An agent of the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, testified in closed court Wednesday that several Israelis have with government approval met with officials of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
The agent, identified only as “Reuven,” appeared as an expert witness at the trial in Ramla magistrates court of four Israeli leftists who met with PLO representatives in Rumania several months ago in violation of the law. According to Israel Radio, Reuven named Lova Eliav and Uri Avneri, among others.
Eliav confirmed to Israel Radio that he had indeed met with PLO officials with the government’s assent and instructions to find ways to secure the release of Israelis held prisoner by Palestinians and other Arab groups in Lebanon.
Eliav added that he thought the law banning such contacts was absurd.
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.
