Mayor Hamdi Kanaan of Nablus and 10 town councillors who resigned yesterday in protest against the Israeli policy of blowing up terrorists’ houses withdrew their resignations today. The mayor, who called an unsuccessful general strike in Nablus last Wednesday, was visited yesterday by Israel’s Defense Minister Moshe Dayan who explained the Israeli policy and made some promises. The Nablus mayor was also apparently responding to popular petitions for his return to office that were inspired by Gen. Dayan.
The Defense Minister reportedly made it clear that the Army will continue to demolish houses owned or used by terrorists. But he promised that in the future the mayor would be informed in advance of such action. He also warned Mr. Kanaan that the military government would not take over municipal services and activities in Nablus should the mayor and councillors resign. He promised the mayor, however, that an unrestricted policy of travel to and from Jordan would be adopted toward Nablus residents if they avoid involvement with terrorists. Gen. Dayan suggested that the mayor’s resignation be put to a popular vote. The result was hundreds of petitions received in the town hall today urging him to retract his resignation.
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