‘sick, Distorted’ Minds Herzog Blasts Jewish Terrorist Underground

President Chaim Herzog forcefully denounced the Jewish terrorist underground currently under investigation for acts of violence carried out or planned against Arab civilians.

Addressing a group of Bnei Akiva youth from abroad yesterday, he said this phenomenon must be rooted out with an iron hand because it threatens Israel’s national existence and provides Israel’s enemies with propaganda weapons. There are presently 27 suspects under indictment for a variety of criminal acts ranging from attempted murder to membership in a terrorist organization.

COULD HAVE BEEN CIVIL WAR

Herzog attributed the emergence of a Jewish underground that employed violence to “a horrible failure in education.” He said that “only a sick and distorted mind would have thought any good could come out of such terrible crimes.”

The President’s remarks were sharply criticized by the Action Committee on behalf of the Jewish underground suspects. The group, mainly West Bank settlers, accused Herzog of creating a lynch atmosphere. A Jerusalem magistrate meanwhile extended until Sunday the remand of two Israeli army officers arrested yesterday in connection with underground activities.

Jacobson was interviewed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency aboard the plane carrying members of the Jewish National Fund National Leadership Council Mission to the dedication of the Timna Mines National Park, a JNF project north of Eilat.

PROBLEMS NEGLECTED

Referring to the July 23 Knesset elections, Jacobson was critical of Israeli governments, past and present, which, she said, never squarely faced such problems as housing for young couples and the single olim who comprise about 40 percent of Jews immigrating to Israel. Which ever party wins the elections, they are going to face these and similar problems, she said. “Single olim have a terrible time and they are the best olim,” Jacobson said.

She said she did not believe American Jewry was less proud of Israel than in the past. But whereas in the past, pride was focussed on the Israel Defense Force and its performance, that is now taken for granted. Today, more pride is focussed on Israel’s technological and scientific achievements, she said.