Send it for less at ... 2523 W. MAPLE ROAD Soldier's Soldier Eitan: Next Defense Minister? Jerusalem (JTA) — Rafael Eitan, former Israel Defense Force chief of staff, is shaping up as a potent political force on the far right, and observers here do not rule out the possibility that he could be the next defense minister. Eitan presently heads the Tzomet party and is its sole representative in the Knesset. He recently emerg- ed from an internal party con- flict with his reputation enhanced. A career soldier until his retirement in 1982, Eitan joined the ultranationalist Techiyah party. But he broke with Techiyah last year in a stormy confrontation with its Rafael Eitan: A plain-spoken puritan. firebrand Knesset member, Geula Cohen. Their falling-out reportedly was over the No. 2 spot on Techiyah's 1988 election list, which is headed by the par- ty's nominal leader, Tel Aviv University physics Professor Yuval Ne'eman. Many political observers predicted Eitan would quick- ly fade and fail on his own. In- stead, he helped found Tzomet and was overwhelm- ingly elected its leader. Accor- ding to recent polls, the par- ty will make a respectable showing in the Knesset elec- tions in November. Eitan himself is projecting an image of forceful integrity. Having received a report of ir- regularities in the original Tzomet elections, he demand- ed that the entire slate stand for new elections including himself. Although his leadership position is hardly threatened, he has risked defections by some of Tzomet's younger members. But the demonstra- tion of puritan values on the part of this hard-bitten, plain- spoken soldier has added to his popularity. In part, his improved political situation is due to the general strengthening of Israel's right wing since the Palestinian uprising began more than six months ago. Eitan has never concealed his hard-line views. He advocates the wholesale deportation of Palestinian "agitators" and of the fathers of young stone-throwers, as a punitive and deterrent measure. There are many in Israel today who appreciate such ideas. According to some political observers, Eitan's star may rise if Likud wins the November elections and reinstates Yitzhak Shamir as prime minister. Shamir may be loath to name his Herut critic and political rival Ariel Sharon to the office of defense minister. While presumably he would choose his close political ally Moshe Arens for the job, that may prove unfeasible in terms of Likud's internal politics. Under such cir- cumstances, Shamir might find Eitan an attractive alternative. Eitan's long military career was badly tarnished by the report of the Kahan Commis- sion in 1982. The commission, headed by the Supreme Court president, Justice Yitzhak Kahan, conducted an inquiry into the role of the Israel Defense Force in the Shatila and Sabra refugee camps massacre in west Beirut. The massacre was the work of Lebanese Christian Phalangists allied with Israel. The commission made no recommendations with respect to Eitan, noting that he was on the point of retir- ing. The implication was that had his retirement not been imminent, the commission might have urged his removal as chief of staff. But the Likud and Shamir have never been enthusiastic over the Kahan report. In the event of a Likud election vic- tory and the fact that the massacre is six years in the past, Shamir may feel he can ignore it and elevate Eitan to a post he might well have at- tained had fate not intervened. Africans Ask Jerusalem — 'Ibgo, the Ivory Coast and Ghana have asked the Hadassah Medical Organization to join with them in establishing cooperative programs for the treatment of eye disorders. BIRMINGHAM 433-3070 CONTEMPORARY DESIGN Specializing in Laminates •WAIL UNITS • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS KITCHENS • BATHROOMS CUSTOM REUPHOLSTERY AVAILABLE — FREE ESTIMATES - TARGET ENTERPRISES 739-0175 DOUBLE YOUR CLOSET SPACE • Adjustable do-it-yourself and custom closet systems in epoxy- coated wire or laminate • Custom plans for remodeling or new construction • Extensive selection of closet accessories and storage products 28956 Orchard Lake Road, Frm His. OPEN 7 DAYS 855-9678 FOR DAD ON HIS SPECIAL DAY! Desk Clocks Bookends Bears Ice Buckets Picture Frames Sculptures Novelty Address Books Business Card Holders Personalized Candy Jars ALWAYS 20% OFF kerwood studios Tel-Twelve Mall 12 Mile & Telegraph Daily 10-9 Sunday 12-5 354-9060 Complimentary Gift Wrapping THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 37