A six-month administrative detention order against Kach leader Rabbi Meir Kahane was cancelled today an a direct order by Premier Menachem Begin acting in his capacity as Defense Minister. The order was originally issued by Ezer Weizman last May while he was still Defense Minister following information that Kahane initiated a “serious illegal action.” The specifics of this action were never revealed. Under recent Israeli regulations detention orders must be renewed every three months.
Despite Begin’s order Kahane was not released from jail where he is serving a concurrent seven-month sentence for holding an illegal demonstration at the Hebrew University two years ago. Kahane is soon to face another trial on charges that he disrupted the public order and prevented a soldier from carrying out his duties during a demonstration in Nablus.
As the Year Turns, Support the Journalism You Trust. JTA covers the stories shaping Jewish life around the world — with the depth this moment calls for. As you reflect on the year ahead, consider a gift that keeps independent Jewish journalism strong.
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.
