order that we should not be inadequately prepared to face a sudden attack from the South, North or East, it was essential to mobilize a number of reserve battalions and station them on these borders, so as to block any possible enemy attack and afford us sufficient breathing space to mobilize our defense forces on which alone Israel’s defense depends.”
Menahem Beigin, head of the right-wing-Herut Party, pledged today that it the israel Government decides on “action” against the Arab states, “we will call on the nation to forsake all internal differences and as one united nation fight for victory.” Speaking at an unveiling ceremony for a memorial to 14 Irgun Zvai Leumi members who died in underground operations and during the War of Liberation, he insisted that every day the government waited to answer the Arab mobilization and attacks the price would be higher.
Israel’s two Chief Rabbis, Isaac Halevi Herzog and Itzhak Nissim, urged all synagogues in the country to offer special prayers for peace until the current emergency is over.
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