The situation along the Syrian-Israel border was described by authoritative sources today as “tense,” but without incidents. Israeli fishermen resumed their fishing along the eastern bank of Lake Tiberias and were not disturbed by the Syrians. On the other hand, the Syrians returned to the posts demolished last week by the Israelis in retaliation for Syrian firing at Israeli fishermen.
Reports from Damascus of armed border clashes were denied here today with the explanation that these reports were based on “Syrian nervousness.” At the same time, it was reported that an Israeli patrol intercepted a group of infiltrators from Egypt on where they found 13,000 rounds of nine-millimeter ammunition. Two of the group who were wounded have been placed in an Israel hospital. They were identified as former inhabitants of Jaffa.
Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, addressing a conference of his Mapai party this week-end said: Since the War of Liberation, Israel has not faced such a severe situation. The balance of forces between Israel and Egypt has entirely changed in both quality and quality within the past few months. British tanks and Czech arms, planes and ships have given Egypt the advantage on land, sea and air. In this situation, Israel is obliged to make all efforts to acquire arms by all ways and means.”
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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.
