When an accusatory finger can be pointed at Islam, the U.S. immediately talks of payback and bombs. Interesting, then, to see the blanket of silence that comes in response to Israel's decision to honour a group of Egyptian Jews responsible for bombing American and British interests. After a half-century of official non-comment, Israel has thanked nine hired guns it had sent to attack its allies.

The Lavon Affair - dubbed for then-Israeli Defence Minister Pinhas Lavon - saw a fringe group of military intelligence agents scurrying about Egypt, firebombing tourist areas in 1954. Israel had hoped to pin the attacks on Egyptian insurgents, but the bombers were caught and confessed to their crimes. Two were hanged, the rest were jailed and later sent to Israel.

"Although it is still a sensitive situation," said Israeli President Moshe Katzav, "we decided now to express our respect for these heroes" by giving them certificates of appreciation. Not everyone agrees with Katzav's description of the nine. As Egypt's Foreign Minister pointed out on hearing of Israel's tribute to the nine, their actions constitute "clear terrorist operations."

» Scott Saxon