55 years ago/May 23, 1967

After the Egyptian blockade of the Straits of Tiran Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol addressed to the Knesset on the second consecutive day. He said that it was “gross violation of international law” and that serious and widespread international support was there for the rights of free passage through the Straits of Tiran. The US, the UK and Canada all considered the Straits of Tiran as international waterway and said the blockade illegal. At the same day the Soviet Union accused Israel to be the reason of the deteriorating situation, supported the Arab countries, but warned again any aggression. While he was on his way to Cairo UN Secretary General U Thant stopped in Paris and was informed about the close of the Straits of Tiran to Israeli shipping. Despite the news he continued his travel to Cairo. After arrival, he met Major General Indar Jit Rikhye and other UN officials. In London King Faisal of Saudi Arabia met British Prime Minister Harold Wilson. During his visit he stated that the Arab countries stood united against Israel, and that there wasn’t any conflict between his country and the United Arab Republic (Egypt). After the explosion at ar-Ramtha on May 21, Jordan broke diplomatic relations with Syria, expelled the Syrian Ambassador Assad al-Ustuwani and called back her chargé affaires form Damascus. This day the Israeli Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin, who had very big pressure on him, left his office, and didn’t return until the 25th. Some people said he had nervous break-down, and it was used against him during his political career, while his wife, Leah stated that he only was very exhausted. Rabin – and Prime Minister Levi Eshkol – was accused to be irresponsible by many in these days.