Transport Minister Shimon Peres said today that “Israel will not be intimidated by threats” to its air communications. “Anyone frightened by one anonymous threat is just asking for more of the same,” Peres declared. He referred to an anonymous warning to El Al today, threatening its planes unless Kozo Okamoto, the Japanese gunman captured in the May 30 Lydda Airport massacre is freed.
The warning was sent to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) which conveyed it to El Al. But Israeli airline officials said they were taking no special security measures beyond those already in effect. “We are doing all that is necessary already,” an El Al spokesman said. Officials of other airlines said anonymous threats could harm tourism to Israel. There was no visible change in the routine at Lydda Airport today where strict security measures have been maintained since the massacre.
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