LONDON--The Germans were reported hurling masses of tanks against French-manned positions in eastern Tunisia tonight, seizing on a temporary break in the rainy weather in a gamble to expand their hold on the approaches to Sicily before the Allies can launch a major offensive.

The Germans were trying to win the road junction of Fondouk-el-Aoubareb, six miles southeast of Pichon and 55 miles southwest of the east port of Sousse.

Aided by American planes and anti-tank guns, French motorized and cavalry forces threw back the first attacks yesterday.