The Knesset adopted a resolution last night expressing the nation’s protest and dismay over the West German government’s release Sunday of the three surviving Munich terrorists in exchange for the passengers and crew of a hijacked Lufthansa Jet. The resolution declared that Bonn’s action only “deepened Israel’s anger over the Munich bloodshed,” a reference to the slaying of 11 Israeli Olympic athletes in Munich Sept. 5.
Foreign Minister Abba Eban praised the US government last night for having urged Bonn, as Israel did, not to let the three Munich terrorists go. Eban said the US has constantly fought to secure international action against terrorism and hijacking. He warned that the Arab terrorists have the power to commit political and diplomatic sabotage as well as murderous actions.
Eban confirmed that Ambassador Eliashiv Ben-Horin has been recalled from Bonn for a few days for consultation. The Israeli envoy called on West German Foreign Minister Walter Scheel last night to ascertain Germany’s position regarding action against international terrorism. Eban said that his questions about German policy conveyed through Bonn’s Ambassador in Tel Aviv, Jesco Von Puttkammer, have still not been answered.
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