DEPARTMENT OF STATE
GIST: Soviets Warn That Israel is Concentrating Large Concentrations of Troops on Cease Fire Lines ; Jordan Feels Such Reports are Exaggerated
INR BRIEFING NOTE
TO: The Director, INR
DATE: June 12, 1968
TIME: AM
COMMENTS CONTAINED IN INR BRIEFING NOTES ARE INITIAL AND TENTATIVE.
SOURCE(S)
FBIS 07 Moscow Domestic Service
In Russian
Anatoliy Repin Commentary
CLASS./CONTROL(S)
According to reports from Tel Aviv, the Israeli govt. is concentrating large contingents of troops along the cease fire lines apparently in preparation for a new, large provocative action against the Arab countries. The struggle in the Israeli cabinet, as is known ended with the extremists gaining the upper hand in the ruling circles, at least in the forthcoming period.
During the last few days, Gen. Dayan has again called up reservists of the first and second class. On orders from the Def.Min., large contingents of troops have been deployed on the Western shore of the Jordan River and columns of armored vehicles have moved toward the Gaza region.
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INR Comment: In view of a reported Soviet warning last week to Jordan that an Israeli attack was imminent, this public statement seems to indicate further that the Soviets are genuinely worried about new Israeli attacks and are now publicly warning the Israelis. The article could, however, have the effect of making the Arabs jittery and could lead to some incidents.
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Arman 5282 Conf. [redacted] Director of Mil. Intelligence of the JAA feels that press reports of new Israeli massing of troops in Jordan Valley area are exaggerated. He states that buildup took place between 26 May–3 June prior to June 4 attack. He sees no renewed effort to increase forces in the valley and considers press reports as out of date.
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Co-ordinated with RNA
INR OFFICE
RSD
BRIEFER K. Yalowitz
EXTENSION 4624
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Secret
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