MOSSAD CHIEF PROMISES TO REMAIN IN POST

ISRAEL LINE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1998

Mossad chief Danny Yatom says he has no intention of resigning in the wake
of the Ciechanover Commission's sharp criticism of his job performance,
which comes in the wake of last year's failed attempt on the life of Hamas
activist Khaled Meshal in Jordan, HA'ARETZ reported. In talks with
confidants over the weekend, Yatom made clear his intent to stay on and
fight his critics.
  Though the Commission specifically cleared Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu of wrongdoing, stating in its conclusions that "he dealt with this
incident in a reasonable manner," it was more severe in assigning
responsibility to the Mossad itself, particularly Yatom.
  The Commission stated in its conclusions that "the head of the Mossad
erred in his handling of the operation and in approving the plan," but a
majority of the Commission's members stopped short of recommending his
resignation.

ISRAEL LINE