Police carried out a widespread search of the homes of Jewish Defense League members last night in their continuing investigation of the JDL’s attempts to smuggle arms out of the country for a private war against Arab terrorists abroad. Apparently as a result of a tip-off, police found many of the flats locked and their occupants gone. The JDL accused the police of planting an informer in its ranks who allegedly provided the names and addresses of members.
Meanwhile, a reputed “deal” between JDL leader Rabbi Meir Kahane and Justice Minister Yaacov Shimshon Shapiro reportedly collapsed yesterday when the government made it clear that it would not drop charges against JDL members and others accused of arms smuggling. Rabbi Kahane had reportedly promised to reveal information to government authorities if the charges were quashed.
Circles close to the JDL said last night that it would establish a political party headed by Rabbi Kahane to run in the next general elections. The circles said that would be the JDL’s response to alleged attempts by the Israeli authorities to eliminate the JDL and stifle its activities. The JDL claims to have 500 active members in Israel.
Meanwhile, police sources pressing the investigation of arms smuggling said today that they had evidence that at least two Israeli soldiers were Involved. The soldiers allegedly stole weapons from arsenals which JDL members tried to smuggle abroad, police said.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
