Last Chance to See Passes, Oilfields

Tourist agents here are taking advantage of the expected Sinai agreement between Israel and Egypt by telling Israeli and foreign tourists that they only have a little time left to see the Abu Rodeis oilfields and the Mitle and Gidi Passes. A three-day tour of the Sinai is being offered which includes visits to El Arish, the two passes, the oilfields, Sharm el-Sheikh, St. Catherina Monastery and Eilat.

Meanwhile, work continues at the oilfields at the same time as plans are being made for an Israeli withdrawal. Workers at the oilfields, who earlier this year staged a strike for increased payment if there is a withdrawal, have been promised additional severance payments and first preference for jobs elsewhere in Israel.

The Foreign Ministry has refused to comment on any questions dealing with a plan to withdraw from the oilfields, although one official said it will be carried out only after Israel is assured of alternative sources of oil.

The withdrawal in the Sinai will also be financially costly to the Ministry of Defense. Israel will have to abandon two large bases constructed at the cost of many millions of Israeli Pounds. These two bases, at Balooza and Tassa, served as the main supply depots and command posts during the Yom Kippur War. Most of the construction there cannot be moved elsewhere.

The withdrawal will also call for the abandoning of the famous position known as “Budapest.” the only position on the Barlev line which withstood all attacks and was not captured by the Egyptians. New fortifications costing several million Pounds were completed only a few days ago there. (By Yitzhak Shargil)