A 17-year-old terrorist who tried to infiltrate Israel on a motorized hang glider last March was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison. The terrorist, whose identity was not released because he is a minor, was found guilty of membership in the Palestine Liberation Front. His mission was to blow up the Haifa oil refineries.
The terrorist said nothing in court but told the ITIM Israel News Agency later that he expected a stiffer sentence and was sorry that television cameras were not allowed in the courtroom because he wanted his friends to see him as a “hero.” The youth, who attempted to infiltrate Israel on March 7, was forced down while still in south Lebanon. He was captured by Maj. Saad Haddad’s Christian militia who turned him over to Israeli authorities.
Another terrorist succeeded in reaching Israel on a glider powered by a small engine. He held an Israeli hostage for several hours but the Israeli escaped unharmed and the terrorist was captured. He is due to go on trial soon.
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.