Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban met with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko in New York on Friday, a meeting viewed as timely amid rising tensions and uncertainties in Israeli-Soviet relations. The encounter provided a critical opportunity for both sides to exchange perspectives on broader Middle Eastern developments, an area where Moscow has been increasing its influence.
Over the past year, Soviet activity in the Middle East has intensified, coinciding with Britain's announcement in January of its planned military withdrawal "East of Suez." Moscow's engagement has included the recent visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Semenov to Egypt, Syria, and Iraq, underscoring the Soviet Union's expanding role in the region. The revolution in Syria, which brought the pro-Soviet Ba’th party to power, further aligned Soviet interests with key Arab states.
The Soviet Union has notably expanded economic and military aid to Egypt, marked by Premier Alexei Kosygin’s visit to Cairo, enhanced relations with Iraq, increased direct support for Republican forces in Yemen, and committed to substantial assistance for Syria. Meanwhile, Moscow has antagonized France by supplying arms to Algeria and riled Iran by banning broadcasts critical of the pro-Saudi Islamic pact advocated by King Faisal. The deployment of a permanent Soviet naval fleet in the Middle East further signals Moscow’s strategic intentions amid what it perceives as opportunities created by the British withdrawal.
While the full implications of Moscow’s growing presence remain uncertain, analysts suggest that the Soviet Union’s influence could both mitigate and exacerbate regional conflicts. Though it appears Moscow does not seek direct confrontation between Israel and its Arab neighbors, its support for groups opposing British influence in Southern Arabia simultaneously strengthens nations hostile to Israel.
In domestic news, David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s founding prime minister, marked his 80th birthday while convalescing at his Sde Boker home with a fever of 38.9 degrees Celsius caused by a cold. Despite his illness, Ben-Gurion said he intended to attend a mass rally at the Sde Boker College celebrating his milestone. On Friday, he received President Zalman Shazar and several members of the birthday festivities committee, including prominent literary and academic figures, at his residence. Mrs. Ben-Gurion had been discharged from Ichilov Hospital only the day prior.
In security developments, Israeli police arrested a 30-year-old sergeant from the Jezreel district under suspicion of involvement in a Jordanian espionage ring. The detainee, Zaaidat Satohe, a Circassian who has served in the police for a decade, was apprehended alongside Abdul Rafaiya, a 46-year-old resident of Umm el Fahm. Other suspects linked to the case remain in custody.
Further afield, a federal court in Chicago issued a permanent injunction barring the American Nazi Party, led by George Rockwell, from staging demonstrations near Jewish synagogues during the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. The decision followed threats to conduct marches in Jewish neighborhoods during the upcoming High Holy Days.
In Paris, four young Israelis were hospitalized after being found unconscious from carbon monoxide poisoning in their apartment. Police attributed the incident to a faulty stove, and medical reports confirmed the individuals are now out of danger.
Overseas, three German crew members involved in a reported mutiny aboard the Liberian freighter Elms-Ore off the Cornish coast were detained by British police. One was hospitalized with a head injury, and police are conducting an investigation, although no charges have yet been made.
In China, Soviet bloc diplomats walked out of the National Day parade in Peking during a speech by Defense Minister Lin Piao, who accused the Kremlin of colluding with the United States over Vietnam peace negotiations. The protest underscored deepening Sino-Soviet tensions amid ongoing ideological disputes. Soviet officials responded by reaffirming their commitment to friendly relations with China despite current difficulties, emphasizing the need for Communist bloc unity against imperialist forces.