An exchange of fire — the first since the extraordinary session of the Israel-Syrian Mixed Armistice Commission began talks three weeks ago –broke out today between an Israeli patrol and the Syrian position of Al Hama, near the border. The clash occurred when two Syrians entered the demilitarized zone within Israel territory to plough the land. None of the Israelis was wounded during the half-hour exchange of light arms fire.
According to the Israel Army spokesman, a Syrian soldier was seen pushing two Arab peasants into Israeli territory in an apparent attempt at additional Syrian provocation in preparation for Thursday’s scheduled ISMAC meeting. Syria has been trying to establish claims of access to the demilitarized zone over which Israel has absolute sovereignty. Israel lodged a complaint about today’s incident with the Mixed Armistice Commission.
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