Israeli diplomatic sources said today that the new Jordanian cabinet headed by Premier Abdel Moneim Rifai, a reputed moderate, may be more loyal to King Hussein but would not manifest a changed attitude toward Palestinian guerrillas who have been given free run of Jordan and can cross the frontier at will for forays against Israel.
This first semi-official evaluation of the changes in Amman appeared to be confirmed today by Mr. Rifai himself who told a Beirut newspaper that there would be “more escalation” by the Arabs against “Israeli agression.” The new Premier said in an A1-Jarida interview that he would endorse the efforts of Palestinian commando groups. Diplomatic observers saw little difference between that statement and the policy of his predecessor, Bahjat al-Talhouni, who was supposed to have been at odds with King Hussein over his support for the terrorists.
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