The Moroccan Istiqal Party’s newspaper Opinion yesterday reported that the Soviet Union has begun delivering to Egypt 200 MIG-23 jet fighters capable of carrying nuclear weapons. A Rabat radio broadcast said the MIGs are more maneuverable than the 50 F-4 Phantom jets that the U.S. is selling to Israel. Opinion quoted sources it said were close to the Cairo Government as saying the MIGs are “only a security measure and a deterrent to Israeli use of atomic weapons in an eventual attack.” Israeli sources said Sunday that negotiations in Washington for the sale of the Phantoms are nearly complete.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.