The charges in the Soviet press about alleged distribution of “subversive” material by Ephraim Paz, an Israel diplomat, were seen here today as only the latest manifestation of a campaign by Moscow to show its antagonism toward Israel.
As far as the Paz case is concerned, the Foreign Ministry said today it is not prepared to make any comment whatever, since it is still awaiting a report from its Embassy in Moscow on the details of the accusations regarding Mr. Paz. But other recent incidents reflecting Soviet-Israeli relations were pointed out by knowledgeable sources here.
One of these incidents concerns the Kremlin’s envoy to Israel, Ambassador Dimitri Chubakhin. Last week when nearly 50 national parliaments were officially represented here at the dedication of Israel’s new Knesset (Parliament) building, the Supreme Soviet, (national parliament) of the Soviet Union, was not represented. Several weeks ago, Mr. Chubakhin had told Israel that his Government had delegated him to represent the Supreme Soviet at the ceremonies here. However, Mr. Chubakhin had, meanwhile, left for home on leave, and returned too late to attend the Jerusalem ceremonies.
Another instance indicating Soviet antagonism was revealed here today in connection with a recent visit paid to Moscow by Joseph Tekoah, deputy director-general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Israel’s former Ambassador to Moscow. Contrary to diplomatic protocol, no official of the Soviet Foreign Ministry welcomed Mr. Tekoah when he came to Moscow, nor could Mr. Tekoah meet with any Foreign Ministry official while in the Soviet capital.
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.
