1973-10-16B.pdf

Israel and Egypt are engaged in a military conflict, with Israel launching a counterattack across the Suez Canal, and Egypt claiming to have destroyed a large part of the attacking force. The Israelis have indicated that their counterattack has been successful in forcing Egyptian SAM units to move back to the west bank of the canal. On the Syrian front, there have been sporadic reports of fighting, with the Syrians claiming to hold key terrain and the Israelis reporting that they have destroyed several Jordanian tanks. The Saudis have loaded a Hawk missile battery onto a transport aircraft, possibly to provide air defense for their contingent moving toward the Syrian front. Prime Minister Meir has stated that Israel will not agree to a ceasefire predicated on a withdrawal to pre-1967 boundaries, and that the war is a threat to Israel's existence. The Soviet media has issued brief reports on US arms deliveries to Israel, and has criticized Prime Minister Meir's stance on peace. Despite speculation, over 1,000 Jews were allowed to emigrate from the Soviet Union to Israel during the period 7-13 October.