Weizmann Says Israel Will Reinforce Armored Units in Sinai to Meet Aggression

The chief of the General Staff Branch of the Army disclosed today that Israel will reinforce its armored units in the Sinai this year to meet any aggressive moves by Egypt. Gen. Ezer Weizmann, who met with military correspondents here, also confirmed earlier reports that Israel has established a special command for the Sinai in addition to the existing south, central and northern commands. He said the reorganization was designed to meet all contingencies based on estimates of the enemy’s strength and intentions.

Gen. Weizmann singled out for praise the Israel Army corps of engineers which constructed a defense line along the east bank of the Suez Canal that proved itself in last week’s artillery duels. He said although the Egyptians fired thousands of shells, Israeli casualties were held to a minimum. He also praised Israeli gunners for the pin-point accuracy of their return fire which caused heavy damage to Egyptian oil refineries, shipping and troop emplacements.

Gen. Weizmann said the Israel Air Force would have no trouble absorbing the supersonic American Phantom jet fighter bombers due to be delivered as well as the U.S.-built Skyhawks, a subsonic fighter that has already arrived. He said the training of new pilots would be accelerated but not at the sacrifice of quality. The general felt that the Israeli Air Force as presently composed would not feel the affects of the French embargo on aircraft spare parts. He said the military program this year will include more preventive measures against terrorist gangs but did not specify what they would be. He announced that the Army would hold large scale maneuvers during the year which will involve Air Force, infantry, armored units and paratroopers in units of greater than division strength.