Israel today boycotted the Security Council’s meeting to discuss the issue of Palestinian rights in protest against yesterday’s terrorist raid against Kibbutz Misgav An in northern Israel. The Israel Ambassador to the UN, Yehuda Blum, and his aides did not attend the deliberation.
Blum held a press conference this morning at which he condemned the Security Council for occupying itself with “distortion of reality” and declared that the latest terrorist attack should come at a “revelation” to those who have recently claimed that the Palestine Liberation Organization has become moderate. He said that yesterday’s PLO outrage destroys “the wishful thinking” and “illusions” of certain European countries which have talked recently about the PLO’s peaceful intentions.
Blum also sharply criticized UN Secretary General Kurt Waldheim for his statement yesterday on the terrorist attack. The Israeli envoy claimed that Waldheim’s comments would only “encourage” the “criminal activities” of the PLO.
Waldheim’s statement said he was “deeply concerned at the report of an incursion” into Kibbutz Misgav Am “which resulted in an exchange of fire in which three Israelis and five infiltrators were reportedly killed and 16 Israelis were wounded.” The statement added that “The Secretary General deeply deplores this violent incident, not only because of the casualties entailed, especially innocent civilians, but also because such incidents increase tension in the area.”
Blum said that Waldheim’s failure to identify the terrorists and condemn the acts they committed con only encourage similar acts in the future. He said that the five terrorists raided the kibbutz through the area under control of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and charged that since Israel withdraw its forces from south Lebanon and UNIFIL took control, more than 2000 PLO terrorists “took residence” in the area south of the Litani River and the area under UNIFIL control.
Blum said that Israel has drawn the attention of the UN authorities to the PLO’s use and abuse of the are under UN control for attacks on Israel. In a letter to Waldheim yesterday, Blum declared that Israel would take all measures seen appropriate to protect the lives of its citizens.
The Israeli envoy denounced the Security Council’s debate on Palestinian rights and charged that its purpose is to disrupt the peace process in general. He said it was called at this time to coincide with the visits of President Anwar Sodat of Egypt and Premier Menachem Begin of Israel to Washington for meetings with President Carter.
Blum accused the Soviet Union of being a force behind the scenes to continue the debate in order to keep the issue alive as long as peace efforts are in motion. It had been reported last week that the debate was to be adjourned until July.
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