Israel Sees Need in Speedy Action; Considers Nasser-hussein Pact As Dangerous

Signing of a five-year mutual defense pact in Cairo yesterday between Egypt and Jordan evoked the feeling among Israeli officials today that time was running out in the Middle East crisis and that international action to resolve the deadlock must be speeded up.

Informed sources here said that Foreign Minister Abba Eban, who made a hurried tour of Paris, London and Washington last week on the crisis, will leave again for the United States because the situation remained grave and had been possibly complicated by the Egyptian-Jordanian agreement. It was indicated Mr. Eban might depart within 48 hours for possible attendance at the current Security Council meeting in New York and for more conferences with United States officials in Washington.

Israel’s Chief Rabbinate today proclaimed a day of fast and prayer tomorrow and called on the entire nation to “close ranks at this crucial hour” as preparations were speeded for home defense in Israel’s continuing crisis. Throughout Israel synagogues will be filled tomorrow and many other Israeli Jews, now on guard duty at the country’s borders, were expected to join civilians in prayer.

Preparations to cope with the ultimate contingency were visible today everywhere. In Tel Aviv’s streets, housewives and schoolchildren were busy filling sandbags and using them to make improvised air raid shelters. Other pupils began serving as substitute mailmen replacing the mail deliverers called up for reservist duty. Housewives baked cakes by the hundreds for men stationed far away on Israel’s borders. Municipalities set up special departments to collect clothing and candy for the men in uniform.

Many workers decided to give up part of their wages despite a substantial increase in the workweek from the normal 47 hours. Even the income tax collector has had some surprises. In recent days many taxpayers have mailed checks in advance payment on their taxes. N.M. Roitman, a Tel Aviv attorney, sent a check for 250,000 pounds ($83,000) with a note that “with the enemy gathering at the gates, I would like to join the national effort to the best of my ability.” More modest contributions came from clerks and other lesser-paid workers.

Many Israeli Arabs were reported taking an active role in the defense of the country. Deputy Mayor Abdul Azzis Zuabi of the all-Arab city of Nazareth volunteered for farm work in neighboring collective settlements. Thirty Arab teachers came to Affula Hospital yesterday to donate blood.