International attention focused on this week’s hostage crisis has improved the chances of effecting the release of Israeli soldiers and foreign hostages held by terrorists in Lebanon, Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin said Thursday.
Speaking with reporters, Rabin joined Israel’s Foreign Ministry in welcoming the diplomatic efforts of the United States, the Soviet Union and Britain in working for a swift release of all hostages, including three Israeli soldiers held since 1986.
The Foreign Ministry also repeated its offer of a prisoner swap, saying in a statement that “we stand ready to release Sheikh Abdul Karim Obeid and Shiite prisoners in exchange for the Israeli POWs and all the hostages of other nationalities.”
It was Israel’s July 28 abduction of Obeid, a senior leader of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah, or Party of God, that precipitated the current crisis.
A terrorist group calling itself the Organization for the Oppressed on Earth claimed Monday to have hanged U.S. Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in retaliation for the sheikh’s abduction.
Another group, the Revolutionary Justice Organization, postponed indefinitely on Thursday its threat to kill U.S. hostage Joseph Cicippio.
Despite the protests and threats, the Foreign Ministry on Thursday continued to defend Israel’s abduction of Obeid.
It listed those Israelis thought to be held hostage in Lebanon, including two soldiers held for 41 months since they were captured in February 1986, and an air force officer held 33 months since October 1986.
The ministry also referred to three Israeli soldiers who have been held captive for 95 months since June 1982. Nothing is known about their fate.
“Our patience has been tested too long, our good will was brutally exploited,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Resolve and firmness on the part of all freedom-loving countries may hopefully lead to the release of the Israeli POWs and of all other hostages in Lebanon.”
Meanwhile, a U.N. envoy met in West Beirut with Hezbollah leader Sheikh Odfen Fadarallah and with Iranian Embassy officials. Few details were released of those meetings.
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