The Israel Government drew the attention of the United Nations General Assembly today to the fact that Syrian and Iraqi troops had crossed into Jordan. It emphasized that in the present tense situation these troop movements “arouse in Israel deep concern.” especially since the Syrian Government has announced that it intends to initiate action against Israel on the basis of its military alliance with Egypt.
A government spokesman stated today in reference to Syrian and Iraqi troop movements into Jordan: “We do not intend to attack, if we are not attacked, unless a serious military menace to security develops similar to that which came to a head with Egypt.”
About 1,000 Arabs of the Bakara tribe who had been living in the demilitarized zone in Upper Galilee left their village today and, together with all their cattle and movable property, crossed into Syria where the Syrian Army was waiting to receive them. The villagers, although they lived on Israel territory, had refused to recognize Israeli jurisdiction, insisting that they regarded themselves as “under United Nations authority.” They had even refused to pay taxes to Israel.
Last week, before the Egyptian campaign started, the Israeli authorities had proposed to the Bakara that they be moved into the interior of Israel. Instead of replying, the Bakara packed up and left for Syria. Israeli bulldozers today levelled the village site and ploughed the land.
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