In a sharp reversal of policy, the Israel Government, which previously gave wide publicity to oil imports through the port of Elath, has clamped down completely on all information concerning oil imports or schedules of tankers arriving at Elath. The news ban has even been extended to questions concerning new pipelines from Elath.
The government has requested Israeli newspapers to minimize their coverage of oil stories, not only by their own reporters but also from news agencies abroad. It is believed here that Israel is concerned lest publicity adversely affect the sources of oil for Elath. (A report from Damascus today said that Syria, speaking for all the Arab nations, had asked Iran to halt oil shipments to the Jewish State).
Opinion among political observers here is far from unanimous about the wisdom of the new government policy. Some argue that while public opinion in the Western countries has come to accept the shipment of oil to Elath as Israel’s right, a policy of silence about such a flow may assist Arab efforts to place such rights in question. It may even make it easier for the Western Powers to renege on their support of such rights for Israel, these observers argue.
Meanwhile, the Ministerial Economic Committee recommended to the Cabinet today removal of all restrictions on the use of motor fuel and electric power. The restrictions, which have kept Israelis with automobiles close to home and cut their use of electricity since the Sinai campaign are expected to be ended shortly. With the opening of the port of Elath to tankers; Israel’s oil shortage appears to be over.
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.
