When Israel allowed a Persian plane to land


However, after landing they saw Hebrew letters at an airport and eventually disembarked at an Isaeli military terminal.

Israeli television showed dozens of Muslim men on their knees in the terminal for noon prayers, and seated women in black chadors. The Iranians appeared nervous in the hands of Israelis, until soldiers treated them to lunch and cold drinks. The Iranians were to spend the night at the base before an expected return today.

Lt. Gen. Amnon Lipkin-Shahak, the Israeli army chief of staff, said the hijacker would remain in Israeli custody rather than be extradited. He did not say what would happen to the passengers seeking asylum.