Israel is maintaining open lines of communication with the principal powers with which it has diplomatic relations over the tense situation along the Syrian border, the Foreign Ministry disclosed today. The measure is seen as an indication of the seriousness with which Israel regards the situation on the northern frontier and its repercussions in the Arab world, particularly in Egypt. Israel has warned Cairo through United Nations channels not to become involved in Syrian provocations.
Syrian artillery shelled Israeli positions at Kfar Naffakh and El Kuneitra on the Golan Heights Saturday. The shelling was brief and no casualties or damage was reported. Israel did not react. But the incident prompted Israel’s warning to Egypt.
The warning, sent by Maj. Gen. Eliyahu Zeira, director of military intelligence, was dispatched Saturday through Col. Bunworth Shorty, deputy chief of the United Nations Truce Observers Corps in Jerusalem. The message stressed that the Syrian shelling earlier that day was absolutely unprovoked. Sources here said Gen. Zeira’s message was “cautionary” and Intended to show where responsibility rests should new trouble develop.
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