More drastic action by the Israel Government to induce West Germany to recall scientists working on advanced weapons in Egypt was urged today in continuing debate on the issue in the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament.
It was indicated that Premier Levi Eshkol, who opened the debate Monday, will reply to his critics next week. By then, it is expected he will have received from West German Chancellor Ludwig Erhard a reply to a letter sent two weeks ago, in which the Premier expressed Israel’s deep concern over the inaction of West Germany on the issue.
During the debate today, demands were made that Israel act to mobilize world opinion against West Germany on the issue. Y. Galili, an Achdut Avodah member, urged the Government to decide clearly whether the danger posed by the work of the scientists for the Nasser regime outweighed considerations of aid from West Germany.
Israel Barzilai, a member of the opposition Mapam party, charged that West Germany was interested in the work of the scientists in the interests of its own weapons development program. More drastic action by Israel also was urged by Y. Ben Meir, Deputy Interior Minister and a member of the National Religious Party.
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