GSS TIGHTENS SECURITY FOR MORDECHAI DUE TO CONCERNS OF EXTREMIST ATTACK

ISRAEL LINE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1997

  The General Security Service has tightened security for Defense Minister
Yitzhak Mordechai due to concerns that extremist right-wing activists may
try to attack him because of his position regarding negotiations with the
Palestinians, YEDIOT AHARONOT reported.
  According to the GSS assessment, Jewish extremists have "marked" Mordechai
and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
  HA'ARETZ reported that Mordechai told the Knesset Committee on Foreign
Affairs and Defense that the security establishment must prepare itself to
contend with extremist elements among Jews and Arabs in Hebron.  The
Defense Minister added that security authorities must take appropriate steps
and prevent bloodshed.



ISRAEL LINE