381. Memorandum From the Director of the National Indications Center (Hitchcock) to the Intelligence Advisory Committee1
NIC
#6–2237
Washington, October 26,
1956.
SUBJECT
- Possibility of Israeli Raid on Egypt
- 1.
- Members of the Watch Committee have individually examined reports received since their last meeting concerning Israeli military and associated developments. They generally agree that the likelihood has increased of major Israeli reprisals, probably against Egypt in the near future. It is believed that the present Israeli mobilization, though on a large scale, is not a full mobilization, and therefore Israel does not intend that this action lead to general hostilities although it is preparing to meet the possibility of broader action.
- 2.
- Important developments which bear on the situation include:
- a.
- Border incidents involving the killing of Israelis at El Auja on 21 October and a Fedayeen penetration into Israel in the Gaza area on 25 October.
- b.
- Israel mobilization measures, including the requisitioning of engineer equipment and civilian vehicles and the call up of personnel to an extent which has seriously affected many industries and closed some. Two brigades have been brought up to full strength and forces in the Negev have been reinforced.
- c.
- A heavy concentration of personnel and matériel in the Lydda-Ramle-Rehovoth area in the last two days, and continuing movements of troops, including elements of the 11th Armored [Page 788] Infantry Brigade, at least since 23 October in a southward direction from the Tel Aviv area.
- d.
- An unconfirmed report that France may be planning actions in conjunction with Israel against Egypt.
For the Chairman:
James
J. Hitchcock
- Source: CIA Files. Top Secret. The National Indications Center was established to provide a central staff devoting full time to the problems faced by the Watch Committee. Additional information concerning the NIC is in CA–7918, May 14, 1955, in Department of State, Central Files, 101.2/5–1455.↩