Designated by the U.S. Secretary of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, 2000

Description

Stated goal is to restore the biblical state of Israel. Kach (founded by radical Israeli-American rabbi Meir Kahane) and its offshoot Kahane Chai, which means "Kahane Lives" (founded by Meir Kahane's son Binyamin following his father's assassination in the United States), were declared to be terrorist organizations in March 1994 by the Israeli Cabinet under the 1948 Terrorism Law. This followed the groups' statements in support of Dr. Baruch Goldstein's attack in February 1994 on the al-Ibrahimi Mosque--Goldstein was affiliated with Kach--and their verbal attacks on the Israeli Government. Palestinian gunmen killed Binyamin Kahane and his wife in a drive-by shooting on 31 December in the West Bank.

Activities

Organize protests against the Israeli Government. Harass and threaten Palestinians in Hebron and the West Bank. Have threatened to attack Arabs, Palestinians, and Israeli Government officials. Have vowed revenge for the death of Binyamin Kahane and his wife.

Strength

Unknown.

Location/Area of Operation

Israel and West Bank settlements, particularly Qiryat Arba' in Hebron.

External Aid

Receives support from sympathizers in the United States and Europe.
 

Information compiled from data published in Patterns of Global Terrorism by the U.S. Department of State, 1995 - 2000.

Note:
Designation of an organization by the U.S. Secretary of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, carries legal consequences:

• It is unlawful to provide funds or other material support to a designated FTO.
• Representatives and certain members of a designated FTO can be denied visas or excluded from the United States.

US financial institutions must block funds of designated FTOs and their agents and must report the blockage to the US Department of the Treasury.