Christian militia units in south Lebanon said today that they were blocking all roads to prevent the entry of a Lebanese army battalion which they believe is actually a pro-Syrian unit that intends to link up with Palestinian terrorists. The Christians, headed by Maj. Sood Haddad, have called up all able-bodied men. As a result, Lebanese workers did not report to their jobs in Israel today.
Defense Minister Ezer Weizmen met today with the United Nations commander for the region, Gen. Ensio Siilasvuo. No details of their talk were disclosed, but they are believed to have discussed the growing tension in south Lebanon.
It was learned, meanwhile, that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) intends to escort the suspect Lebanese battalion after it crosses the Litani River. It is being escorted by the Syrian-led Arab peace-keeping force up to that point. According to the Christians, the battalion is actually led by Syrian officers in the uniforms of Lebanese regulars.
Political and military leaders of the Christian enclaves in south Lebanon met this afternoon with Israeli mayors and town council heads in Upper Galilee. They asked for moral support and medical assistance for Christian casualties and shelter for Christian children in the event of new fighting in the region. The Israelis promised to provide help. The local leaders telegraphed Premier Menachem Begin and Weizman asking for intervention on behalf of the Lebanese Christians.
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.
