Lebanon and Syria have stepped up their water diversion projects, according to information received here by highly reliable sources. The aim of the projects is to divert streams and tributaries flowing into the Jordan River, from which Israel now draws water to help irrigate the northern reaches of the Negev Desert.
Israeli sources have rejected an argument advanced by Lebanon, which has indicated that its resumption of work on a water diversion project was intended to “mislead” Arab water diversion experts schooled to meet at Damascus next week to hear progress reports.
An editorial today in Maariv, Israel’s largest evening newspaper, called upon the Israel Government “to act” now in order to forestall Lebanon’s completion of its water diversion work.
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