Conference taveng::bagels

                Thursday, February 13, 1992


Modai: Loan Guaranties Are not Crucial for Future of Israeli
Economy

Today's AL HAMISHMAR quotes Finance Minister Yitzhak Modai who
said, "Receiving the immigrant absorption loan guaranties is not
crucial to the future of the [Israeli] economy, and there are
alternatives, though difficult, for recruiting the necessary
funds." Modai was speaking yesterday at a press conference in
Jerusalem. He told reporters that in the end, he believes the
guaranties will be given to Israel. The Finance Minister also
called against accepting political dictations concerning the
settlements in the Territories. Modai disputed U.S. Secretary of
State James Baker's remarks of several days ago regarding Israel's
ability to pay its debts. Baker said in Congress that Israel can
pay its debts because of the foreign aid it receives from the U.S.
Modai claimed that Baker was mistaken, and that his remarks don't
reflect reality. Modai also noted that the Secretary did not
mention that the Israeli debt to the U.S. Government was created
mostly because of loans received as military aid. This, when other
countries received military aid as grants.


Another Israeli Arrested in Egypt in Relation to the Masrati
Affair; Israeli Officials Say They Hope Egyptians Will be Decent
Enough to Clear Israel Following the Investigation

Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Egyptian authorities have now
detained a forth Israeli in connection to the Masrati affair. David
Ovich was arrested on Friday, but the Egyptian Authorities allowed
this information to be published only yesterday. Ovich, a man in
his 50s, is a furniture dealer who used to travel to Egypt
frequently. Yesterday, his detention was prolonged by 15 days, and
an announcement on his "detention due to commercial ties with Fares
Musrati" was given to the Israeli Embassy in Cairo. The newspaper
states that though no authoritative information has yet been
revealed on the affair, media reports are damaging the fragile
relations between the two counties. Officials in Jerusalem said
that since they know perfectly well that the Israeli authorities
are not related to the people who were arrested, they hope that at
the end of the investigation, the Egyptians will be decent enough
to publish the results and clear Israel.


MA'ARIV: Syrian Drug Lord Guest of U.S. Administration

Yesterday's MA'ARIV reports that Razi Kina'an, one of the heads of
the Syrian regime, has arrived on a visit to Washington for talks
on strategic cooperation -- as a guest of the U.S. Administration. 
Kina'an, who is involved in the drug business in Lebanon, was the
man who supervised the mass slaughter of opponents to the Syrian
regime in Hama, and -- in the past -- was the Syrian-inspired
uncrowned ruler of Beirut. Kina'an, who was involved in the release
of hostages in Lebanon, arrived in Washington within the framework
of a U.S. effort to arrive at a strategic cooperation agreement
with Syria. This is the third visit to Washington conducted by
heads of the Syrian administration in recent months. MA'ARIV has
learned that the entry of Kina'an into the United States was
authorized due to the intervention of Secretary of State James
Baker and CIA Director Robert Gates. Yesterday, sources in
Washington expressed surprise over the invitation granted to a man
with a strong link to the drug trade in Lebanon and who was accused
of responsibility for the planning of the attack on the United
States Embassy in Lebanon.  In that attack, the newspaper notes,
scores of Marines were killed. MA'ARIV received no reaction from
the State Department in Washington on this matter.


Quayle: The U.S. Stands By Its Commitment to Act for The Release of
Missing IAF Navigator Ron Arad

Today's DAVAR quotes U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle who said
yesterday that the U.S. stands by its commitment to act for the
release of missing IAF navigator Ron Arad. Quayle stated this
during a meeting with Ron Arad's wife and brother in Washington. He
emphasized that he was expressing President George Bush's stand as
well. Quayle promised that this commitment will continue to be
heard in his public speeches. KOL YISRAEL reports that Tami Arad
thanked the Vice President for mentioning Ron at the burial
ceremonies of Colonel Higgins and William Buckley who were murdered
by their kidnappers in Lebanon.


Police Conclude Investigation of Akawi Affair

Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the Police concluded its
investigation into the death of Palestinian detainee Mustafa Akawi
in the Hebron prison. The Police said it had no evidence to support
accusations that Akawi's death was caused by some sort of criminal
behavior. The Police autopsy determined that Akawi died of a heart
attack, due to a prolonged severe heart illness. Israel Radio, KOL
YISRAEL, reports that the investigators found that the bruises on
the body of Akawi were indeed caused during the investigations, but
they were the results of reasonable physical pressure. The
pathologic report stated that the bruises found were light, and
unrelated to the cause of death. KOL YISRAEL reporter notes that it
is possible that following this affair, some criteria may change in
the medical exams the detainees undergo when they admitted to
prison.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

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| Gideon Sa'ar         | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu  |
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               Attention Israel Line Recipients

                  Friday, February 14,1992


New Immigrants Establish Political Movement to Run in Upcoming
Elections

Today's MA'ARIV reports that a new political party was established
yesterday, with the objective of representing the new immigrants in
Israel. The temporary name of the new movement is the National
Movement for Democracy and Immigration, and its symbol for the
upcoming elections is DA. The announcement on the establishment of
DA was made yesterday, in front of a large group of immigration
activists and former refusniks, in the Sokolov House in Tel Aviv.
Former refusnik Yuli Kosherovsky explained the reason for the new
movement, "It is a paradoxical situation, where such a large group
of immigrants with common background and common problems, is not
adequately represented in the decision-making establishment. 
Immigrants who wanted to participate in the existing parties were
thrown out after being exploited, and actually, not one of the
immigrants listed high on the slate of candidates for the Knesset,
beside Ephraim Gur..." As for the position of the new party on the
political map, Kosherovsky said, "We'll go in the direction of a
liberal center. We don't favor extremism."


Finance Minister Modai Re-Joined the Likud Party

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Finance Minister Yitzhak
Modai re-joined the Likud Party today. Modai submitted the papers
for joining the party, along with a request to become a Likud
candidate for the next Knesset. Modai and several other Knesset
members of the Likud separated themselves from the party a couple
of years ago as a result of internal politics. Modai's membership
in the Likud branch in Tel Aviv was approved last night by the
branch's members committee.


Modai Interviewed on the Issue of Loan Guaranties

Yesterday's MABAT carried an interview with Finance Minister
Yitzhak Modai. The following are excerpts from this interview.
Q: Does the non-receipt of the guarantees from the United States
mean that the people of the State of Israel will walk around naked
and starving?
A: No. I think that this whole approach is fundamentally flawed. 
The receipt of the guarantees is, without any doubt, assistance
that will allow us to create jobs at a much faster pace and of a
larger scope, but to say that this is the only -- and maybe even
the decisive -- element is simply incorrect.
Q: What then are the alternative plans, in the event that the
guarantees are not granted?
A: We have not yet operated any alternative plan, aside from
complementary  operations like special Bonds campaigns and other
such things. But we are certainly aware that we may need to
activate alternative plans.
Asked whether the domestic economy will be heavily burdened, Modai
said that if the external burden is imposed entirely on Israel's
shoulders, there will certainly be some influence on the level of
services, the rate of their supply and other such things. "We have
awesome plans regarding infrastructure development and it is
possible that, if the foreign resources are absent, we will have to
slow the pace." Nevertheless, Modai said that in his opinion, the
guaranties will be given eventually in one form or another.


Knesset Members Respond to Arafat's Anti-Semitic Comments

Yesterday's DAVAR covered the reaction across the Israeli political
spectrum to Yasser Arafat's anti-semitic remarks as broadcast by
the CNN news networks. Knesset Member Uzi Landau of the right-wing
Likud Party recalled that 10 years ago, Muhamed Milhem, a major PLO
figure said, "In Israel there are no Hawks or doves, only pigs...
Arafat has now expressed those same words in a different style." 
Yossi Sarid of the Citizens Rights Movement condemned Arafat's
statements about the Jews as, "unmatched, injurious, despicable,
ugly, contemptible, vile, worthless and racist." Sarid added that 
"If an Israeli leader would had defined Arabs as 'rotten, cursed
dogs and trash' -- he would have been ruled out as a negotiating
partner." Knesset Member Micha Goldman of the opposition Labor
party said that the "arch-murderer" Arafat, only strengthens with
his word, the notion that negotiations with the PLO must be
prohibited, because they are the same organization of murderers as
before", proving that the only partners for peace are the
Palestinians in the Territories.  Knesset Member Geula Cohen of the
Tehiyah party saw nothing new in the Arafat statements, saying the
PLO and its chairman basically identify with the Neo-Nazi movement. 
"Today," said Cohen,"We hope that France, which received Arafat as
a guest of the state in the manner reserved for Kings,  will also
understand that to Yasser Arafat and the PLO, every human thing,
not only the Jews, is trash and that he aspires to transform the
Jews into worse that trash."


MA'ARIV: The case of Palestinian detainee Mustafa Akawi who died at
the Hebron prison from heart attack has not been closed. This,
despite such recommendations made by the Police. The Police
transferred the investigation material yesterday to the State's
Attorney at her request. State Attorney Dorit Beinish has already
conducted the first discussion on this case with the appropriate
officials.


YEDIOT AHRONOT: For the first time since the establishment of the
modern state of Israel, there is a Jewish majority in the Galilee. 
The demographic breakthrough was announced yesterday by the Jewish
Agency's Deputy Director General of Immigration and Absorption,
Ophir Paz.  Statistics show that 412,000 Jews currently live in the
Galilee, comprising 51% of the total population there.

Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.
    
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| Gideon Sa'ar         | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu  |
|                      | GEnie   : G.SAAR                       |
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                Attention Israel Line Recipients

                   Tuesday, February 18, 1992


Levy: We Mustn't Let the Peace Process be Viewed as Chains on Our
Hands in Fighting Terrorism

Today's HA'ARETZ quotes Foreign Minister David Levy who said, "We
should fight terrorism as if no peace process is underway. We
mustn't let the peace process be viewed as chains on our hands in
fighting terrorism."  Levy spoke before the Knesset's Foreign
Affairs and Defense Committee.  Referring to the Israel Defense
Forces attack in which Hizbullah leader Musawi was killed, Levy
emphasized Israel's obligation to act against those responsible for
carrying terrorist attacks against it. Those people who send others
to murder soldiers and civilians are trying to murder the chances
for peace, Levy continued. The Foreign Minister also sharply
criticized the Lebanese Government for allowing the Hizbullah to
operate in Lebanon. "We see the Lebanese Government as encouraging
terrorist organizations," Levy stated. "It sounds like a joke, when
on one hand the Lebanese Army comes down south in order to gain
control over the area, and on the other hand the Hizbullah wins
encouragement from the Lebanese Government itself." Levy expressed
the hope that Musawi's death would not affect the continuation of
the ongoing peace talks between Israel and the Arab countries,
scheduled to renew in Washington next week.


Discussions in Lebanon Over Appointment of Successor to Hizbullah
Leader Musawi

Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that discussions will begin today in
Beirut for appointing a successor to Hizbullah leader Abass Musawi
who was killed in an IDF helicopter raid in South Lebanon.
Representatives from Iran and Syrian Intelligence are expected to
arrive in Beirut to participate in the process. The newspaper
quotes Western experts who believe that  the Hizbullah terrorists
will operate only against targets in South Lebanon until a
successor is appointed. YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that the Hizbullah
is angry over the Lebanese Government announcement that its
delegation will participate in the upcoming round of talks in
Washington with the Israeli delegation. This is the reason cited by
the newspaper for increased security around the houses of the
Lebanese delegation's members. In hopes of satisfying the
Hizbullah, the Lebanese Government decided yesterday to submit a
complaint to the U.N. over the IDF's operation in which the
Hizbullah leader was killed.


Palestinians  Decide to Postpone Departure to Peace Talks in
Washington

Today's AL HAMISHMAR quotes a member of the Palestinian delegation
to the peace talks, Mustafa Natasha, who said that the Palestinian
delegation may boycott the Washington talks if Israel doesn't
release two residents of Hebron who were considered new candidates
for the Palestinian delegation. The two are Jamal Shobaki and
Mohammed Hourani. Hourani was put under administrative detention
for six months beginning in January, and Shobaki was detained on
Sunday.
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes prominent Palestinian Hanan
Ashrawi who said today that the Palestinians have decided to
postpone their departure to the peace talks in protest of the
detention of Hourani and Shobaki. KOL YISRAEL notes that neither
Faisal Husseini or Ashrawi spoke of withdrawing from the talks, but
rather just delaying their scheduled departure.


An Official Notice from Cairo to Jerusalem: Masrati and his
Children Suspected of Endangering Egyptian Security

Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Egypt officially informed Israel that
Fares Masrati and his children, Fayqa and Majah are suspected of
endangering state security in Egypt and of forging official
documents.  An Israeli diplomat in the Cairo embassy informed
reporters yesterday that the group is suspected of espionage for a
foreign government. According to the announcement, Israeli
furniture merchant David Ovich was interrogated in order to
establish the ties between him and the other detainees. Neither
Israel nor Israeli Intelligence (the Mossad) were mentioned in the
Egyptian letter received in Israel this weekend.


European Common Market Ties Aid to Palestinians To Progress in
Peace Process

Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports on preconditions given by the European
Common Market for proposed aid to the Palestinians in the
territories, relating aid to progress in the bilateral talks and
the initial carrying out of the interim agreements. European Common
Market delegate Thomas Dupla conveyed this message to a group of
Palestinians last week. Palestinian sources reported that Dupla
would return in a month accompanied by economic experts, after
studying suggestions raised by the Palestinians. According to AL
HAMISHMAR, the European Common Market position could serve as an
incentive to the Palestinians to bring the talks to a more
practical path.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar, Revital Lubinsky
and Robert Socolof.

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| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
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                 Attention Israel Line Recipients

                   Wednesday, February 19, 1992


Six People Suffer Shock Resulting From Katyusha Rockets Falling on
Galilee

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that at noon today, several
Katyusha rockets fell on the Galilee.  One of the rockets caused
physical damage and six people were treated for shock at the scene. 
Two of the victims were transferred to a hospital for further
treatment. School children were evacuated to bomb-shelters for a
short while during the day. Later on, they returned to their
classrooms. Israel Defense Forces artillery is shelling targets
identified as the sources of the Katyusha rockets' launching.


Arens: Lebanese Government is Responsible for Stopping Katyusha
Rockets being Fired On Israel

Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Defense Minister Moshe Arens and IDF
Chief of Staff Ehud Barak yesterday toured Israel's northern
border.  During the tour, Arens said that the Lebanese Government
is the one responsible for stopping the Katyusha rockets flying
towards Israel, and returning peace to the region. He noted that
the Lebanese Government must use its army for this mission, saying,
"We won't agree to return to the situation in Lebanon on the eve of
1981. The Lebanese Army is deployed in South Lebanon, and they're
the ones we should address now." The Defense Minister added the
terrorists find it harder to fire Katyusha rockets into Israel
today than they did 10 years ago. This, because of the existence of
the Security Zone.


Israeli Sources Say Iran Is Responsible for the Well-Being of MIA
Navigator Ron Arad

Today's AL HAMISHMAR quotes Israeli sources who said that the
organization which claimed yesterday that Ron Arad was executed in
revenge for the killing of Hizbullah Chief Musawi is totally
unknown. Israeli security sources stated the following, "Israel
continues to view Iran as bearing sole responsibility for the well
being, health and fate of MIA navigator Ron Arad." The newspaper
notes that as far as known, Arad is being held by the Iranian
Revolutionary Guards organization in the Beka'a (valley) region of
Lebanon, and not by the Hizbullah. Referring to the reports that
her husband was executed in response to Musawi's killing, Tami Arad
said, "I don't have any reason to believe this report. To the best
of my knowledge, my husband is in the hands of the Iranian forces
in Lebanon, and they are responsible for his life and safety."
Asked if her statements were based on known facts, she replied,
"Yes. He was transferred to the Iranians in Lebanon two and a half
years ago."

Shamir: Israel is Interested to Move to Matters of Substance in
Upcoming Peace Talks in Washington

Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir
yesterday told Iceland's Prime Minister, David Oddsson, that Israel
is interested in moving from procedural matters, to matters of
substance in the upcoming talks in Washington. This, if the
developments with the Jordanian-Palestinian delegation allow it.
However, Shamir rejected the possibility that the U.S. or another
body will impose on Israel a certain move or another in the peace
process. Shamir referred to the detention of Palestinians Shobaki
and Hourani saying that it is not a detention of candidates for the
Palestinian delegation, but merely of personnel who were designated
to fulfill administrative roles. He added that the two had
committed offenses and will bear the consequences of their actions.
Shamir also noted that it was agreed that the next round of talks
will be held in the Middle East or somewhere close to it. Shamir
enumerated on the efforts of the terrorist organizations to thwart
the peace process and noted the double talk that the Fatah is
using, by stating its readiness for negotiations while continuing
its acts of terrorism.


Labor Party to Vote for Primaries Today

KOL YISRAEL also reports that the Labor Party conducts its
primaries today. The voting will begin at 2:00 PM and end at 9:00
PM, Israel time. According to the radio, 150,000 party members are
eligible to vote for the Labor Party's candidate for Prime
Minister. The candidates are Ora Namir, Shimon Peres, Yisrael
Kessar and Yitzhak Rabin. The results of the voting today should by
available before midnight, Israel time. The winner needs to garner
at least 40% of the votes to avoid a run-off next Wednesday.


IDF Announces New Instructions For Guarding Camps and Bases

Israel Radio further reports that the General Headquarters of the
Israel Defense Forces today published new instructions for guarding
IDF camps and bases. The new instructions are described by the
radio as a lesson of the terrorist attack last week in which three
Israeli soldiers, two of them new immigrants, were killed. The
instructions state that soldiers on guard, even inside the Green
Line, will carry loaded weapons. Soldiers in Basic Training will
stand guard only after going through suitable day and night
training. In the first several stages of their service, they will
stand guard in pairs. These and other instructions will be studied
today in all IDF units.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.
 
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| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
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                 Attention Israel Line Recipients

           Special Edition -- Thursday, February 20, 1992


IDF Moves to Eradicate Hizbullah Rocket Launchers in South Lebanon

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that a small IDF force is
currently operating in the vicinity of villages Kafra and Ya'atar
near the Security Zone in South Lebanon. The IDF mission is looking
for Katyusha rocket launchers and terrorist bases. The force began
it's operation last night and official IDF sources say it'll only
stay in the area for a limited amount of time. According to the IDF
sources, after the force concludes its mission, it'll return to
base. UNIFIL sources told KOL YISRAEL this afternoon that the
Israeli operation is being accompanied by heavy artillery shelling.
The radio quotes a Lebanese Army source who said that the IDF now
controls an area up to 4 miles north of the Security Zone, and that
it has blocked roads in order to prevent Hizbullah reinforcements
from infiltrating the area. KOL YISRAEL reports that two UNIFIL
soldiers were severely injured during the course of events.  One of
them, in critical condition, was transferred to Rambam Hospital in
Haifa. It is unknown which side fired the shots that hit the UNIFIL
soldiers. An afternoon report on Israel Defense Forces radio, GALEI
ZAHAL, said that additional IDF forces joined the initial one
during the day. There are reports of heavy fighting between the IDF
units and the Hizbullah terrorists. The radio also reports that
more Katyusha rockets fell in the Galilee today. No injuries or
damages were  reported.


There will be an updated edition of Israel Line at 2 PM (EST).


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

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| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
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               Attention Israel Line Recipients

                 Thursday, February 20, 1992


Shiites, Hoping to aid Hizbullah, Attempt to Infiltrate Region of
Conflict

Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, reports this evening that
hundreds of Shiites are trying to infiltrate the area where the IDF
and the Hizbullah are fighting. The Shiites are attempting to join
Hizbullah terrorists in fighting the IDF. The radio reports 
intensive Israeli shelling of targets in South Lebanon. GALEI
ZAHAL's northern correspondent said that he hadn't heard so much
artillery in the north since Operation Peace to the Galilee, 10
years ago. Katyusha rockets continue to fall on the Galilee and the
Security Zone. GALEI ZAHAL quotes foreign sources who report that
the IDF is utilizing 17 tanks and several armored vehicles in the
current operation.


Levy Attacks His Lebanese Counterpart for Encouraging the Hizbullah
to Operate Against Israel

Today's MA'ARIV reports that, last night, Foreign Minister David
Levy vigorously attacked his Lebanese colleague, Faras Bouez, for
having recently encouraged the Hizbullah to attack Israel. "After
this announcement, Israel sees the Lebanese government as
responsible for all damage in Israel emanating from Lebanese
territory. The Lebanese Foreign Minister has taken a very heavy
responsibility upon himself," Levy said. In a conversation
yesterday with journalists at a convention in Bat Yam, Levy said
that Lebanon cannot play a double game: "Talking about its
aspiration for peace on the one hand, while -- on the other -- its
Foreign Minister encourages hostile activities by the most extreme
organization, which draws its inspiration from Iran and whose
entire pattern of operation is to destroy the peace process and to
eliminate the Jewish state." Levy defined the situation on Israel's
northern border, saying: "We are dealing with a dangerous and
radical organization.  The initiatives need to come from us, to
ensure that their schemes do not succeed and that their plans are
frustrated in advance. The IDF forces are charged with this
difficult mission and they are fulfilling it with dedication." Levy
also said that Hizbullah admitted it sees the peace process as an
enemy and that its assignment is to destroy the peace process. Levy
stated that this organization is guided by an extremist regime --
Iran -- which has explicitly admitted this. Levy added, "We must
defend our communities against this enemy with all the force
available to us, and whoever says that the war against the enemies
of peace represents a danger to peace does not know what he is
talking about. Anyone who gives backing to terrorism must know that
Israel will not submit to terrorism, even if it is participating in
the peace process.  Israel will defend its security."

Rabin is the New Chairman of the Labor Party

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today that Yitzhak Rabin gained
the Chairmanship of the Labor Party, receiving 40.5% of the votes
in the primaries. Shimon Peres received 34%, Yisrael Kessar 19% and
Ora Namir 5.5%.  Peres congratulated Rabin on his victory and said
he willingly accepts the members' decision. He emphasized that
he'll be glad to cooperate with Rabin and do everything to maintain
party unity. Yitzhak Rabin thanked Peres for the congratulations,
saying he will invite him to a meeting on the Labor party's
struggle against the Likud Party. Rabin emphasized that he views
Peres as a senior partner in the elections' struggle and the
establishment of a government.


Bassiony: Ovich Will Soon be Released by Egypt

Israel Radio quotes Egyptian Ambassador in Israel Mohamed Bassiony,
who said that Israeli furniture dealer, David Ovich, who has been 
detained in Egypt will soon be released. He stated that unlike the
Musrati family, there are no accusations against Ovich. Bassiony
said these things to Ovich's family, with whom he met this morning.
The Egyptian Ambassador added that Ovich is being held in good
surroundings and feels all right. However, he stressed, "You should
understand that when the matter discussed is so severe as offenses
against Egypt's security, there is no other way than a
comprehensive investigation, in this case, Ovich's connections to
the Musrati family."


Likud to Vote on Candidates for Prime Minister

KOL YISRAEL reports that more than 3,000 members of the Likud
Party's Central Committee are voting this afternoon on who will be
the party's candidate for Prime Minister. The three men running for
the position are Yitzhak Shamir, David Levy and Ariel Sharon. In
order to win the nomination, a candidate needs to win more than 40%
of the votes. HADASHOT reports that assessments in the Likud party
yesterday indicated that 50% would vote for Shamir, with Levy in
second place and Sharon arriving last. Supporters of Levy said
yesterday that if he receives 30% of the votes, he'll view it as a
great victory. Sharon supporters stated that he decided to remain
in the race despite the fear that he'll receive less votes than
Levy.


KOL YISRAEL: Governor of the Bank of Israel, Professor Jacob
Frankel, will meet today in Washington with U.S. UnderSecretary of
State for Economic and Agriculture Affairs, Robert Zoellick, to
discuss the economic aspects of the immigrant absorption loan
guaranties. The two men will discuss the economic reforms Israel
would be required to undertake in order to obtain the guaranties.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

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| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
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    Jem,
       I really appreciate hearing about what happening in your neck of the
    woods.Its very hard to get accurate info in the Irish Media.So keep
    it rooling.We (my wife and myself) have a desire to visit Israel in
    the not to distant future.Do you live in Israel?.I am reading a book
    on Israel and I found it only increased the desire to visit
    the country.It really is unique in every way.Thanks again.
    
                                                     Dermot.
    

Jem's node is in New York City, so I would guess it's just his heart that's
in Israel. This is Friday, else I'd let Jem answer for himself.

Dave

    
    > This is Friday, else I'd let Jem answer for himself.
    
    The magic home modem strikes again!
    
    >Jem's node is in New York City, so I would guess it's just his 
    >heart that's in Israel.
    
    Yep. The modem's not that magic.
    
    Jem
    

              Attention Israel Line Recipients

                 Friday, February 21, 1992


Five Year-Old Girl Killed by Katyusha Rocket in Northern Israel
Today

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that 5 year-old Avia Elizada was
killed this afternoon by a Katyusha rocket which fell on Moshav
Granot Hagalil in northern Israel.  Avia was leaving her house
going towards her father when a Katyusha rocket fell in their yard.
She was killed instantly, with her father and another man receiving
minor injuries. The fatal rocket was one of 14 which were launched
in a volley coming from South Lebanon. Three of the 14 rockets fell
inside Israel. A Spokesman for UNIFIL forces in South Lebanon said
that the IDF responded to the Katyusha volley with heavy artillery
shelling. The IDF's Commander in Charge of the Northern Command
visited Moshav Granot Hagalil this afternoon following the death of
Avia Elizada and said that the IDF will find the time and place to
hurt the terrorists. He added that the objective of yesterday's
operation in Lebanon  was to signal the Hizbullah, and those who
operate it, that Israel won't tolerate firing into its territory.


Palestinian Murders 34 Year-Old New Immigrant in Kfar Saba

KOL YISRAEL also reports that 34 year-old Genia Froidman was
murdered today in the city of Kfar Saba by a Palestinian resident
of Qalqilya. Froidman was rushed to Meir Hospital where she died
from stab wounds. She was a new immigrant from Russia who had
arrived in Israel only 3 months ago. Her father and two other
immigrants received minor injuries. A passerby who is a member of
the security forces shot the assailant, wounding him. The murder
suspect is 20 year-old Yusuf Abdel Rachman. Abdel Rachman attacked
Genia Froidman with a 12 inch knife, stabbing her in the back. KOL
YISRAEL reporter said that the suspect told the police that he
operated alone in reaction to the detention of his brother
yesterday in Qalqilya.


Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Operation in Lebanon Buried Today

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports on the burial today of two
Israel Defense Forces' soldiers who were killed yesterday in
Lebanon. Captain Eran Alkawi, Paratroops Company Commander, was
buried at Rishon Letzion, and Sergeant Ran Amber of the military
engineering was buried at Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Three other soldiers
were wounded yesterday in the operation in South Lebanon. Spokesman
for the Rambam Hospital in Haifa said that the condition of the
severely injured soldier has improved. He is currently under
treatment at the Emergency unit of the hospital. The soldier who
received moderate injuries underwent surgery and is in the
hospital's Orthopedic unit. The third soldier, who received minor
injuries, is hospitalized at the Naharia Hospital.


IDF Discharged Senior Officers Following Investigation on Terrorist
Attack Last Friday

Today's MA'ARIV reports that Colonel Gil, Commander of the IDF's
Camp 80, was discharged yesterday by the Chief of Staff following
recommendations of Major General Tamari who investigated the
terrorist attack last Friday, when 3 IDF soldiers were murdered.
Following the Tamari report, the Chief of Staff also dismissed the
Commander of Dotan Camp, a lieutenant colonel, who was responsible
for the soldiers, who were undergoing Basic Training. Three
soldiers were praised in the report: a guard who tried to fire at
the terrorists, a soldier who struggled with them, and the late Guy
Friedman, who ran to the attacked tent. The Military Advocate
General will decide in the near future whether to prosecute 5
additional officers and 3 other soldiers in the incident.


Baker Tells Frankel that It's Important to Discuss the Economic
Side of the Loan Guaranties

Israel Radio reports that U.S. Secretary of State James Baker will
meet with Israel's Ambassador Zalman Shoval for another discussion
on the issue of immigrant absorption loan guaranties. Last night,
Baker met with the Governor of the Bank of Israel, Jacob Frankel.
Baker told Frankel that a strong Israeli economy is the guarantee
for efficient absorption of the immigration. Thus, it is important
to discuss the economic side of the guaranties issue.
Today's MA'ARIV reports that the Congressional Appropriations
Subcommittee began hearing the issue of loan guarantees today. One
of the people testifying before the committee is Emanuel Sharon,
former Director of the Israeli Finance Ministry.


MA'ARIV: The Likud Party's Central Committee voted yesterday to
choose their candidate for Prime Minister in the upcoming June
elections. Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir won the primary with 46.4%
of the votes. Foreign Minister David Levy received 31.2%, with
Housing Minister Ariel Sharon getting 22.3% of the votes.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

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| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
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    Jem..
         Are you on holidays this week?.I was looking forward to some
    more info. this week.Thanks for your reply offline.It really touched
    my heart at the thought of getting a reply from someone in far off New
    York city.I think the Irish and the Jewish have alot in common.
     I am hoping that we might get Israel this year if things go according
    to plan.
                                                      Dermot...
    

    
    
    Re: .11
    
    >Are you on holidays this week?.I was looking forward to some
    >more info. this week.
    
    Sorry not to have provided the news fix; yesterday's Israel
    Line came in late (maybe because of the snow?).
    
    >It really touched
    >my heart at the thought of getting a reply from someone in far off New
    >York city.
    
    New York's not "far off" - *Ireland*'s the one that's far away! :)
    
    Anyway, here's yesterday's...

    
    
    
    
               Attention Israel Line Recipients

                  Monday, February 24, 1992


Israeli Guarding a Fuel Tanker in Gaza Murdered by Terrorist

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today that a masked terrorist
shot an Israeli security guard to death this morning in the West
Bank town of Jenin.  The terrorist shot the private guard in the
chest at a local gas station, stole his Uzi sub-machine gun and
escaped. The guard was protecting a fuel tanker. The Israel Defense
Forces clamped a curfew on Jenin and its vicinity in an attempt to
catch the assailant. The radio also reports that the Tzomet
movement called today to halt all fuel supplies to Jenin until the
terrorist is delivered to the security forces. Tzomet says that the
Arab residents need to understand that you can't enjoy the services
provided by the State of Israel, while murdering those who provide
the services.


Peace Talks Resumed Today; Israel Brings Suggestions for Interim
Settlement of Self-Administration for Palestinians

KOL YISRAEL also reports that the peace talks between Israel and
the Arab delegations resumed in Washington this morning at 10:00
AM. Head of the Israeli delegation for talks with the Jordanian-
Palestinian delegation, Government Secretary Elyakim Rubinstein,
said that any Palestinian ultimatum to halt settlement activity
would be rejected. Rubinstein clarified that if such a demand is
presented  as a condition for continuing the talks, Israel would 
state that there is no room for preconditions. Rubinstein added
that he has brought some suggestions for an interim settlement of
self-administration for the Palestinians. Head of the Israeli
delegation for peace talks with the Syrians, Yossi Ben-Aharon,
noted that one problem with the Syrians is that they cooperate with
the Hizbullah and Iran, but refuse to cooperate with Israel.


Several Ministers in Israeli Government Favor Withdrawing Request
for Loan Guarantees

Today's DAVAR reports that several Government ministers are
pressuring Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir to withdraw Israel's
request for loan guarantees from the U.S. until after the elections
this June.  They say this would prevent a deterioration of the
dispute between Israel and the U.S. on this issue.  At the moment,
the newspaper states, Shamir prefers to wait until after the next
meeting between Israel's Ambassador to Washington, Zalman Shoval,
and U.S. Secretary of State James Baker on the issue of the loan
guarantees.  Some ministers believe that negotiations relating to
guarantees should continue, hoping that some compromise can be
achieved, or in the worse scenario, until it can be determined that
they would not be forthcoming.  However, other ministers in the
Government recently began pushing for Israel to immediately
withdraw its request, and not wait for a negative reply from the
U.S. These ministers believe that withdrawing the request would not
harm Israel as much in the international loan market as would a
public American refusal to give the guarantees. Also, such a move
would benefit the Likud Party at the upcoming elections.
Nevertheless, source in the Prime Minister's Office said last night
that Shamir is mainly influenced by the stand of the Israeli
economic leadership which forecasts an economic hardship if the
guarantees are not given to Israel. The newspaper also reports that
a senior Jewish American leader who met last week with President
Bush later quoted the President as still being interested in a
compromise on the issue of the loan guaranties, and believing that
such a compromise is possible.


U.S. GAO Reports Flatters Israeli Economic Potential and Finds no
Proof to the Effect that Israel Used Money It Got with U.S.
Guarantees Last Year for Settlements in the Territories

Today's MA'ARIV reports that a delegation of the U.S. General
Accounting Office (GAO) submitted a very flattering report on
Israel's economic potential and its ability to return the 10
billion dollars it seeks in loans for immigrant absorption. A four-
member GAO delegation came to Israel and met with the Finance
Minister and other economic leaders. They submitted their report
last week to Senator Robert C. Byrd. According to the newspaper,
they researched how Israel used the 400 million it borrowed with
last year's U.S. loan guarantees. The GAO report stated that there
is no proof of the Israeli Government using this money to settle
any citizens or new immigrants in the territories.


Katyusha Rocket That Killed 5 Year-Old Was Launched by PFLP

Israel Television's MABAT news program reported last night that the
last volley of Katyusha rockets fired from South Lebanon, which
killed 5 year-old Avia Elizada, was apparently launched by
terrorists belonging to George Habash's Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and not by the Hizbullah. This was
relayed yesterday by the Defense Minister, the IDF Chief of Staff,
and Head of the IDF Intelligence in the Cabinet meeting. The three
men briefed the Cabinet on events in the north. They said that
there is no guarantee that terrorist aggression on Israel's
northern border won't be renewed.  However, they emphasized that if
the need arises, the IDF won't hesitate to respond sharply and
quickly to any attack.


Water Floods Akko; Snow Blocks Roads in the Galilee

Israel Radio reports this afternoon that the Akko (Acre) River
overflowed, flooding dozens of apartments.  The water in some of
the apartments reached a depth of nearly 7 feet height. Fire
Fighters evacuated dozens of residents, including many children,
and transferred them to evacuation camps. The municipality is using
industrial equipment in an attempt to drain off water from the
neighborhoods. The radio also reports that heavy snows last night
blocked many roads in the Galilee, isolating dozens of villages and
towns. So far, all attempts to re-open the roads have failed due to
heavy snows which continue to fall.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.
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             Attention Israel Line Recipients

                Tuesday, February 25, 1992


Levy: Delegation to Talks is Instructed to Advance the Peace
Process

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes Foreign Minister David Levy who
said that Israel's delegation went to Washington with clear
instructions on how to advance the peace process. He emphasized
that claims to the effect that the delegation is not authorized to
negotiate are nonsense. Regarding the issue of immigrant absorption
loan guaranties, Levy noted that the U.S. Administration should
understand that it can't impose policy on another country. He also
emphasized that any weakening or isolation of Israel would harm the
chances of achieving peace. The Foreign Minister was speaking in
Jerusalem to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish
Organizations.


Israel Struggles Against Heavy Rain and Snow; Chickens Freeze to
Death; Cowsheds Collapse Killing Cows; Many Settlements Isolated

Israel Radio reports that Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, the Galilee
and the northern Israeli valleys are under a blanket of snow which
fell all night long, yesterday. Jerusalem was virtually cut off
from the rest of Israel last night when police shut down the Tel
Aviv-Jerusalem highway. Towards noon today,  police reopened the
road in one direction. Many towns and villages in the Galilee and
the Golan Heights have been isolated. The radio reported that
houses, chicken coops, and cowsheds alike collapsed under heavy
rains and snow.  In the Galilee, 100,000 chickens froze to death.
In Mosahv Nof at the Golan Heights cowsheds collapsed killing and
wounding dozens of cows. Israel Radio reported this afternoon on
the unprecedented closing of 47 inter-city highways.


Ben-Aharon on Loan Guaranties

A press conference was held yesterday by the Israeli heads of
delegation to the third round of bilateral peace talks in
Washington. Responding to a question about U.S. loan guarantees,
Chairman of the Israeli delegation negotiating with the Syrians, 
Yossi Ben-Aharon, cited it as a purely humanitarian issue. Ben-
Aharon said that Israel was simply trying to bring people whose
lives are in danger, due to the breakup of what was the Soviet
Union. "As we know from hard facts," Ben Aharon said, "Jews may be
caught in the middle between various currents of ideological and
social upheavals and as has happened too often in our history,
unfortunately, the Jews have been caught in the middle and paid a
price. We want to get them out of these countries and bring them to
Israel." Talking about the matter of Jewish settlement in Judea,
Gaza and Samaria, Mr. Ben-Aharon hoped that the United States would
respect the policy of the government of Israel, which is
democratically elected and reflects the views of it's citizens. "At
the same time I might add," Ben-Aharon continued, "that we believe
that a solution to the differences can be found in such a way that
monies appropriated by the U.S. Government will not be used beyond
the lines that existed on June 4th, 1967, which is a matter of
American policy that we respect, have respected, and will continue
to respect."


Ben-Aharon on Issue of Palestinian Self-Rule

At the press conference, Mr. Ben-Aharon also answered questions on
the issue of negotiations on Palestinian self-rule. With regard to
self-rule, Mr. Ben-Aharon stated, "The Israeli delegation brought
with it a number of experts who will present to the other side, an
analysis of...those specific issues which are part and parcel...of
the self-governing arrangement which we would like to see take
place in these territories... It's a question of approach.  Rather
than build a whole edifice from the outset, we're going to
concentrate on the issues..that make up the totality of the self-
governing structure. We will continue to take them one by one as we
are doing at this time."  


Lebanese-Israeli session focuses on Recent Border Incidents

About yesterday's session between the Israeli and Lebanese
delegations to the peace talks, Mr. Ben-Aharon stated, "The
Lebanese-Israeli session focused on the recent events on the
border, which gave rise to a discussion on the problem of security
that Israel has been facing regarding attacks by various armed
groups and terrorist organizations... The Lebanese reiterated their
position that the solution to all these problems is the withdrawal
of Israel from Lebanese territory. Of course, our problem is not
our recognition of the integrity of Lebanon. We have no designs on
Lebanon. Our only desire is security...the kind of security that
the Lebanese government unfortunately cannot provide." 


Japanese Delegation to Come to Israel in Continuation of
Multilateral Talks; Saudi Arabia and Egypt Refuse to Cooperate

Yesterday's DAVAR reports that Saudi Arabia and Egypt have refused
to meet with a Japanese delegation whose purpose is to examine
environmental issues within the framework of the multilateral talks
of the peace process.  Israel and Jordan, on the other hand, agreed
to receive the delegation -- and it will arrive in Israel next
week. The arrival of the delegation will mark the first practical
execution of agreements reached in the Moscow conference.  For now,
the Japanese delegation will focus on only two issues -- the Eilat-
Aqaba gulf, and looking into the possibility of improving the
standard of living in the territories. The delegation's findings
are meant to serve as a basis for a seminar on environmental issues
that the Japanese government has committed itself to organize as
part of its job as "facilitator" of the working team on
environmental issues.  The seminar is tentatively scheduled to take
place in Japan, some time in May. 


KOL YISRAEL: Sergeant Major Abed Gdir died last night after he and
his soldiers tried to cross a river while on a routine patrol. Gdir
and another soldier were driving in a vehicle which was swept away
by floodwaters. A group of soldiers managed to evacuate them, but
it was too late for Sergeant Major Gdir. The other soldier received
minor injuries.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.


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| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
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                Attention Israel Line Recipients

                  Wednesday, February 26, 1992


The Storm Continues; Haifa Gulf is Hit; See of Galilee is Expected
to Flood as of Sunday

Today's MA'ARIV reports that the storms in Israel, already
considered the worst of this century, continue to break records.
Snows cover wide areas from the Golan Heights in the north to Negev
mountain in the south. Heavy flooding caused the evacuation of
hundreds of people from their homes. One area severely damaged
yesterday was the Haifa Gulf. Israeli Navy boats were used to help
evacuate hundreds of residents from homes and places of business,
as the Kishon River flooded the area. Kiryat Ata's eastern
neighborhoods were under 5 feet of water. So far, damage estimates
are in the millions of dollars. For the first time, the road
stretching north from Haifa was blocked. Water Commissioner, Dan
Zeslavsky, announced last night that there is good chance the Sea
of Galilee will overflow, flooding nearby settlements by this
Sunday. Yesterday, following an additiona1l 5" rise in the water
level of the Sea of Galilee, a huge net, used to prevent fish from
being carried out to the Dead Sea was removed from the Degania Dam.
The net was raised to channel the maximum amount of water out of
the Sea of Galilee via the Jordan River. Another storm-related
death reported in today's MA'ARIV was that of 27 year-old David
Platkin, who was killed by a tractor which was shoveling snow.


Netanyahu: American Stand on Loan Guarantees is a Political Mistake

Israel Television's MABAT news program yesterday aired an interview
with Deputy Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Referring to the choice
imposed on Israel by the American administration, between immigrant
absorption loan guarantees and settlements, Netanyahu said, "I
think this is a political mistake which sabotages, and does not
promote, the peace process. The Arabs see the U.S. pressuring
Israel in a matter which is part of the substance of the
negotiations, and they can simply sit back and say 'we don't have
to do anything.' This critically damages the direct negotiations,
and that's why it oppresses and not promotes the peace. But this is
also a moral mistake, because it says to the millions of Jews that
want to escape with their lives from underneath the volcano which
was once the Soviet Union and come here [to Israel],'you stay
there.'"


Ben-Aharon: Syrians Refuse to Take Documents from Israelis

Addressing reporters at a press conference yesterday in Washington,
head of the Israeli delegation for negotiations with the Syrians,
Yossi Ben-Aharon, commented on the results of that morning's
negotiating session. Expressing dismay over events, Ben-Aharon said
that he had acted on a Syrian proposal from their previous meeting,
that Israel submit a paper listing "points of agreement and
disagreement, a balance sheet of sorts, that will serve as a basis
for further expanding the basis for mutual agreement on some
points. So we took them up on that and gave them a document... It
didn't take them long ...they came back and gave us the paper right
back. They refused to take it, and they refused to countenance the
contents... We regret this kind of attitude because we're really
trying to make some concrete progress toward some minimal kind of
understanding."


Israel and U.S. Discuss Continuation of Multilateral Talks

Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the list of sites for the
multilateral talks working teams was announced yesterday. Following
a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern
Affairs Edward P. Djerejian yesterday, Director General of the
Israeli Foreign Ministry Yosef Hadass said it was decided to
continue with 5 teams as follows:
-The working team dealing with the refugee problem will meet in
Canada. Director General of the Canadian Foreign Ministry will meet
with Hadass in Washington today to discuss technical matters
relating to the talks.
-The working team on environmental issues will meet in Tokyo.
-The working team dealing with the water issue will meet probably
in Austria or Turkey (no final decision as for the site yet).
-The working team on the arms race will convene in Washington.
-The working team on economical-regional development will convene
in Brussels.
The newspaper adds that Hadass would also meet in Washington with
representatives of the European Troika.


HADASHOT: Moshe Arens told Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir this week
that if Yitzhak Modai is allowed to join the Likud list of
candidates for the next Knesset, he will exclude himself from that
list. The newspaper reports that with Arens's threat to resign as
a backdrop, Shamir will meet today with Modai.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

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| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
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                Attention Israel Line Recipients

                  Thursday, February 27, 1992


Gal Responding to Palestinian Negotiator's Verbal Abuse of Israelis
in the Peace Talks: We are Truly a Stiff-Necked People in Our
Pursuit of Peace

The following is an excerpt from a press conference given by Mr.
Yossi Gal, Chief Spokesman of the Israeli Delegation to the peace
talks in Washington:
"At the first meeting between Israeli negotiators and the
Palestinian team on Monday afternoon, Israel presented a ten-page
document detailing ideas for interim self-government arrangements
for the Palestinian Arabs in the territories.  Yesterday, in
reaction to this document, a senior member of the Palestinian team,
hiding behind anonymity, told Reuters that the Israelis 'deserve to
have their necks broken.' This verbal abuse and incitement to
violence is a direct continuation of the now well established
pattern of Palestinian political violence against both Jews and
Arabs, which has escalated drastically since the beginning of the
bilateral talks in Madrid last October. In our opinion, this kind
of language has no place in serious peace negotiations.  In fact,
it has no place at all, anywhere. And the Palestinians are advised
to stop using this kind of language. Israel is very serious about
advancing the negotiating process, however it cannot and will not
tolerate such talk.  And those who call to 'break our necks' will
find that we are truly a stiff-necked people in our pursuit of
peace."


Shamir Rejects Modai's Request that Members of the Movement for
"Promoting the Zionist Idea" Submit Candidacy for Next Knesset to
Likud Central Committee

Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the three Knesset Members belonging
to the movement for "Promoting the Zionist Idea" (Modai, Goldstein
and Grupper) won't be allowed to submit their candidacy for the
next Knesset to the Likud Central Committee. Prime Minister Yitzhak
Shamir's rejection was made known following a second between him
and Yitzhak Modai. The three MK resigned from the Likud during the
current Knesset. Modai asked Shamir to follow the agreement which
was signed with him, and allow Modai and his friends to rejoin the
Likud. Shamir replied that this is impossible. Nevertheless, Modai
and Shamir have agreed to maintain contact. Following his meeting
with Shamir, Modai instructed his attorney to bring suit against
the Likud Party. In the suit, Modai demands that Shamir be
instructed to fulfill the Likud obligation towards the movement for
"Promoting the Zionist Idea," and declare that the agreement signed
between the two parties is valid.


MK Ze'evy Say Murderers of 3 Soldiers were Caught;Police Deny,
Claiming Ze'evy's Statements Damage Investigation

Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, yesterday quoted MK
Rehavam Ze'evy who told the Knesset that the murderers of 3 IDF
soldiers two weeks ago had, in fact, been caught. This morning,
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that police are investigating
who gave MK Ze'evy this mistaken information. KOL YISRAEL's
reporter said that though the statements made by MK Ze'evy were in
fact, breaking the law, he is protected by his parliamentary
immunity. The Police Inspector General said last night that he
views Ze'evy's statements, which broke the rules of non-disclosure
imposed on the investigation, with great severity. Inspector
General Ya'acov Terner said that he fears these statements impede
the investigation, and that he does not understand what motivated
MK Ze'evy to say them. Terner said that the facts given by Ze'evy
are incorrect.


Israeli Navy Still Evacuating Families from Haifa Gulf; Clear Sky
in the North;Snow and Floods in Southern Israel

Today's HADASHOT reports that the evacuation of hundreds of
residents from the Haifa Gulf continues today. Israeli Navy boats
are still evacuating families and providing food to those stranded
in the upper floors of water-bound apartment buildings. However,
there were some clear skies throughout northern Israel and
Jerusalem, following several days of rain and snow. Most of the
roads were cleared of snow during the day yesterday, ending the
isolation of most settlements.  Meanwhile, southern Israel was hit
by a heavy snow storm yesterday. The towns of Dimona and Arad were
covered with snow, and floods closed many roads in the south, among
them the major Arava road.


HA'ARETZ: The first 50 Likud Party candidates for the next Knesset
will be chosen today by the 3,100 members of the Likud Central
Committee. The voting will take place in Tel-Aviv, and for the
first time, will use a new computerized system which will show the
results of the voting almost immediately.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.
    
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| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
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                Attention Israel Line Recipients

                    Monday, March 2, 1992


Tension in the Likud Grows as Vote on Placement of Candidates for
Next Knesset Continues

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports on the tense air in the Likud
Party awaiting tonight's vote on placement of candidates for 15th
to 28th party slots in the next Knesset.  Last night, candidates
belonging to the Shamir-Arens clique won a majority of the first
seven slots, while the Levy clique, assisted by Moshe Nissim and
Meir Shitrit, won a majority of the 8th through 14th slots. The
first seven candidates of the Likud Party, after Yitzhak Shamir,
are: Moshe Arens, Ariel Sharon, David Levy, Moshe Katsav, Binyamin
Netanyahu, Binyamin Ze'ev Begin and Ronnie Milo. The winners of
last night's vote for the second seven positions on the party slate
are: Moshe Nissim, Dov Shilansky, Meir Shitrit, Eliyahu Ben-
Elissar, Ehud Olmert, Dan Tichon and David Magen. Following the
vote, Foreign Minister David Levy said that he and his people stood
against an attempt by their rivals in the Likud to seize control
over the party.  Ministers Levy and Nissim announced that they will
continue their mutual cooperation.


Hand-Grenades Thrown on Neveh Shalom Synagogue in Istanbul

Today's DAVAR reports that two unidentified attackers lobbed hand-
grenades at the Neveh Shalom Synagogue in Istanbul, Turkey,
yesterday. Only one of the hand-grenades exploded, injuring a blind
beggar standing in front of the synagogue building. Passersby
caught one of the terrorists near the synagogue. The newspaper
noted an attack 6 years ago at the same synagogue.  At that time,
2 terrorists killed 22 worshippers.  Police withheld the identity
of the terrorist who was caught, while they continue to look for
the second one.
Following the attack on the synagogue, the Israeli Foreign Ministry
Spokesman stated, "Israel views the attack on Neveh Shalom
Synagogue with great concern. It is the second time in recent years
that the religious center of the Jews of Istanbul has been attacked
by terrorists. In the murderous attack of 1986, 22 members of the
community lost their lives. Although only one person was injured
this time, it does not lessen the severity of the crime. Israel
identifies with the Jewish community of Istanbul and send wishes
for speedy recovery to the injured. Israel express confidence that
the Turkish Government would do all necessary to catch those who
committed the crime and prosecute them shortly."


Labor Central Committee Secure Places in List for Next Knesset Only
for Secretary General and Four Women

Today's MA'ARIV reports that the Labor Party's Central Committee
yesterday rejected demands made by 10 internal groups to be placed
on the Labor party's candidate slate for the 13th Knesset. The
Central Committee also voted to reserve the seventh candidate spot
for Labor's Secretary General Michael Harish, as well as approving
the securing of at least four places on the candidates list for
women. Yesterday's discussions  were conducted in a peaceful mood,
and were opened by Shimon Peres, former Labor Chairman, who asked
the members to maintain a clean democratic process in the primaries
at the end of this month. "Without pressure, without buying,
without threats. We are obligated to maintain a clean atmosphere,"
said Peres. "Choose the best members in order for us to form a
first degree parliamentary team." Peres again congratulated Yitzhak
Rabin on his victory in the contest for Labor Chairman and wished
him success.


KOL YISRAEL: The Mapam Party's Central Committee today approved the
joint platform formulated with the Civil Rights and Peace Movement
(Ratz) and the Shinui Movement for next elections. The three
parties will run together in the upcoming general elections. Mapam
also approved the list of candidates, formulated according to the
balance of powers among these parties.


YEDIOT AHRONOT: Murderers of famous historian Prof. Menachem Stern
and technician Eli Amsalem have been apprehended by the General
Security Service. The three murderers, members of the Fatah
terrorist organization, are also suspected in the murder of an Arab
moneychanger. The suspects live in villages near the city of
Bethlehem. They murdered Prof. Stern, winner of the Israel Prize in
1977, as an entrance test into the terrorist organization. They
murdered their victims by stabbing them in the chest.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

--
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------

               Attention Israel Line Recipients

                   Monday, March 3, 1992


Likud Concluded Voting on Candidates for Next Knesset

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that the Likud Party concluded
voting last night on its slate for the upcoming Knesset elections.
The Shamir-Arens camp won 13 of the 14 candidacies voted on last
night, which ranged from the 15th to 29th on the list. Those
candidates voted in are: Dan Meridor, Gideon Patt, Uzi Landou,
Shaul Amor, Yehoshua Matza, Ya'akov Shamai, Tzachi Hanegbi, Michael
Eitan, Ovadia Eli, David Mena, Avraham Hirshzon, Haim Kaufmann, Ron
Nachman and Assad Assad. The remainder of the party's slate will be
determined by the ranking of each candidate in the voting on the
list of the 50 candidates last week. Yesterday, Foreign Minister
David Levy told his supporters that the battle is not yet over. He
called on them not to act hastily or be hot-headed. In a moving
speech, Levy thanked his supporters and described how the two other
camps organized against him. He noted that his camp will continue
to meet. The radio also quotes Defense Minister Moshe Arens who
expressed satisfaction over the party's list of candidates. He said
the list is very good, and that he believes it represents all
segments of the Likud. Housing Minister Ariel Sharon also expressed
satisfaction over the voting results.


Likud's Internal Politics May Harm Vote on National Health
Insurance Bill

Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, reports today that
following last night's voting in the Likud Party, several Likud
Knesset Members might not attend today's vote on an important Likud
initiative. The bill, dealing with National Health Insurance, is
being sponsored by Minister of Health Ehud Olmert.  In an interview
to GALEI ZAHAL, Olmert said he doesn't believe that those Likud
members who are dissatisfied with the party vote on candidates for
next Knesset would harm such an important initiative. He added that
he still believes the bill can pass the first reading today.


Discussions on Date and Site of Next Round of Peace Talks

GALEI ZAHAL also reports that the central issue in the discussions
surrounding the peace talks in Washington today is the date and
site for the next round of talks. In a meeting yesterday between
Israeli heads of delegation and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State
for Near Eastern Affairs Edward P. Djerejian, Israel repeated its
demand that the talks be moved to the Middle East region. The radio
cites sources who said that the U.S. Administration has a certain
commitment to Israel on this matter. GALEI ZAHAL notes that the
Arab delegations condition moving the talks to progress made in the
negotiations.


Israel Condemns Disclosure of Document Submitted to Palestinians
Negotiators

Today's HA'ARETZ quotes the Spokesman for the Israeli delegation to
the peace talks in Washington, Yossi Gal, who opened his statements
yesterday afternoon by denouncing the disclosure of documents which
were exchanged between the delegations in the Israeli-Palestinian
track. "I would like to express our regret that the confidentiality
of the negotiating room in the talks with our Palestinian
counterparts has been compromised," said Gal. "The wholesale
leakage of documents, proposals, counter-proposal, and even talking
points which we did not even receive in written form, runs counter
to the accepted procedure and norms of negotiations and the
negotiating process." Gal said he would like to believe that this
is a result of inexperience on behalf of the Palestinian
negotiators, and does not represent "any maliciousness on their
part." He added that even though Israel is quite upset with the
action, it feels that it also gained something. "We do feel that
our position was actually vindicated by the contents of the
documents which have been made public by the other side..."


Hizbullah Responsible for Hand-Grenade Attack on Turkish Synagogue

Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that the Hizbullah terrorist
organization is responsible for the hand-grenade attack on Neveh
Shalom Synagogue in Istanbul, Turkey. This was announced yesterday
by Turkish Minister on the Interior at a special press conference.
The Hizbullah terrorists infiltrated Turkey secretly, with Iranian
help. The Interior Minister stated that one of the terrorists is
already in custody, and that the other would soon be found.


Masked Terrorists Murder Palestinian in front of Pupils at a
School-Yard in Gaza

Today's MA'ARIV reports that seven masked assailants, equipped with
axes and knives, dragged a local resident to the school-yard
yesterday and murdered him in an "execution ceremony."  The scene
horrified pupils of the Gaza Strip school, who witnessed the entire
event. The students leaving class, teachers and other school
workers, watched from the windows as the masked assailants began
the execution ceremony by accusing their victim of collaboration
with the Israeli authorities. Immediately thereafter, they took
turns beating him with their axes, and stabbing him with knives.
The cruel murder outraged many residents of the refugee camp --
some of whom called the IDF and the Gaza district police, although
they knew it was already too late. Abu-Madkur was the third victim
of masked murderers over the last 24 hours in the refugee camps
located at the center of the Gaza Strip. Since the beginning of the
year, the number of Palestinians murdered by masked assailants has
been three times greater then those killed in clashes with security
forces.


GALEI ZAHAL: The condition of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin
is still critical but stable. After collapsing this morning in his
home,  Begin was hospitalized in the emergency unit of Ichilov
Hospital in Tel Aviv. Contrary to initial reports, Begin suffered
a heart attack and not a stroke. However, a problem with blood flow
caused by the heart attack has made it unclear if permanent damage
to the brian was caused.

Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

--
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------

    Thank you for your Israel Line information - I read it every day.
    -Boris Tenenbaum, DSSDEV::TENENBAUM

                Attention Israel Line Recipients

                   Wednesday, March 4, 1992


Police Announce Capture of Soldiers' Suspected Killers

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Police Commissioner Ya'acov
Terner today announced that the police have captured 4 suspects in
the killing of three soldiers last month at a training camp in
Ramot Menashe. Terner said that 4 terrorists, all of whom are
Israeli Arabs, were arrested. The terrorists are members of the
Islamic Jihad organization. "The major turn came yesterday
afternoon, when two of the detainees, two brothers named Ibrahim
and Muhamad, confessed to the murder and gave the names of two
other terrorists who participated," said Terner. "The other two
were detained last night, and also confessed to the murder, giving
full details on their part in the matter. At this hour, a
reconstruction of the event is being conducted at the scene." The
brothers were detained on February 26th, along with a third brother
and the father of the family. A secret compartment was found in
their home, containing weapons taken from the training camp. During
the investigation the terrorists said they planned the attack for
two weeks, gathering information on the camp and purchasing the
axes and knifes used in the attack. The terrorists are from the
villages Mushreifa and Um el-Fahem. The radio noted that the
investigation is still underway.


Baker to Israelis: If There is a Deduction to Offset Money Used for
Building in Territories, It'd Come from Loan Guaranties, not from
Annual Civilian Aid

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports on the today's meeting between
U.S. Secretary of State James Baker and heads of Israeli delegation
to the peace talks in Washington. Baker told the heads of the
Israeli delegation that if there is a deduction to offset money
used for building in the Territories, it'd come from the loan
guaranties, and not from annual civilian aid Israel receives from
the U.S. Baker noted that the offsetting would be done according to
the proposal made by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and not
according to his own proposal. The Secretary of State expressed
satisfaction over progress made in the current round of talks, and
the fact that the parties have begun discussing matters of
substance. Baker said that the site of the next round of talks
hasn't yet been decided with the Arab delegations.


Yesterday's Vote on Health Insurance Bill Postponed Due to Absence
of Likud Knesset Members; Two Health Insurance Bills Today Passed
First Reading and Sent to Knesset Committee for Further
Preparations

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that a group of Knesset Members
affiliated with the Levy-Nissim camp in the Likud failed to show up
for yesterday's Knesset vote on the National Health Insurance bill,
causing the vote to be postponed until today. The radio claimed
that the absence was due to frustration over voting in the Likud
primaries. KOL YISRAEL claims that Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir
instructed all Likud Knesset Members to attend today's voting.
KOL YISRAEL reports this afternoon that two health insurance bills
passed the first reading in the Knesset today. The first was
submitted by Health Minister Ehud Olmert, while the second is a
private bill submitted by MK Ran Cohen. The two bills are very
similar, but contain several differences. The bills will now be
transferred to a Knesset Committee, which is expected to form a
special working group which will prepare a unified proposal for the
second and third readings.


Labor Prepares for Primaries; 6 Knesset Members Announce Retirement

KOL YISRAEL reported last night that the Labor Party closed its
list of candidates running in the primaries. One hundred and
seventy six members registered to run for the 45 slots on Labor's
slate for the next Knesset. Six Labor Knesset Members announced
their retirement: Arieh Eliav, Chaim Bar-Lev, Shlomo Hillel, Ezer
Weizman, Yitzhak Navon and Edna Solodar.


Begin Regains Consciousness, No Brain Damage Evident

KOL YISRAEL reports that former Prime Minister Menachem Begin
regained consciousness today, but remained in critical condition
after suffering a heart attack.  Dr. Dan Michaeli, Director of
Ichilov hospital, told Israel Radio today that Begin had not
suffered any brain damage. Michaeli said Begin had regained
consciousness and would probably be transferred out of the
intensive care unit in a couple of days. Israel Radio said tight
security had been imposed at the hospital.



The following is a report of statements made by the head of the 
Syrian Delegation to the peace talks in Washington, March 2, 1992.

                                                    March 3, 1992
 
"HA'ARETZ", (p.1) -- Ori Nir reports that, yesterday, the Syrian
delegation to the peace talks in Washington accused Israel of
trying to kill the peace process.  "The Prime Minister of Israel,
Yitzhak Shamir, has not even one cell of peace in his brain." 
Syrian spokeswoman Bushara Kanafani said that the talks with Israel
have become a pointless maneuver, and [she] threatened that
Damascus would conduct a re-evaluation of the results of the peace
process at the conclusion of the current round of talks. According
to her, "no movement -- not even a centimeter -- has been
achieved," during the four months of the peace process.
 
The head of the Syrian delegation, Mu'affak Allaf, announced that
the Arab delegations would demand that the United States intervene
in the talks, if there is no progress.  The angry Syrian remarks
came after a tense meeting between the Israeli and Syrian
delegations, during which the Israeli interpretation of Security
Council Resolution 242 was discussed.  The members of the Israeli
delegation recounted -- to the Syrians -- the circumstances which
led to the outbreak of the Six-Day War, and the situation that
prompted the Security Council to pass Resolution 242.   The Israeli
review was conducted with the aid of captured documents and
newspaper clippings from 1967, which indicated that the Syrian goal
was to destroy the State of Israel -- and that Syria was actually
the party which started the war.  (...)
 
In contrast, certain progress -- defined by Israeli spokespersons
as a small, but significant, step -- was made in talks with the
Jordanian delegation.  This occurred when the Israeli and Jordanian
delegations exchanged drafts of a joint agenda for the continuation
of the talks.  Each delegation formulated a proposal for a joint
agenda, since -- in previous meetings -- the Israeli and Jordanian
delegations presented individual agenda proposals.
 
The joint agendas exchanged yesterday constitute a synthesis, made
by each party, of agendas exchanged in the past.  Yesterday,
spokesmen of the Israeli and Jordanian delegations said that the
gap between the positions of the parties on the agenda question is
still wide, despite the progress. (...)
 
No progress at all was reported in talks with the Lebanese
delegation. Lebanese delegation members reiterated that they would
be prepared to talk about security arrangements in southern Lebanon
only after an Israeli withdrawal; the Israeli delegates, on the
other hand, said that it is possible to begin talks on the
components of peace separately and independently.  Israel proposed,
to the Lebanese and Jordanian delegations, that they establish work
teams within the negotiating delegations, but [both Arab parties]
rejected the suggestion.                                       
 
Knowledgeable Arab sources in Washington said that the head of the
Jordanian delegation, Abd al-Salam Majali, originally accepted the
proposal of his Israeli counterpart, Elyakim Rubinstein -- to
establish these work teams -- but, upon the intervention of the
Jordanian Royal Palace in Amman, it was decided to reject the
proposal.  The Arab sources explained that the Arabs are worried
that Israel will attempt, by means of the proposed sub- committees,
to separate between talks on normalization and discussions on the
withdrawal component of any arrangement to be discussed.
 
An issue still unsolved yesterday was the question of the time and
venue of the next round of talks.  The Arab delegations insist that
the next round also take place in Washington; the Israeli
delegation demands that the talks move to the Middle East region or
to a nearby site.

Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.
 
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------

                Attention Israel Line Recipients

                    Thursday, March 5, 1992


Reactions to Arrest of Israeli-Arabs Suspected of Killing Three
Soldiers Last Month

Today's MA'ARIV reports that, yesterday, Arab leaders from the Wadi
Ara and "triangle" regions, where the villages of the suspected
murderers of three Israeli soldiers are, reacted in shock to the
fact that the suspects in the murder of the soldiers are Israeli
Arabs and, apparently, supporters of the Islamic Movement.
Yesterday, other leaders said they fear that this fact will cause
a rift between the Jewish population and the minorities in Israel,
and intensify the mistrust toward these residents. "At this time,
we should consider the option of declaring the Islamic Movement
illegal -- if it is, indeed, demonstrated that the perpetrators of
this loathsome murder were members of the Movement," said the
Chairman of a large regional council in the Eiron area. Meanwhile,
the leader of the Islamic Movement -- Sheikh Abdallah Nimr Darwish
- -- strongly denounced the act and said:  "If it is proven that the
murder suspects did indeed perform the killing, I will condemn them
with all force. It does not matter whether they are believers.
Murder is murder and no distinction should be drawn between
attacking soldiers and attacking civilians.  Every soldier is a
civilian and every civilian is a soldier." In contrast, the mayor
of Umm al-Fahm, Sheikh Ra'ad Salah -- one of the leaders of the
Islamic Movement -- said that the details [of the investigation]
are not known to him and, therefore, he cannot respond.


Shamir's Adviser for Arab Affairs on Police Announcement that
Soldiers' Murderers are Israeli-Arabs

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, today carried an interview with
Alexander Bligh, Prime Minister Shamir's Adviser for Arab Affairs.
The following is an excerpt from the interview:
Q: How does it happen, that such a murder is carried out by
Israeli-Arabs, who live here in peace?
Bligh: "I have to emphasize and say that the detention of the
suspects should under no means influence our relations with the
Arab population of the State of Israel. Our matter here is 4
suspects and several others as assistants, and [on the other hand],
there are 3/4 million Arabs in the State of Israel." Bligh said
that the acts of individuals shouldn't reflect upon an entire
society. "This is a squad which carried out a most severe attack.
It is not the way of the most crucial majority of Israeli-Arabs,"
he continued.
Q: But inside this quiet, crucial majority of Israeli-Arabs, as you
define them here, there are anti-Israeli, most extreme and fanatic
Moslem cells. Can this phenomenon be stopped?
Bligh: Indeed there is activity of religious Islamic elements in
the State of Israel. This activity, which began in 1985, has
recently intensified and reached new record highs. Until this
moment, this activity was not translated to violent activity. The
question we all need to ask -- citizens as well as government -- is
whether it is one, unique case, or the beginning of violent
activity by different Islamic elements."


Baker to Palestinians: Self-Government Model Deviates from Rule Set
up by Framework of the Negotiations

Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that U.S. Secretary of State James
Baker yesterday clarified to the Palestinian Co-Chairman of the
Jordanian-Palestinian delegation that the Palestinians should stick
to the rules of the negotiations' framework with regard to their
proposal of a model of self-government in the Territories in the
interim period. He said that the Palestinian proposal submitted to
Israel deviates from these ground rules. The newspaper reports that
the Baker clarification was accepted with satisfaction by the
Israeli delegation, which claimed that the Palestinian model
intends to lead to a Palestinian state. The newspaper reports that
no agreement was reached yet on the site and date of the next round
of peace talks. Israel's Ambassador in Washington, Zalman Shoval,
said that he hopes there will be another round or two in the next
few months. Israel suggested yesterday to maintain open
communication channels between the delegations even between rounds
of talks, but the Palestinians rejected this suggestion. 


Hadass on Multilateral Talks and Palestinian Representation

Israel Television's MABAT news program last night reported that
concurrently with the bilateral peace talks in Washington, meetings
were conducted regarding the multilateral talks. Director General
of the Foreign Ministry, Yosef Hadass, met last night with India's
Ambassador to the U.S. to discuss India's role in the talks. Hadass
also met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern
Affairs Edward P. Djerejian, to discuss the multilateral
discussions to be held in May. Asked by the television reporter
what was concluded regarding the Palestinian representation in the
talks, Hadass said, "If they'll come in the framework of the
Jordanian-Palestinian delegation, in accordance with the same
rules, meaning: representatives of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, not
Jerusalem, not the PLO, etc., then they'll be able to participate."
Asked what about the Palestinian "diaspora," Hadass replied that
from the Israeli viewpoint, the Palestinian "diaspora" cannot
participate.


Shamir Meets with Agriculture Minister of Kazakhstan

Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports on Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir
meeting yesterday with Kasim Tulebekov, the Agriculture Minister of
Kazakhstan. Shamir told his guest that Israel has great interest in
strengthening ties and cooperation with Kazakhstan in numerous
fields -- primarily in the area of agriculture, since it is this
area that Israel can share its experience and rich knowledge with
Kazakhstan. The Agriculture Minister of Kazakhstan emphasized that
his country, which has an abundance of natural resources, is mainly
interested in advanced technological knowledge -- which Israel has
- -- and that it is his government's intention to request Israel's
assistance in the development of food-related industries, cotton
growing, milk production and sophisticated irrigation methods.

                Attention Israel Line Recipients

                     Friday, March 6, 1992


Soldier Killed in Clash with Terrorists in the Gaza Strip

Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, reports that 20 year-old
IDF Sergeant Baruch Ben-Shimon was killed yesterday in a clash with
terrorists  south of Bnai-Suhaila, East of Khanyunis in the Gaza
Strip. During the clash, one terrorist was killed, one was wounded
and seven other terrorists were captured. The radio quotes an IDF
Spokesman announcement which stated that yesterday morning at
approximately 10:00 AM, an IDF unit approached the house of one of
the terrorists for whom they were searching. Upon their arrival,
the unit was fired upon from the yard of the house. Shots from a
Kalachnikov rifle struck and killed Sergeant Baruch Ben-Shimon. The
IDF force counter-attacked, wounding another terrorist and
capturing seven others. The terrorist who killed Ben-Shimon was
killed during the battle. Following the clash, a search of the
terrorists yielded an Uzi sub-machine gun, a Kalachnikov rifle,
four pistols, knifes and axes. This squad is suspected of carrying
out many terrorist attacks in the Gaza Strip, many of which were
the murders of local Palestinian Arabs in the name of the
"Intifada."  More than 570 Arabs in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza
Strip have been murdered by other Arabs. IDF sources note that the
majority of these Arabs have no connection to the Israeli security
forces.
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Sergeant Baruch Ben-
Shimon's funeral will take place today in his town, Tsfat.


Security Authorities Consider Imposing Limitations on Islamic
Movement

Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that the security authorities are
now considering imposing limitations on the activity of the Islamic
Movement in Israel. This follows the arrest of 4 Islamic Movement
activists on suspicion of murdering three IDF soldiers on February
14th at a training camp near Ramat Menashe. Defense Minister Moshe
Arens said yesterday that, "the source of the problem is Islamic
fundamentalism, which in recent years has set roots even in the
Arab population in Israel, and from this base the murderous
phenomena grow."


Shamir Says Israel Could Never Let the U.S. Dictate Its Policy

Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, quotes Prime Minister
Yitzhak Shamir who said today that Israel could never let
Washington dictate its policy and would forgo $10 billion in
immigrant absorption loan guarantees rather than halt settlement in
the Territories. "Whether it is on the issue of settlements today,
or other territorial issues tomorrow," he said, "I do not think
that anyone among us is prepared to surrender to this demand. I
think," added Shamir, "that the majority of the government and
political elements in Israel would not agree to letting the United
States dictate our policy to us." Shamir said Israel would cope if
the United States turns down its request for loan guaranties.


Heads of Local Councils in the David Levy Camp Demand a Withdrawal
from the Likud to Establish a New Party

Israel Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, reports that several local council heads
who belong to the David Levy camp within the Likud Party have
demanded that the camp resign from the Likud and form their own,
new party.  The move was proposed last night during consultations
in the office of Foreign Minister David Levy. KOL YISRAEL's
reporter said that Kiryat Shmona Mayor Prosper Azran headed the
group wishing to resign from the Likud. Among those opposing the
demand are Michael Klainer and Michael Ratzon. Levy took no
position. The consultations ended unresolved, and the participants
will meet again next week.


Modai is Forming a New Party 

KOL YISRAEL reports this afternoon on the first gathering this
morning of a group which intends to form a new party headed by
Yitzhak Modai. Mr. Modai said that the new party will focus on
economic issues and electoral reform. It will consist of a variety
of opinions on foreign affairs and defense issues. The participants
in the gathering decided to make organizational preparations
towards the upcoming elections. The Chairman of the Likud Central
Committee, Ariel Sharon, expressed regret that Modai is leaving the
Likud Party. Still, he said that he believes the resignation will
not harm the Likud's power.


Condition of Former Prime Minister Begin is Said to be Worsening

KOL YISRAEL reports on a worsening in the condition of former Prime
Minister Menachem Begin from serious to critical. Late last night,
doctors gave Begin a pacemaker to stop irregularities in his
heartbeat, they also changed the medicine being given him. Dr. Dan
Michaeli, the hospital director who reported Begin's status said
Begin's condition was deteriorating because his heart muscle was
weakening. "His blood pressure is going up and down,"  Michaeli
said, adding that doctors and nurses were at Begin's bedside around
the clock.

Due to an alias problem here, the Monday March 9 and Tuesday March 10
editions of Israel Line did not get sent out properly.  Here they are.

Sam


                Attention Israel Line Recipients

                    Monday, March 9, 1992

       -------------------------------------------------------
       |  The Consulate General of Israel in New York sadly  | 
       |  announces the passing of Israel's sixth Prime      |
       |  Minister, Menachem Begin.                          |
       |                                                     |
       |  A Register of Condolences will be open at the      |
       |  Consulate, on the 14th floor, on Wednesday and     |
       |  Thursday, March 11th & 12th, from 2:00 PM to       |
       |  5:00 PM.                                           | 
       -------------------------------------------------------

Begin Buried on Mount of Olives

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports this afternoon that former Prime
Minister Menachem Begin was buried today at the cemetery on the
Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Hundreds of people participated in
the funeral ceremonies, which at the request of the family was a
traditional Jewish burial, with no eulogies. Following the funeral,
thousands of people continue to walk by the grave and pay their
respects to the late Menachem Begin.


Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir on the Late Menachem Begin

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, this morning aired an interview with
Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir who spoke of the late Menachem Begin.
Following are excerpts from that interview:
Shamir: "The entire Jewish people, in Israel and in the diaspora,
has today said farewell, with deep sorrow and grief, to one of its
foremost sons, the  sixth  Prime  Minister  of  Israel. Menachem 
Begin, beloved of the people, has  passed  away. The  senior 
disciple  of  Ze'ev Jabotinsky, commander of the Irgun Z'vai Leumi, 
the man  who  founded the Herut movement and established the Likud,
a member of Knesset and a cabinet minister, the man who fought
throughout his life for the land of Israel and the people of
Israel. In the history of the nation, the name  of  Menachem Begin
is inscribed alongside the leading figures of all
generations...Under his leadership, the people of Israel achieved
a peace treaty with the largest Arab state, with Egypt. Under his
personal inspiration, parliamentary and democratic life in Israel
was consolidated...He saw to the welfare of the development towns
and the disadvantaged neighborhoods. He was an example  to all of
true leadership, of Jewish leadership. We, his pupils, his
followers, his comrades, have lost the founder  of our movement,
and its leader for 35 years. We, who so loved him, who so admired
him, will miss him doubly. Today we salute our commander, our
leader, our teacher, our prime minister - who is no more. Today we
mourn and grieve for the great man who has passed away and is no
longer with us. The memory  and inspiration of Menachem Begin will
remain engraved in the  hearts of the entire nation, forever. In
the spirit of his teaching and his chosen course, we shall continue
in the struggle to strengthen the Jewish people on its land. To
ensure the security and well-being of all the citizens of
Israel..."


Shamir on Begin: He Never Spoke on the reasons for His Resignation

The following are more excerpts from the interview with Prime
Minister Shamir on KOL YISRAEL:
Q: Mr. Prime Minister, you used to visit Menachem Begin from time 
to  time, both when he was still in Jerusalem and afterwards in
Tel-Aviv. When did you last see him?
Shamir: About two months ago, I think.
Q: What would you talk about?
Shamir: Our conversation, of course, always focused on recent
events, on what was happening in Israel, within the Jewish people,
on  the  country's  political problems. He was concerned for the
Israeli economy.  He  was  concerned  for domestic peace, for unity
at home. This was always a topic of  conversation. He loved to hear
details and always refrained from expressing  opinions.  He was
very careful not to speak in  a  way  that  might  be  understood 
as  a direction or an order. But from all we heard from him,  we 
sensed  what  he wanted, what he would like to see.
Q: Did he reveal to you anything about  the  reasons  for  his 
resignation, about the reasons for his long seclusion?
Shamir: No. He never spoke of it. When he decided to resign, we
were in  a  state of shock. We begged him, we pleaded with him not
to resign, to  continue  to serve as prime minister. He would not
listen. His decision  was  final,  and the begging and pleading of
all his friends and pupils was to no avail.  He was unshakable. He
never wanted to say why, to give reasons. And so did he die.
Q: Do you have any idea, Mr. Shamir, what caused him to do it? 
After  all, you knew him well for many years.
Shamir: I knew him, but I don't know. In any case, I do not feel
that I have  the right to make any conjectures without his
permission.


Ehud Sadan Buried in Jerusalem Today

KOL YISRAEL also reports on the funeral today of Ehud Sadan, the
senior security officer of the Israeli Embassy in Ankara, Turkey,
who was killed by an explosive device in his car on Saturday. Sadan
was buried at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. Foreign Minister David Levy 
spoke at the funeral and said that Israel is not in conflict with
the Islamic believers. However, Levy continued, we have an open
account with the murderous Islamic Jihad organization.


Hadass: Ehud was a Victim of Cruel and Blind Terrorism

Today's HA'ARETZ reports on last night's arrival of the coffin of
Ehud Sadan which was brought to Israel in a special IAF plan. His
widow and three children escorted him on the plane. In a ceremony
at Ben-Gurion Airport, Director General of the Foreign Ministry
Yosef Hadass said, "Ehud was a victim of cruel and blind terrorism,
which does not want to reconcile with our existence." Hadass said
that Israel expects every country in the world to do whatever they
can to ensure the safety of Israel's representatives serving on
their territories. Israel also counts on Turkey to catch those
responsible for the terrorist attack and prosecute them. Turkish
newspapers yesterday wrote that another organization took
responsibility for the attack - the Hizbullah terrorist
organization. Two other groups, the Islamic Jihad and the Islamic
Revenge had earlier claimed responsibility.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.
--
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tue, 10 Mar 92 13:41:38 -0500
From: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Gideon Saar)
To: israel-line@clem.Eng.Sun.COM, uja@gwuvm.gwu.edu,
        dennis+israel-line@cs.cmu.edu, cramer@clem.Eng.Sun.COM
Subject: Israel Line 03-10-92


               Attention Israel Line Recipients

                   Tuesday, March 10, 1992


Shamir Sees no Reason to Give Up On the Loan Guaranties

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, carried an interview with Prime Minister
Yitzhak Shamir on its 1:00 PM news magazine. Asked about reports
that there are prominent Israelis recommending to give up on the
loan guarantees, Shamir replied, "It is possible that there are
such views, by certain people. I was asked not long ago and I said
that we are not giving up. I don't see any reason why we should
give up. Our proposal is justified. There is no reason for the U.S.
to refuse this request of ours. We've already said that the U.S.
has always assisted and helped with everything concerning the
immigration, mainly the immigration of Russian Jews and Ethiopian
Jews. These monies are needed by us for the absorption of these
immigrants.  We looked for a way to ask for assistance without
having it negatively impact the economic interests of the U.S. I
say there is no reason to give up [the guarantees]."


Arab in Gaza Killed After Trying to Run Over Soldiers and Take
Their Weapons

KOL YISRAEL aired statements made by Colonel Yisrael, Commander of
the Israel Defense Forces Northern Brigade in Gaza, who spoke on
this morning's attack in Gaza on IDF soldiers."This morning at 9:40
AM, during a routine patrol by our forces in cooperation with the
Israel Police on the route of Na'atz street in Gaza, a local
resident attempted to run over our soldiers ...resulting in the
injury of 3 soldiers." said Colonel Yisrael. "Following the
attempted vehicular homicide, the driver came out attacked another
soldier from the patrol, trying to take his weapon.  During this
attempt, soldiers opened fired and killed the assailant. During the
evacuation, a military ambulance was stoned by passersby. The
ambulance driver received minor injuries from glass splinters in
his face. Additional units arrived on the scene and scattered the
rioters, allowing the evacuation to take place."


Barak: There is an Increase in Terrorist Attacks Recently

KOL YISRAEL aired an interview with IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant
General Ehud Barak, following this morning's attack on IDF soldiers
in Gaza. Barak said that there has been some increase recently in
the number of terrorist attacks. It seems that this results from
continuous motivation by extreme elements on the Palestinian side
to damage the peace process. The increase of attacks is also a
result of the improved weather, said Barak. The Chief of Staff said
that any violent attempt in the field should be confronted, each
according to its nature. He noted that the response of the soldier
who was attacked and whose weapon the assailant tried to grab was
correct.


Foreign Ministry Spokesman: Ovich Didn't Admit Espionage in Egypt
As was Reported in Egyptian Press

The radio also quotes the Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Baruch Binah,
who denied reports published in Egyptian newspapers that David
Ovich admitted under interrogation that he was involved in
espionage activity in Egypt. Binah said that during the entire
discussion on extending his detention on March 7, in the presence
of Israeli Consul Roni Porat, David Ovich emphasized that all he
did in Egypt was conduct trade activity. To specific questions in
his investigation, Ovich responded in clear denial of the
allegations.


KOL YISRAEL: The Mafdal (National Religious Party) has chosen its
candidates for the next Knesset. Heading the list is Zvulun Hammer,
followed by: Avner Shaki, Yigal Bibi, Yitzhak Levy, Hanan Porat,
Shaul Yahalom, Shmaria Ben-Tzur, Yehudit Hivner, Nachum Langental
and Yossef Mandelevich.


KOL YISRAEL: The Japanese delegation appointed during the
multilateral peace talks to handle the environmental issues in the
Middle East is visiting the southern city of Eilat. The delegation
is researching the area of the Eilat Gulf, and will submit its
findings to the environmental working group which will meet in
Tokyo in two months. Before coming to Israel, the delegation
visited the Jordanian city of Akaba.


KOL YISRAEL: Israel and Guyana renewed diplomatic relations today.
Diplomatic relations with Israel were severed by the South American
country after the Yom-Kippur War in 1973.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.
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| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
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S
                Attention Israel Line Recipients

                    Tuesday, March 11, 1992


Barak: If Saddam Hussein's Lesson is not Remembered by All, It'll
be Difficult to Establish Stable Peace Arrangements Between Israel
and It's Neighbors

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes Israel Defense Forces Chief of
Staff, Lieutenant General Ehud Barak, who said that if the lesson
of Saddam Hussein is not remembered by all, it will be difficult to
establish a stable peace between Israel and its neighbors. It is
clear, said Barak, that the continuation of Saddam Hussein's regime
endangers not just the stability of the Middle East, but the
stability of the entire world. Barak noted that Iraq is still
actively hiding its non-conventional weapon activity from the U.N.
observers. This includes chemical weapons for use via artillery and
planes, hundreds of Scud missiles and wide ranging activity in
pursuance of nuclear capability. "It is clear today to the
international community that the effort to expose the Iraqi
capability won't take weeks but months and maybe years, and will
demand persistence...and walking the edge of military action in
order to force Iraq to reveal what's left." Regarding Syria, the
Chief of Staff said that we cannot explain the apparent gap between
the fact that the Syrians sit at the negotiating table, and
concurrently act to rapidly increase their military capabilities.
Barak's assessment is that Syrian President Hafez Assad expects one
of two things: either that the Arabs' optimum demands will be met,
or, failing this, that he'll be in a better position to call on his
Arab colleagues to reconsider their way and unite for an active
strongarm policy against Israel. At this stage, said Barak, Assad
chose to enter the political process, set forth optimum demands and
wait and see what'll happen down the road.


Palestinians to be Released from the Ketsiot Prison as a Gesture
for Ramadan

Today's HA'ARETZ reports that 300 Palestinian prisoners at the
Ketsiot Prison will be released as a gesture for the Muslim Ramadan
holiday. This was decided by Commander of the IDF's Southern
Command Major General Matan Vilna'i.  Sources in the security
establishment criticized the decision, claiming that in the face of
an increased number of attacks using firearms and attempts to harm
IDF soldiers in the Territories -- this is not the time for such
gestures. Defense Minister Moshe Arens was not involved in the
decision to release the Palestinians, and according to Arens' Media
Advisor Danny Naveh, this decision belongs to the military echelons
in the Southern Command. The newspaper also quotes Colonel Ze'ev
She'altiel, Commander of the Ketsiot Prison, who said that there
has been a drastic decrease over the past 6 months in the number of
administrative detainees in the facility. He said that when the
facility was established, on March 1988, there were 3,000
administrative detainees. Today, there are only 250 administrative
detainees in the Ketsiot facility.


Turkish Police Detain Suspect in Hand Grenade Attack on Neveh
Shalom Synagogue

Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that a 20 year old Turkish member of
the Hizbullah organization was detained by the Turkish police as a
suspect in the hand grenade attack on the Neveh Shalom synagogue of
March 1st. The police said that they are now looking for 2 more
Turkish citizens who assisted the suspect in the attack. The
suspect being detained is Nazmi Ortek of the Batman village in
south east Turkey.


Lebanon Invites the Other Arab Countries Involved in Bilateral
Talks to Coordinate Stands

Today's HADASHOT reports that the Lebanese Foreign Minister invited
all the Arab countries involved in the bilateral talks to convene
in Beirut so as to reassess the bilateral negotiations. This for
the purpose of reaching a joint decision on whether to suspend the
talks until after the upcoming elections in Israel, as Syria
demands. The Lebanese Foreign Minister said that the Syrian Foreign
Minister has already  responded positively to the invitation.
According to the newspaper, behind the Lebanese initiative is the
intent of the Lebanese Government to fulfil a political role in the
inter-Arab arena.


Israel's President Will Participate in Ceremony in Madrid
Commemorating 500th Year of Expulsion of Spain's Jews 

Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that Israel's President Chaim Herzog
is leaving at the end of this month for a 4 day visit to Spain.
During the visit, President Herzog and the Spanish King Juan Carlos
will participate in the main ceremony to commemorate 500 years
since the expulsion of Spanish Jewry. The ceremony will take place
at the central synagogue in Madrid. Herzog was invited to Spain by
the Carlos, and will also conduct two meetings with the Spanish
Prime Minister.


KOL YISRAEL: Israel's foreign debt decreased in 1991 by 630 million
dollars, to a total of 23.7 billion dollars. A Bank of Israel
official said that the decrease in the debt was caused by decreased
debts of Israel's private sector, decreased liabilities of Israeli
banks to foreign elements, and foreign currency influx via the
Israel Bonds. The radio adds that Israel will pay debts this year
totalling 3.6 billion dollars.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

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| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
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                Attention Israel Line Recipients

                   Thursday, March 12, 1992


Arens to Meet with Cheney During U.S. Junket

Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Defense Minister Moshe Arens left
last night for a one week junket in the U.S. Mr. Arens will be the
guest of the United Jewish Appeal. During his visit to the U.S.,
Minister Arens will meet with his American counterpart, Richard
Cheney. The newspaper reports that data collected in Israel on the
expansion of Arab armament shows that over the past year,Israel's
position in terms of the Middle Eastern balance of power has been
worsening. This issue will probably be discussed when Arens meets
with Cheney. However, the most important topic will no doubt be the
Scud-C missiles arriving in Syria and Iran. Recently, ships leaving
North Korea with the missiles succeeded in arriving safely at the
Iranian port of Bandar Abas. HA'ARETZ reports that the issue of
accelerated arming of countries in the Middle East with
sophisticated weapons was raised by Arens in prior discussions with
senior U.S. official. Arens believes that the accelerated
militarization decreases the chances of finding solutions to the
region's problems, and arriving at peace. Other issues to be
discussed at the meeting are Saudi Arabia's request to purchase 72
sophisticated F-15 fighter-jets from the U.S., and the joint
Israeli-American development of the Arrow Project.


P.L.O. Distributes Palestinian Peace Talks Document at U.N.

Today's MA'ARIV reports that the document on self-government
arrangements, submitted to the Israeli delegation by the
Palestinians at the peace talks in Washington, was distributed at
the U.N. yesterday by the Palestine Liberation Organization as its
own official paper. The document was delivered to the President of
the U.N. Security Council with a cover letter signed by Yasser
Arafat. Officials in Jerusalem expressed dissatisfaction over this
act, saying that it bluntly violates prior agreements between
Israel and the U.S.  According to these agreements, the P.L.O. will
not take a part in the process, and the U.N. will not serve as a
stage for propaganda.


Levy Meets with Bolton, Discuss Syrian Armament Acquisitions

At a press conference following his meeting with U.S. Assistant
Secretary for International Organization Affairs, John R. Bolton,
Foreign Minister David Levy was asked how he views Syria's
consistent efforts to acquire arms while they sit for peace talks.
Levy replied that he views it with great severity, and that he
raised this issue in his meeting with Bolton. "We cannot reconcile
with the situation of Syria, along with its participation in the
peace process, doing whatever it can to get weapons of all kinds,
develop chemical weapons, purchase weapons...including long-range
missiles...and encourage terrorism in Lebanon," said the Foreign
Minister. Levy also referred to the P.L.O.'s U.N. distribution of
documents submitted by the Palestinians at the peace talks. "The
peace is not compatible with activity which so contradicts it."
said Levy. "There cannot be a situation where issues that are
intended to be discussed at the [peace] negotiations are
distributed at the U.N. as a U.N. papers. It contradicts all the
rules."  Levy also said that he and Bolton discussed the situation
in Iraq.


Naveh Denies Washington Times Report

Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, quotes Danny Naveh, Media
Adviser to Defense Minister Moshe Arens, who denied the Washington
Times report of this morning, regarding the transfer of Patriot
missile technology from Israel to China.  Naveh stated, "Israel has
not transferred any Patriot missiles or technologies of the missile
to China. Those are totally false and baseless reports."


Agreement on Charter Flights Between Israel and China Signed
Yesterday

Today's DAVAR reports that Israel and China signed an agreement
yesterday to conduct charter flights between the two countries.
According to the agreement, El-Al National Airlines will begin a
charter service flying between Tel-Aviv and Beijing as of June 1st.
The agreement also allows the Chinese Airline, Air China, to
operate a similar service to Israel. The Foreign Ministry Spokesman
who announced the agreement last night, said that the charter
flights are a precursor to a regular air route between Israel and
China.


Storm in Tiberias Causes Heavy Damage

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that a storm in Tiberias caused
heavy damages last night to public and private property. The city's
promenade suffered the worst as the infrastructure close to the Sea
of Galilee had dissolved and many shade-shelters were uprooted.
Many restaurants along the beach were flooded, and tourists at the
Chof Ron Hotel were evacuated from several rooms. Floors at the
hotel were ruined and many doors and windows were broken.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

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|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------

                Attention Israel Line Recipients

                    Friday, March 13, 1992


Arens Vigorously Denies News Reports of Possible Israeli Transfer
of Patriot Missile Technology to China

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes Defense Minister Moshe Arens, who
told NBC today that news reports to the effect that has Israel
transferred Patriot missile technology to China are "totally
without foundation," and are a "non-story." Arens, who is visiting
New York, was also interviewed on ABC's "Good Morning America,
where he said, "I can see where sometimes, some unreliable source
comes up with information,  maybe of a tendentious nature. Under
those circumstances, you would think there might be some contact
between government officials to see if there's anything to this."
Arens continued saying, "That's not what happened here. This story
was brought into the press and into the media." Arens said the
allegations were totally unfounded and designed to harm U.S.-
Israeli relations. "The real story is who are these unnamed
individuals who are floating these malicious rumors."  When asked
whom he suspects, Arens replied, "I don't want to level any
accusations. I don't think it's President Bush or the Secretary of
Defense, or the Secretary of State, but somebody out there is
trying to muddy the waters."


China Denies Reports on Receiving Patriot Missile Technology From
Israel

KOL YISRAEL also reports that China is officially denying reports
to the effect that Israel transferred technological information on
the Patriot missile to Beijing. The Spokesman for the Chinese
Foreign Minister in Beijing said that the reports are baseless,
irresponsible and do not deserve a response.


Hadass to Bassiouny: Detention of Israelis in Cairo is Damaging
Israeli-Egyptian Relations

Today's DAVAR reports that in a meeting yesterday, Director General
of Israel's Foreign Ministry Dr. Yosef Hadass told Egyptian
Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Bassiouny that the affair involving
Israelis being detained in Cairo is getting out of control and
damaging relations between the two countries. Hadass and Bassiouny
met for a routine discussion on recent political developments.
Hadass said that the continuing detention of David Ovich and the
Musrati family without the filing of any charges is muddying the
atmosphere between the two countries, and the Egyptian press
continues to inflame the issue in the way they are handling the
affair. According to sources in Jerusalem, Bassiouny didn't answer
these claims. However, when he left the meeting, the Egyptian
Ambassador said that the detainees affair shouldn't be viewed as an
"anti-Israeli incident," and that at the end of the investigation,
if the detainees are not charged, they'll be released.


Japanese Delegation on Environmental Issues Reports to Heads of
Israeli Foreign Ministry

Today's DAVAR reports that head of the Japanese delegation who
visited Jordan and Israel surveying environmental and ecological
issues  reported the findings yesterday to heads of the Israeli
Foreign Ministry. He described a severe condition in the Eilat-
Akaba Gulf, and said action should be taken quickly, before the
damage becomes irreversible. The Japanese delegate, who is the
Deputy Director General for Middle Eastern Affairs in the Japanese
Foreign Ministry, said that because of the urgency in dealing with
the pollution in the Gulf, existing national plans should be
activated immediately and not wait for regional cooperation on the
issue.  Director General of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Yosef
Hadass, said that Foreign Minister David Levy will discuss the
environmental issues with the Japanese during his visit to Tokyo
next month. The Japanese delegation is preparing an agenda for the
environmental working group scheduled to convene in Tokyo at the
beginning of May, as part of the multilateral talks.


MA'ARIV: Israel's Ambassador to Rome, Avi Pazner, submitted his
credentials Wednesday, as Israel's first Ambassador to Albania.
Pazner, who will serve as a non-resident ambassador, submitted his
credentials to the Albanian President at a ceremony in the capital
city of Tirana.


The Following is a message from the Consulate General of Israel in
New York:
Please be advised that the "Salute to Israel Parade" will take
place on Sunday, May 3, 1992. For more information, please contact
the American Zionist Youth Foundation at (212) 339-6902.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

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|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------

              Attention Israel Line Recipients

                   Monday March 16, 1992


Arens Tells Cheney that Reports on Israeli Transfer of U.S.
Technology Are False and that Israel Will Cooperate if U.S.
Investigates Issue

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today on the meeting between
Defense Minister Moshe Arens and U.S. Secretary of Defense Richard
Cheney in Washington. Following the meeting, Arens said the two men
discussed the reports that Israel transferred American technology
to third world countries. Arens stated that these reports are false
and that Israel will be glad to cooperate if the U.S. decides to
send a delegation to look into the matter. The two men also
discussed the situation in Iraq and the threat it poses to the
Middle East. Arens said that there is no doubt that if Israel is
attacked again by Iraq, it won't sit by quietly. Other issues
discussed were weapon purchases by Syria and the Israeli objection
to the U.S. selling sophisticated weapons to Saudi Arabia. The
Israeli Defense Minister was asked by reporters about the state of
relations between Israel and the U.S. following the accusations
about the transfer of U.S. technology. Arens said that relations
should not be damaged, because there is no basis for the
allegations. Nevertheless, he noted that the damage caused by the
false reports in the media cannot be ignored.


Levy Sent Message to Baker Calling for Improving  Relations Between
Israel and the U.S.

Today's HADASHOT reports that Foreign Minister David Levy revealed
yesterday that he sent a message to U.S. Secretary of State James
Baker calling for the improvement of relations between the two
countries, basing them on mutual trust. According to the newspaper,
Levy refused to characterize relations with the U.S. as being in a
crisis.  He said, "There are disagreements from time to time, but
we mustn't view them...as if we are dealing here with a hostile
country." Levy added, "In any case, we need to mention that the
best of our friends is the U.S." Levy stated that the accusations
that Israel sold American weapon technology to third world
countries, which appeared in the American media, are being handled
by the Defense Minister, and Arens will have the opportunity to
discuss them with the U.S. Administration. Levy believes the
Government should not discuss this issue in the Defense Minister's
absence.


Levy Says Israel is Waiting for Arabs to Reply to Baker on Sites
and Date for Next Round of Talks

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, interviewed Foreign Minister David Levy
yesterday. Asked whether there is progress regarding the site and
date for the next round of peace talks, Levy stated, "I hope that
we'll get closer to a conclusion this week."  Levy noted that
"Israel  offered...several options  [for sites], and the U.S.
Secretary of State is waiting for the Arabs to also suggest sites."
Asked whether the next step in the peace process is now simply to
sit and wait for the Arabs' response, Levy replied, "Absolutely
yes. We wait for the Arabs' response."  Levy added that the U.S.
Secretary of State had reminded the Arabs of this fact. Levy
pointed out that Israel had already responded to the US request for
suggested sites and dates for the next round of meetings. "We want
to advance the process," he said.


UN Envoy Visited Israel; Had No New Information on POWs and MIAs

Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that the U.N. Secretary General's
envoy, Giandomenico Picco, visited Israel over the weekend for
meetings with the Israeli team handling the release of Israel's
POWs and MIAs. Picco, in Israel for only a few hours, met with Uri
Lubrani, Uri Slonim and other officials involved. According to the
newspaper, Picco had no new information on the fate of IAF
Navigator Ron Arad and other Israeli MIAs.


Shinui Chooses Candidates for Next Knesset

KOL YISRAEL reports that the Shinui Movement's Council last night
chose its candidates for the next Knesset. The candidates are:
Prof. Amnon Rubinstein, Avraham Poraz and Prof. Yehoshu'a Porat.
The Shinui representatives will be positioned in the third, seventh
and twelve slots respectively, in the joint list with the Mapam and
Ratz parties.


KOL YISRAEL: The Knesset this afternoon will conduct a special
session commemorating the late Menachem Begin, the sixth Prime
Minister of the State of Israel. The Knesset's Speaker, Dov
Shilansky, Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir and MK Yitzhak Navon, who
was Israel's President at the time of Begin's premiership, will
speak in his memory.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar.

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|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gideon Sa'ar       | Internet: bk206@cleveland.Freenet.Edu    |
|                    | GEnie   : G.SAAR     Prodigy: CNTS18A    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------

              Attention Israel Line Recipients

                 Tuesday, March 17, 1992

Media sources report on an explosion at the Israeli Embassy in
Buenos Aires, Argentina. A special update will be issued when more
facts become available.


A Teenage Girl and a Man Stabbed to Death by Palestinian Terrorist
in Jaffa

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that a 19 year-old girl, Ilanit
Ohana, and a 44 year-old Arab garage owner, Abd El-Karim, were
stabbed to death by a Palestinian terrorist this morning in Jaffa.
Nineteen other people, most of them high school students, were
injured. The terrorist was shot and killed. The police also
detained a driver from Gaza who drove the assailant to Jaffa. The
attack began on Eilat street, where the terrorist stabbed a
passerby and entered the garage stabbing Abd El Karim who was
critically injured. Abd El Karim died from his wounds at the
hospital. The terrorist then fatally stabbed a Ilanit Ohana who was
passing by and ran across the street where he began stabbing high
school students who had gathered for a Purim Holiday party. The
students suffered only minor injuries and were transferred to
nearby hospitals. A civilian and a Border Policeman who were at the
scene shot the terrorist, killing him. Pamphlets of the Hamas
terrorist organizations were found on the assailant.


Terrorist Carried Hamas Pamphlet Praising Murder of Three Soldiers
in Ramot Menashe

KOL YISRAEL also quotes Major General Yigal Marcus, Commander of
the Tel-Aviv District Police, who spoke following the attack this
morning. He said that the assailant carried Hamas pamphlets
praising the murderers of the three Israeli soldiers at Ramot
Menashe. The pamphlets called on others to follow their murderous
way. Marcus added that there is constant alertness in Israel in
regard to terrorist attacks, and that there are always predictions
of increased terrorism around the holidays (the Moslem month of
Ramadan is approaching).


Arens on Loan Guarantees: I Believe the Terms They Tried to Impose
are Impossible

Defense Minister Moshe Arens was interviewed today on KOL YISRAEL
and GALEI ZAHAL radio stations.  Speaking to KOL YISRAEL from
Washington, Arens repeated the Israeli government's stand of
continuing settlement in the Territories, contradictory to a
condition set forth by the U.S. Administration for receiving the
immigrant absorption loan guarantees. "We will have to mobilize the
resources necessary for absorbing immigration from the Soviet Union
ourselves, with the help of the Jewish communities of the world,"
Arens said. "In my opinion," he continued, "there's no point to
another request." The Defense Minister told the IDF Radio Station,
GALEI ZAHAL, "I believe the terms they tried to impose are
impossible terms. No government in Israel could accept these terms.
I believe it was also clear from the start these were terms the
Israeli government could not accept."


Shamir Says Israel Did Not Violate Any Provision or Condition Which
Would Justify American Dissatisfaction

KOL YISRAEL quotes Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir who emphasized
yesterday that Israel did not violate any provision or condition
which would justify American dissatisfaction. He said Israel is
very much aware of all purchasing contracts it has signed, and that
the reports coming from the U.S. have no seed of truth in them.
Asked who he believes are the American elements who spread these
rumors, the Prime Minister replied, "I don't know who they are, but
I hope this wave will soon be stopped." 


Arens Meets with Baker

Israel Radio reports on the meeting today between Defense Minister
Moshe Arens and U.S. Secretary of State James Baker. The two men
conducted a tete a tete, 45 minute meeting. Following that meeting,
Arens made a short statement saying, "I had a private meeting with
Secretary Baker. I think it was a good meeting." The HA'ARETZ
newspaper emphasizes today that the meeting was initiated by Baker.


IDF Data and Conclusions Shared with the U.S. Were Transferred by
the Americans to Assist Development and Production of Egyptian Tank

Today's HADASHOT reports that data processed by the IDF Armored
Corps, which was relayed to the American Defense Department, was
put at the disposal of the directors of the American-Egyptian M1A1
tank production project at Egyptian Military Industries. According
to Egyptian sources, the statistics serve as a basis for conducting
experiments -- whose goals are to augment the defenses of the new
tank, and to improve its identification and propulsion systems
while under fire from anti-tank missiles. The conclusions drawn by
the IDF also dealt with the need to improve the internal coating of
the tank in order to provide maximum protection for the crew. In
the wake of these conclusions, the United States developed a new
material -- able to withstand 260 degrees Celsius -- and made it
available to the project administration. Thus far, the on-going
production of the tank has not yet begun, but other Arab countries
have promised orders to Egypt. Experts affiliated with the
interested parties have already visited the tank production site,
including the Chief-of-Staff of the Syrian army. About ten months
ago, American Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney visited the plant
and decided to grant permission to Defense Department experts to
assist Egypt in the production of the tank.


Attempts at Compromise Between Camps in Likud Party

Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that a possibility for compromise in
the Likud Party leadership was reached last night in a meeting
between Minister Ehud Olmert and Minister David Levy. The two men
discussed several ways to reach an understanding between the
different camps in the Likud. According to the newspaper, Olmert
also raised proposals to bridge the gap between Levy and Prime
Minister Shamir. Among other proposals, he suggested what is called
the "Norwegian Bill," which states that Knesset Members who are
chosen to be ministers resign from the Knesset. This will allow
some of Levy's supporters who got only remote slots on the party's
list more opportunity to get into the Knesset.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

                SPECIAL UPDATE - MARCH 17, 1992


         Explosion at Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires

At approximately 3:00 PM in Argentina, (1:00 PM EST), an explosion
destroyed the Israeli embassy in downtown Buenos Aires. At least
four people were reported dead and more than seventy injured in the
blast which reduced the middle section of the embassy structure to
rubble and shook buildings as far as six blocks away. Israel Radio,
KOL YISRAEL, reports that Argentina's Foreign Minister called
Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy to express his grief and shock
over the attack. He told Levy that the four reported casualties
were Argentinean utility workers. He promised to carry out a
thorough investigation in the matter. In Jerusalem, Levy called an
emergency meeting with members of his staff. Levy managed to get in
touch with the Israeli Ambassador in Buenos Aires, Yitzhak Shefi.
He told Levy that he had established a temporary headquarters in a
nearby hotel in order to maintain constant contact with Israel. 

Speaking to ISRAEL TELEVISION, Nili Chaminsky, daughter of Israeli
Ambassador Yitzhak Shefi said, "We spoke to the man in charge of
the rescue operation, and he said seventy wounded have been
evacuated so far." Ms. Chaminsky said that her father was not in
the building at the time of the blast.

KOL YISRAEL also reports that Argentinean President Carlos Menem
attributed the attack to a "vestige of Nazism" in Argentina. He
said he'll convene his Cabinet to an emergency meeting to discuss
the situation.


Arens in Washington on Blast: "Part of Terrorist Campaign"; Levy:
"We'll Continue Fighting Terrorism"

Meanwhile, in Washington, Defense Minister Moshe Arens responded to
news of the blast saying, "It's part of a terrorist campaign which
is being waged against Israel by all kinds of Moslem holy warriors
and Palestinian terrorists." Arens speculated that the terrorist
activities may have been meant to sabotage the Middle East peace
process. However, he said, "As far as we're concerned it's not
going to put an end to the peace talks." But, he added, "It doesn't
make it easier."

In a statement aired by GALEI ZAHAL, the IDF Radio Station, Foreign
Minister Levy said that Israel will know how to find those
responsible for this barbaric attack and to punish them. "We'll
continue fighting terrorism," said Levy, "this is our duty."


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

                                       Jerusalem, 17 March 1992
 
DAILY PRESS SURVEY     
 
 
"MA'ARIV", (p.2) -- Oded Shorer quotes Defense Minister Moshe Arens
who, yesterday, told Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney that "the
damage has already been caused."  During a conversation at the
Pentagon, Arens said that -- even if it is clarified that the
releases in the American media are incorrect -- severe damage has
already been done to the reputation of Israel.
 
In conversation with journalists, [Defense] Minister Arens said
that he, indeed, believes that the administration has intelligence
reports on so- called deals which Israel made with third countries
-- contrary to American arms export law.  He also said that he does
not understand why this had to be leaked to the media.
 
"The meeting between us was comfortable and good," Arens said after
the conversation.  "We have a background of close relations.  The
main [topic] of the meeting was not an issue which captures
headlines today; we primarily discussed strategic cooperation
between the two countries and the situation in the Middle East.
 
Q: Did you discuss the alleged export of Patriot missile technology
to China?
 
A: I raised the matter of the Patriot and said there is no truth to
the leaks.  I said it appears to me that someone is trying to
sabotage Israel- United States relations.  I said that we are
prepared to cooperate with the Americans if they really want to
verify the matter.
 
Q: Do you think that this last affair impaired relations between
Israel and the United States?
 
A: No, in my opinion.  Relations between the two countries cannot
be harmed.  [Israel and the United States] have shared values and
mutual interests.  It is no surprise that an enemy country of
Israel like Iraq becomes recognized as an enemy of the United
States.  It is no surprise that a country which was hostile to the
United States like the Soviet Union was also hostile to Israel.
 
Q: Can you explicitly say that no violation of American weapons
export laws was committed by Israel?
 
A: I cannot deal with every detail but, in my opinion, there was no
such instance.  It must be recalled that we are talking about a
field in which we are among the leaders in the world.  There is no
logic to the charges against us.  In my opinion, the recent [media]
releases are incorrect.  It is not reasonable to complain that we
are using American ideas for weapons development [purposes], just
as it is unreasonable to complain that aircraft development in the
United States is based on our operational experience.
 
Q: Did Israel supply South Africa with Arrow missile technology?
 
A: That is a complete lie.  Why would South Africa need such a
system? What threat would it defend itself against?  These are wild
and slanderous [remarks].
 
Q: Did you discuss the matter of on-going military assistance with
the Defense Secretary?      
 
A: We discussed the matter of aid promised to Israel in equipment.
According to the declaration of Congress, the United States was to
transfer aviation equipment, weapons and ammunition to Israel. 
Thus far, we have received equipment worth about $100 million,
which is [equivalent] to half the amount promised to us.  (...)
 
"HADASHOT", (p.1) -- Yehoshua Me'iri reports that data processed by
the [IDF] Armored Corps, within the framework of [an effort] to
draw conclusions -- and which was relayed to the American Defense
Department -- was put at the disposal of the directors of the
American-Egyptian M1A1 tank production project at Egyptian Military
Industries.
 
According to Egyptian sources, the statistics serve as a basis for
the conduct of experiments -- whose goal is to augment the defenses
of the new tank, and to improve its identification and propulsion
systems while under fire from anti-tank missiles.
 
The conclusions drawn by the IDF also dealt with the need to
improve the internal coating of the tank, in order to provide
maximum protection for the crew.  In the wake of these conclusions,
the United States developed a new material -- able to withstand 260
degrees Celsius -- and made it available to the project
administration.
 
Thus far, the on-going production of the tank has not yet begun,
but other Arab countries have promised orders to Egypt -- to the
tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.  Experts affiliated with
[the interested parties] have already visited the tank production
site, including the Chief-of-Staff of the Syrian army.
 
About ten months ago, American Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney
visited the plant and decided to grant permission to [Defense]
Department experts to assist Egypt in the production of the tank.
 
                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
                       -=} (415) 550-1318 {=-

               Attention Israel Line Recipients

                  Wednesday, March 18, 1992


Three Women from Embassy Killed in Attack, Two of them Israeli; Two
Diplomats Still Missing

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that two Israeli women and one
Argentinean woman who worked at the Embassy in Buenos Aires are
confirmed to have been killed in yesterday's explosion. The two
Israeli casualties are Zehava Zehavi and Eliora Carmon. Two Israeli
diplomats still missing are: Minister David Ben-Raphael and
security officer Ali Ben-Ze'ev. Three Argentinean women who worked
in the Embassy are also missing. Among those injured in the
explosion are 8 Israelis, three of whom suffered severe injuries,
and a local Argentinean who worked at the Embassy, who was also
severely wounded. Rescue teams are still searching the ruins. The
Argentinean Interior Ministry announced that thus far, 10 dead
people have been pulled from the rubble. Three of the bodies have
not been identified yet. Two hundred and fifty two people were
injured by the blast, 41 of them children. Foreign Minister David
Levy told the Knesset today that Israeli rescue teams are leaving
for Buenos Aires to assist in the work being done at the Embassy
ruins. Also, Israeli experts from the security services and the
Police are heading for Argentina to investigate the circumstances
of the attack. The Foreign Minister noted that the leaders of the
Jewish community in Argentina have arranged for another building to
be used as the Israeli Embassy.


Islamic Jihad Organization Claims Responsibility for Argentina
Attack

Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that news agencies in Beirut
received phone calls claiming responsibility for the attack in
Buenos Aires on behalf of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization. 
The Islamic Jihad stated that this attack was in memory of Hussein,
son of Sheik Mussawi, who was killed by Israel in Lebanon. It also
stated that the terrorist attack was carried out by a man named Abu
Yatser, an Argentinean who converted to Islam. The Islamic Jihad
promised to continue its attacks until the State of Israel is
liquidated.


Thirteen Victims of Yesterday's Terrorist Attack in Jaffa Are Still
Hospitalized

KOL YISRAEL reports that 13 people of those injured in yesterday's 
terrorist attack in Jaffa are still being treated in hospitals
around Tel Aviv. Seven of the victims are at Ichilov hospital,
where four are described as being in moderate condition following
surgery yesterday. Of the 4 victims currently hospitalized at the
Volfson hospital, one is the Taxi driver who fought with the
Palestinian terrorist. He is said to be in moderate condition. Two
others who received minor injuries are at Shiba Hospital.
Today's MA'ARIV reports that the Arab garage owner who was killed
by the terrorist had tried to rescue a young Israeli woman. The
Palestinian terrorist, Raid El-Rifi, first attacked 19 year-old
Ilanit Ohana, and when Abd El Karim came to her rescue, he was
killed as well. Hundreds of people came to Ilanit Ohana's funeral 
today at Holon Cemetery. 


Levy on Loan Guarantees and U.S.-Israeli Relations

KOL YISRAEL carried an interview today with Foreign Minister David
Levy. Asked about the immigrant absorption loan guarantees, Levy
said that the notion that U.S-Israeli relations are deteriorating
mustn't be created in the region. Such a notion would be viewed by
countries in the region as evidence that Israel is weakening or
that the U.S. is hostile to Israel. Such views might endanger the
peace process as well as other regional issues. "When the Arabs
interpret stress or arguments in the relations [with the U.S.] as
Israel's becoming weak, then this directly influences the peace
process," said Levy. "This is because the mentality in the region 
and the Arab concept are that you don't make peace with the weak.
Such a notion mustn't be established." The Foreign Minister added
that for peace and stability in the Middle East, Israel's relations
with the U.S. must be returned to what they were. This is the
essence of the message Levy said he relayed to the American
Administration.


American Jewish Leaders Regret Bush's Rejection of the Compromise
Proposal on the Loan Guaranties

Israel Radio reports this morning that America's Jewish leaders
have responded with concern and firmness to the U.S.
Administration's decision to reject the compromise proposal for
Israel's immigrant absorption loan guarantees. Leaders from the
Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
said they regret that the President rejected the compromise
formulated by U.S. senators. The Administration, they said, failed
to distance itself from the leaks on Israeli weapon deals, and now,
it's putting conditions on Israel regarding the loan guarantees
which have never been put on any other country.


Revised Electoral Reform Bill Passes in the Knesset Today; Rafael
Eitan will return to Government

Israel Radio reports this afternoon that the Knesset has approved
the amendment to the "Basic Law: Government" which proclaimed
direct elections of the Prime Minister. Fifty five MK voted in
favor of the electoral reform with only 32 MK voting against. Among
the supporters of the bill were 6 Knesset Members from the Likud
Party. The radio reports that several changes were made in the bill
since its second reading. The most important of these are that the
Prime Minister will need to get Knesset approval of his government,
and that the Prime Minister can be dismissed by a Knesset vote with
a majority of 61 and not 70, as was initially proposed. The new
bill will go into effect starting with the 1996 elections. Israel
Radio further reports that following the approval of the bill, MK
Rafael Eitan will return next week to his post as Minister of
Agriculture. This was decided in a meeting between Eitan and Prime
Minister Yitzhak Shamir. Eitan had resigned from the Government
when it decided not to support the electoral reform bill.


Security Authorities to Intensify the Checking of Palestinians who
Enter Israel following Terrorist Attack in Jaffa Yesterday

Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that in the wake of yesterday's
attack in Jaffa, the IDF, the Police and the General Security
Service will intensify their supervision and control of Arab
residents of the Territories entering Israel. The intensification
of the inspection will be accomplished in several ways: Checkpoints
will be posted, including "surprise" checkpoints; a license check
will be conducted at work places within Israel, and supervision
will be heightened in the granting of work permits and permits to
remain in Israel.


Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof. 

               Attention Israel Line Recipients

                   Thursday, March 19, 1992
 
 
Body of Minister David (Goldman) Ben-Raphael Found in the Ruins
 
Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, reports this afternoon
that the body of Minister David (Goldman) Ben-Raphael was found and
identified in the Israeli Embassy ruins in Buenos Aires. His body
will be brought to Israel for burial at the beginning of next week.
 
 
Bodies of Zehava Zehavi and Eliora Carmon to Arrive for Burial in
Israel Tomorrow
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today that the bodies of Zehava
Zehavi and Eliora Carmon, who were killed in the explosion at the
Israeli Embassy, will arrive in Israel tomorrow morning. The
funerals will take place tomorrow. Eliora Carmon will be buried in
Jerusalem and Zehava Zehavi in Netanya. The families of the two
women and several of those injured in the attack will also arrive
on the plane furnished by Argentinean President Carlos Menem. To
date, 21 casualties have been reported found in the ruins. Out of
the 252 who were injured, 9 worked at the Israeli Embassy. The
condition of one of them is severe, 2 are said to be in moderate
condition, with the remaining victims receiving minor injuries. Ali
Ben-Ze'ez and several Argentineans who worked at the Embassy are
still missing.
 
 
Rescue Teams Reach Ruins of Ground Floor of Embassy Building
 
Israel Radio further reports that rescue teams in Buenos Aires are
tirelessly continuing rescue operations at the Embassy site.
Several bodies were discovered last night but have yet to be
identified. Argentinean television has reported that the body of
Mirta Sains, an Argentinean Jewish woman who worked at the Embassy
had been identified. KOL YISRAEL further reports that the rescue
teams have already removed the ruins of the second and third floors
and are now working on the ruins of the ground floor and basement.
The producer of an nationally broadcast Argentinean radio station
told Israel Radio that the remnants of the car-bomb were identified
as a Ford vehicle.
 
 
Embassy Staff Member Betty Bernstein Buried Yesterday; March to
Protest Attack will be Headed by President Menem Today
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that one of the victims of the terrorist
attack in Buenos Aires, Betty Bernstein, was buried yesterday at
the Tabalda Jewish cemetery outside the city. She was a staff
member of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires. Thousands of Jews
attended the funeral. The newspaper also reports that Argentinean
President Menem will march today leading an expected 50,000 members
of the Jewish community who will protest the terrorist attack on
the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires. The protest march will begin
at 5:00 PM local time (3:00 PM EST). At the end of the March,
speeches will be given by President Menem and Chairman of the
umbrella organization of the Jewish communities, Dr. Reuven Bracha.
 
 
American Jewish Leaders Protest Bush Rejection of Compromise on
Loan Guarantees
 
Israel Radio reports that leaders of Jewish organizations in the
U.S. gathered today to sharply protest the conditions put on
Israel's request for immigrant absorption loan guarantees by the
U.S. Administration. KOL YISRAEL reports that an arranged meeting
between Jewish leaders and President Bush has not yet taken place,
and no finalize schedule has been set. Chairman of the Conference
of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Shoshana S.
Cardin, held a press conference today in Washington D.C. At the
press conference, Ms. Cardin said, "American Jews are angered and
dismayed by the President's rejection of a compromise worked out by
Senate leaders on Israel's request for loan guarantees for refugee
absorption. The President's unyielding position leaves in question
Israel's ability to rely on its chief ally, undermines the peace
process and encourages further Arab intransigence in the peace
talks." Ms. Cardin said that while the White House has sought to
impose political conditions on Israel's request, it attaches no
such conditions to billions of dollars in similar guarantees for
Arab countries, including Yemen, which sided with Iraq during the
Gulf War. Ms. Cardin said the President's rejection of the
compromise prevents billions of dollars from being spent in the
U.S., which would have generated tens of thousands of American
Jobs. KOL YISRAEL also quotes Senator Patrick Leahy who said
yesterday, "There seems to be no recognition in the White House
that a negotiation requires compromise by all parties, not just on
one side...This makes me wonder if the White House ever intended to
agree to a compromise on the loan guarantees at all."
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: The return of MK Rafael Eitan to the Government will
not be discussed at the Cabinet's weekly meeting next Sunday.
Several senior Likud members are rejecting the return of Eitan who
asked to rejoin the Government following the passing of the
electoral reform bill yesterday. The delay in discussing the matter
is apparently needed for consultations within the Likud Party.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: Sources in David Levy's camp in the Likud Party say
that the Likud's internal crisis has not yet been resolved. This,
despite the meeting last night between Prime Minister Yitzhak
Shamir and Foreign Minister David Levy. Heads of local councils
belonging to the Levy camp are still talking about the need to
resign from the Likud. The radio also reports that in a meeting
between Shamir and Levy last night it was concluded that the Prime
Minister will formulate several proposals to settle the dispute by
the end of this week.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

                                 Jerusalem, 19 March 1992
 
DAILY PRESS SURVEY   
 
"MA'ARIV", (p.5) -- Sheffi Gabbai quotes the promise made by Mahdi
Krubi, Speaker of the Iranian Majlis (parliament), at an
enthusiastic reception for Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, the new leader
of Hizballah in Lebanon, who came to Tehran to receive the
blessings of the Iranian leadership on his new appointment: "Israel
will endure constant revenge strikes, in various places around the
world."
 
Iranian personages at the reception promised that secret cells of
fighters exist in most countries around the world and are ready to
execute any command against Israeli and American targets -- all to
immortalize the memory of their former leader, Imam Sheikh Abbas
Musawi, and the memory of his wife and son Hussein.
 
At the same time, Sheikh Nasrallah said: "We have no immediate
intention of destroying Israel. First, we wish to forcibly remove
the IDF and SLA occupying armies from the security zone in southern
Lebanon, and [then,] in time, to destroy Israel -- and I have no
doubt that our sister Iran will assist us." Prior to this, during
at the funeral ceremony of Sheikh Musawi [held] in Ba'albek in the
Lebanese Beka'a, Hizballah leaders and representatives of the
Iranian leadership vowed that all the heavy blows Israel would now
suffer would be specifically against unexpected targets.
 
The first attack, which failed, [occurred when] two Hizballah men
attacked the Jewish synagogue in Istanbul with grenades. The second
strike also occurred in Turkey when the car of the security guard
at the Israeli embassy in Ankara was booby-trapped. The Turkish
government is convinced that this attack, in which Ehud Sadan died,
was also carried out by emissaries of Hizballah or Iran.
 
Fighters in the Islamic Resistance (the military wing of Hizballah)
were trained in the Lebanon Beka'a -- under the supervision of
Syrian military intelligence. There, they were trained to
booby-trap cars and prepare car bombs by the Palestinian Popular
Front-General Command terrorist faction of Ahmed Jibril. For years,
Hizballah -- with the assistance of Jibril people -- has for years
been [proficient at] sending suicide bombers to carry out murderous
attacks against American, French and Israeli soldiers in car bombs
in Lebanon. The Jibril front has, for years, been funded by Iran.
Numerous reports say that Jibril has recently transferred his
headquarters to Iran.
 
In their budget this year, the Iranians included an enormous sum
for funding local guerrilla movements in numerous Islamic centers
around the world. In Latin American countries, especially
Argentina, there are communities with large numbers of Lebanese
emigres, including Shi'ites. Some of them left Lebanon during the
civil war, but many of their Lebanese relatives are accustomed to
visiting them, including leaders -- and particularly Shi'ite
leaders.
 
A large community of Lebanese-Syrian emigres lives in Buenos Aires
-- including President Menem, who is of Syrian-Lebanese extraction.
Mossad agent Eli Cohen, who was caught in Damascus and put to
death, was sent for a long training period in the Argentinean
capital before being sent to Syria. There, he mingled with the
Lebanese-Syrian community and created a suitable cover for his
activities in Syria.
 
The Islamic Jihad faction in southern Beirut -- that accepted
responsibility yesterday for the murderous attack against the
Israeli embassy, and even hinted, in its statement, that it was
responsible for the recent attacks against Jewish and Israeli
targets in Turkey -- is an arm of Hizballah. Members of this
faction are very disciplined and very loyal to Iran and Syria. The
new leader of Hizballah also belongs to this faction.
 
"HADASHOT", (p.4) -- Amnon Barzilai and Elazar Levine report that
a letter suspected of being a letter bomb was discovered during a
routine security check yesterday at the Israeli Embassy in the
Chinese capital of Beijing. On the order of Israeli Ambassador to
China Ze'ev Sufot, the suspicious package was given to the Beijing
police for examination and investigation. (...)
 
In England as well, there is fear of further strikes. The heads of
the large synagogue in Marble Arch, London, already announced to
their congregants last Wednesday morning that -- according to
information from Israeli sources -- terrorists are preparing to
carry out ten strikes in Israeli and Jewish buildings in various
places in the world. The synagogue leaders called on the
congregants to pay attention to any unidentified vehicle,
suspicious object or unfamiliar person found in or near the
synagogue.
 
The synagogue in Marble Arch is considered one of centers of the
Jewish community in London. Adjacent thereto is the "King David
Suite", where events of the Israeli Embassy and of the
England-Israel Chamber of Commerce take place. At the same time,
there as no police guard at the synagogue until last weekend. The
sole watch is by an unarmed security guard, who examines those
entering.
 
Anonymous callers phoned the Israeli Embassy in Chile yesterday and
uttered threats -- Daniel Mokdi, the Israeli Ambassador in
Santiago, reported. "We were told that what occurred in Buenos
Aires is nothing to what is going to happen in Santiago," added the
ambassador.
 
(p.7) -- Aharon Barnea et al report that Islamic Jihad, one of the
known factions of Hizballah, announced -- yesterday, in Beirut --
that it bombed the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires to avenge to the
killing of the organization leader Sheikh Abbas Musawi. The
Argentinean government decided that, if and when the perpetrator of
the attack is apprehended -- he will put to death.
 
Argentinean president Carlos Menem said yesterday: "It is clear
that foreign elements could not have executed the attack without
the aid of local elements." And indeed, the announcement of Islamic
Jihad said that the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber
[affiliated with] the organization -- a Catholic Argentinean, who
converted to Islam, by the name of Abu Yassar (as Abbas Musawi was
known). The act, the announcement said, was dedicated to the memory
of Hussein, the small son of Musawi, who was killed along with his
mother and father "by the traitorous arm of the Zionists."
 
The announcement added: "Our blessings to the nation of the prophet
Mohammad, the nation of holy Islam, on the sacrifice of one of its
heros, Abu Yassar, who -- like electric lightening -- struck one of
the Zionist terror bases in Argentina and destroyed it. We proudly
declare that this action is one of the stikes we are instigating,
without pause, on the criminal Israeli enemy, in a war that will
not cease until Israel is erased from the face of the earth." (...)
 
(p.7) -- Edgardo Kravitsky reports that a small group of the Moslem
Brotherhood, connected to and funded by the Iranian embassy in the
Argentine capital, openly operates in Buenos Aires. Their spiritual
leader is Muhassein Rabani (38), a Shi'ite Iranian who arrived from
Tehran at the end of 1983 to convert people to Islam in Argentina.
Among the members of the group are about ten Christians who
converted to Islam. This group operates in the El-Tauhid mosque in
the Floresta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The Islamic Jihad
announcement, in which it claimed responsibility for the attack,
praised Abu Yassar -- a converted Argentine, who committed suicide
in the bombing of the Israeli Embassy building.
 
About a month ago, group members held a ceremony marking the
anniversary of the Khomeini revolution, at the San Martin theater
in the capital, opposite the Argentine parliament. The "Hadashot"
correspondent in Argentina, who has a radio program in Buenos
Aires, met activists at this affair -- one of them told him that he
was a Christian who converted to Islam, and that he was one of the
members of the group who has taken upon himself the goal of
destroying the State of Israel. The convert explained that the Gulf
war was not a real war and that. when the revolution begins, they
will act to totally destroy the State of Israel. Members of the
group are not involved in the established Islamic community in
Buenos Aires. About one year ago, they organized a protest march
against Zionism through the streets of the city. The march, which
ended at the Iranian Embassy, was held in accordance with the call
of the Ayatollah in Iran and the participants carried placards and
photographs of the Al- Aksa mosque and a torn star of David. The
cultural attache of the Iranian Embassy, who joined in the march,
gave a speech and presented Khaled al- Isnabuli -- the soldier and
member of the Moslem Brotherhood who murdered President Sadat -- as
a symbol.
 
Muhassein Rabani was asked, in a newspaper interview, if the
members of the group define themselves as anti-Semites: "Not at
all," he responded, "after all, we ourselves are of Semitic
extraction. We are only opposed to Zionism."
 
                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
                       -=} (415) 550-1318 {=-
 

                Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                    Friday, March 20, 1992
 
 
Body of Eli Ben-Ze'ev Found in Ruins; Two More Argentineans from
Embassy Staff Found Dead
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that the body of Israeli
security officer at the Embassy in Buenos Aires, Eli Ben-Ze'ev, was
found today under the ruins at the site. His body will arrive in
Israel with the body of David (Goldman) Ben-Raphael next week. The
bodies of two Argentinean women who worked at the Embassy, Graciela
Levinson and Marsela Trobles, were also found today. The radio
states that eight Embassy's staff members were killed in the
explosion, four Israelis and four local Argentinean employees.
 
 
Eliora Carmon and Zehava Zehavi Buried in Israel; Levy Promises to
Avenge Their Blood
 
KOL YISRAEL reports that the bodies of Eliora Carmon and Zehava
Zehavi arrived this morning in Israel. At a ceremony conducted at
the airport, Foreign Minister David Levy said, "Our hand is
stretched out in peace to those who want peace. But we only have
one way to deal with people who are filled with hatred, to wage war
against them until the bitter end." Levy continued saying, "Carmon
and Zehavi families, this is the vow, this is the duty and we'll
fulfill it. It cannot, of course, bring back your beloved, our
beloved, but perhaps it can avenge their blood and prevent the
blood of others from being spilt."
 
 
French News Agency: Argentineans and Israelis Search in Apartment
Believed to be Used by Planners of Terrorist Attack
 
Israel Radio quotes the French News Agency which reported on
developments in the investigation of the terrorist attack in Buenos
Aires. The news agency reported that Argentinean policemen and
Israeli security officers searched an apartment 300 feet from the
Embassy site. The apartment was rented by two Arabs. A neighbor
said that several days ago, the tenants used binoculars to watch
the area around the Embassy. Argentinean security sources believe
that those people planned the attack. A search of the apartment was
ordered by an Argentinean Supreme Court judge after it was found
that the tenants left the apartment few days ago.
 
 
Concern in Lebanon Over Possible Israeli Response to Terrorist
Attack in Argentina
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that senior officials in the Lebanese
Government turned to the U.S. Ambassador in Beirut yesterday
requesting that the U.S. pressure Israel not to avenge for the
attack in Buenos Aires. Official Lebanese spokesmen expressed
concern yesterday that Israel would act against Hizbullah terrorist
bases or other Islamic fundamentalists in South Lebanon. The
newspaper quotes reporters in Beirut who said that a high state of
alert was announced at Hizbullah headquarters in southern Beirut
and South Lebanon in anticipation of an Israeli military action.
 
 
Western News Agency in Beirut Received Call Denying Responsibility
Previously Taken By Islamic Jihad
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that a Western news agency in Beirut
yesterday received a phone call denying Islamic Jihad
responsibility for the terrorist attack on the Israeli Embassy in
Buenos Aires. Less than 24 hours after the terrorist organization
claimed responsibility for the explosion, the anonymous caller said
that his organization was not involved, although "We fully support
any action taken against the Zionists anywhere in the world."  The
newspaper reports on fears in Lebanon of an Israeli retaliatory
attack.
 
 
Gaza Strip Residents Prohibited from Crossing the Green Line
Following Recent Terrorist Attack
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that as of this morning, the Gaza Strip
has been closed and its residents are prohibited from crossing the
Green Line into Israel. Residents can move freely inside the
borders of the Gaza Strip. The decision to close the Gaza Strip for
a limited time, probably for several days, came following recent
terrorist attacks involving residents of the Strip, including the
murder of two people in Jaffa a few days ago. The order was issued
by Defense Minister Moshe Arens.
 
 
American Delegation Coming to Israel to Examine Patriot Missile
Batteries
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, further reports that an American
delegation will arrive in Israel today to examine the Patriot
missile batteries. The delegation consists of U.S. State Department
officials and weapons experts who will check activities at the
batteries. The delegation came as part of an agreement with the
U.S. Administration to investigate this issue, following
intelligence reports on allegedly transfer of Patriot technology to
China.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

               Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Monday, March 23, 1992
 
 
Victims of Terrorist Attack on Embassy in Buenos Aires,
Eli Ben-Ze'ev and David (Goldman) Ben-Raphael, Buried in Israel
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Eli Ben-Ze'ev and David
(Goldman) Ben-Raphael, who were killed in the explosion at the
Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, were buried this afternoon. Eli
Ben-Ze'ev was buried at Moshav Shoresh. At the request of his
family, no journalists were present at the funeral. David (Goldman)
Ben-Raphael was buried in Jerusalem this afternoon in an official
ceremony. Hundreds, including Foreign Minister David Levy and
Jerusalem's Mayor Teddy Kolleck, escorted the coffin. In a eulogy,
Levy described Ben-Raphael as a dedicated person, an intellectual,
a diplomat and a jurist who came from a Zionist family. Levy
continued mourning for 43 year-old Ben-Raphael, saying,  "He was
born with the State [of Israel], his death is like the sacrifice of
Isaac."
 
 
Israeli Embassy Reopens in Buenos Aires in a Different Location
 
KOL YISRAEL also reports that Israel's Embassy in Buenos Aires was
reopened to the public in a different building.  Israeli Ambassador
to Argentina, Yitzhak Shefi, said that the Jewish community is
interested in rebuilding the embassy ruins and that a committee has
been established to take care of the financial and architectural
aspects involved. Shefi said that ruins are still being cleared at
the site, but the assumption is that there are no more people
trapped beneath. The Ambassador continued saying that an extensive
investigation is being conducted to find those behind the attack on
the Embassy. He noted that several possibilities are being checked,
among them Arab terrorism, international terrorism and internal
terrorism. Shefi expressed confidence that the Argentinean
investigators assisted by Israeli investigators and experts from
other countries will arrive at the truth.
 
 
Arens Meets with Michel Stone
 
KOL YISRAEL reports that U.S. Secretary of the Army Michel Stone
stated following a meeting with Israel's Defense Minister Moshe
Arens that recent events do not change the U.S.' basic commitment
to Israel's security. Stone thanked the Defense Minister for the
cooperation of the Israel Defense Forces with the American team
which arrived to examine the Patriot missile batteries. Arens said
that the Middle East continues to be an unstable and dangerous
region. Thus, Israeli-U.S. relations should be a priority even
after the end of the Cold War.
A KOL YISRAEL reporter also stated that the American delegation has
not yet found anything to support the allegation that Israel had
transferred Patriot missile components to China.
 
 
Ankara Police Detained Hizbullah Activists is Suspicion of Carrying
the Murder of Israeli Senior Security Officer at Embassy in Ankara
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that several prominent figures in the
Hizbullah organization in Turkey were detained in the last several
days in connection with the murder of Ehud Sadan, senior security
officer at Israel's Embassy in Ankara. The Turkish investigators
noted that the terrorists have received their instructions directly
from Iran. Among those detained for questioning, all of whom are
Turkish citizens, is the man police suspect of planting the
explosive device.
 
 
HA'ARETZ: Syria Said to Agree to Participate in Next Round of
Multilateral Talks
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Syria  has told the U.S. it has no
objection to participating in the next round of multilateral talks
scheduled to begin on May, 1992. However, Syria conditioned its
participation in the working teams on holding the discussions of
water-related issues in Austria, and the presence of P.L.O.
representation on the working team handling the problem of
refugees. The newspaper notes that by this action, Syria actually
gave up its linkage between progress in the bilateral talks and
participation in the multilateral talks. However, the newspaper
adds that it has no doubt Israel will not agree to the second
condition involving P.L.O. representation on the working team
dealing with the refugee problem.
 
 
IDF to Direct Its Resources to Long Term Acquisition Plans
 
Israel Radio quotes IDF Commander in Charge of Ground Forces, Major
General Emanuel Sekel, who told reporters that the IDF's assessment
is that war is not expected in the near future. Therefore, Major
General Sekel said the IDF is directing its resources to long term
acquisition plans, reducing training, reducing reserve forces, etc.
He added that should a threat arise, there are plans which allow
for training reserve forces,  quickly readying them for battle.
Sekel spoke at a press conference of military correspondents.
 
 
Rubinstein Submits Annual Report on Anti-Semitism to Cabinet
 
Today's DAVAR reports that on Sunday, Cabinet Secretary Elyakim
Rubinstein submitted a report to the Cabinet on the escalation of
anti-Semitism throughout the world. Rubinstein serves as Chairman
of the inter-ministerial forum tracking anti-Semitism. The Cabinet
released an announcement after its meeting expressing concern  over
the "increase in anti-Semitic manifestations and occurrences in
many places in the world -- including the denial of the Holocaust;
public and media expressions of anti-Semitism; and various types of
violence, even murder." Foreign Minister David Levy recommended
that the data of the forum be published in the form of an official
government document -  a "White Paper" on anti-Semitism in the
world.  Rubinstein said that, while a few years ago , only isolated
reports of anti-Semitism around the world were recorded on a weekly
basis, there is now scarcely a day on which four or five such
reports are not received.  In the past year, he said, the
manifestations of Holocaust denial, anti-Semitic publications, and
even violence have increased. Rubinstein  characterized l99l as a
year of world crises and pressures which influenced the growth of
anti-Semitism. Rubinstein noted that Israeli embassies abroad have
raised the matter of anti-Semitism before various governments and,
generally, these approaches were welcomed.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

RE: 1170.32 
 
>>"MA'ARIV", (p.5) -- Sheffi Gabbai quotes the promise made by Mahdi
>>Krubi, Speaker of the Iranian Majlis (parliament), at an
>>enthusiastic reception for Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, the new leader
>>of Hizballah in Lebanon, who came to Tehran to receive the
>>blessings of the Iranian leadership on his new appointment: "Israel
>>will endure constant revenge strikes, in various places around the
>>world."
>> 
>>At the same time, Sheikh Nasrallah said: "We have no immediate
>>intention of destroying Israel. First, we wish to forcibly remove
>>the IDF and SLA occupying armies from the security zone in southern
>>Lebanon, and [then,] in time, to destroy Israel -- and I have no
>>doubt that our sister Iran will assist us." 

	They seem to be working fast.  On Kol Yisrael this morning,
	it was reported that Hizballah yesterday showed videotapes 
	"before and after" of the embassy bombing, and then *without* 
	any qualification announced that they now intend to "destroy 
	Israel and kill all Jews worldwide".

don feinberg

    
              Attention Israel Line Recipients

 
                  Tuesday, March 24, 1992
 
 
YEDIOT AHRONOT: American Team Examining Patriot Batteries Yet to
Find Anything to Support Allegations
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that the American team which arrived
in Israel to investigate allegations that Israel transferred
Patriot missiles or technological information to the Chinese
continued its intensive investigation yesterday. According to the
paper, Israel will demand a public apology from the United States
for the allegations made against it in the U.S. The demand will be
made after the American inspection team completes its work. The
Ministry of Defence believes that serious damage has been caused to
Israel in the wake of the published statements that it illegally
offered American technology to China, and therefore, according to
the paper, Israel will demand that the heads of the American
administration publicly announce that the charges are unfounded.
YEDIOT AHRONOT states that reports received by Defense Minister
Arens show that so far, the  Americans have not found anything that
would substantiate the allegations against Israel. 
 
 
Arens Wants it Made Clear that the Allegations Have No Foundation
 
Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, aired an interview with
Defense Minister Moshe Arens who said this morning, "I hope that
after this unusual visit which took place here, in which an
examination was made to prove that there was no sale of Patriot
missiles or parts to someone else, it'll be made clear to everybody
that these claims, these allegations, didn't have any foundation."
KOL YISRAEL reports today that the U.S. Administration has not yet
decided whether or not to publish the findings of the team now
visiting Israel. State Department Spokeswoman Margaret Tutwiler
said in a briefing yesterday that she doesn't know if the report
will be made public. She also noted that, "...my guess will be,
this is going to be a highly classified mission and a highly
classified report."
 
 
Islamic Jihad Insists They Carried Out Attack in Buenos Aires;
Stating:  "The war is on until Israel ceases to exist and the last
Jew in the world has been eliminated."
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that the Islamic Jihad yesterday
again claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack on the
Israeli Embassy in Argentina. The organization proclaimed that it
will continue its attacks on Israel, "be there as many victims as
there may." Islamic Jihad is one of the aliases of the pro-Iranian
Hizbullah organization.  This is the second time in five days that
the organization has claimed responsibility for the attack in
Buenos Aires. In a statement in Arabic communicated to the Lebanese
newspaper "A-Nahar" in Beirut, the Islamic Jihad said that it was
still at war and would continue to strike.  The statement added
that "The war is on until Israel ceases to exist and until the last
Jew in the world has been eliminated. Israel is completely evil and
it must be erased from the face of the Earth."  Accompanying the
statement was a 90-second video cassette, on which the entrance to
the Israeli Embassy is seen -- before it was destroyed in the
explosion.  As part of the statement, the Islamic Jihad denied what
it called  "malicious rumors" which circulated last week in Beirut
which stated that it had no connection whatsoever to the attack in
Buenos Aires. The organization attributed the circulation of this
rumor discrediting their involvement in the attack to Israeli
agents.
 
 
Abie Nathan Requests Presidential Parol
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that Abie Nathan, now in prison in
Israel for meeting with terrorist leader Yasser Arafat, has
declared his commitment not to break the law in the future. This
declaration is included in a request for presidential parol he
submitted to President Chaim Herzog few weeks ago. According to the
paper, this is an attempt to reach a compromise between President
Herzog's demand that  Nathan express regret for his meetings with
Yasser Arafat which constitute a breach of Israeli law as stated in
the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance, and Abie Nathan's refusal to
express such regret.
 
 
Attacks on Buses in Territories Since Beginning of Uprising
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that 18,000 attacks on 200 Eged buses
traveling routes inside the West Bank and Gaza Strip have been made
since the beginning of the Palestinian Uprising. The data presented
by the newspaper shows that most buses were damaged by stone
throwing, glass smashing and different kinds of nails causing tire
damage.  Since the beginning of the Uprising, 587 people have been
injured on buses driving in the Territories, among them 123
drivers. One hundred and fifteen buses were set on fire and 17,631
windows and doors were smashed.
 
 
Israeli and Indian Representatives Meet in New Delhi
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Israeli and Indian representatives met
yesterday in New Delhi for the first official discussion following
the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two
countries. This decision was announced approximately 2 months ago.
India's Foreign Ministry Spokesman said yesterday that the Israeli
delegation was headed by Moshe Yegar, Deputy Director General of
the Foreign Ministry and Head of its  Africa, Asia and Oceania
Department.  Yegar arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a five-day
visit. The Israeli delegation is also looking for a suitable
location for the Israeli Embassy.
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar.

                Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Wednesday, March 25, 1992
 
 
U.S. Ambassador in Israel Vigorously Denies Reports on U.S. Attempt
to Impose World "Guarantees Embargo" on Israel
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that the Bush administration is acting
toward imposing a world "guarantees embargo" on Israel, as long as
it does not agree to a settlement freeze. In this framework,
Washington has appealed to the German government and to the heads
of the European Community with a request to "demonstrate
solidarity" and to delay the granting of international credit
guarantees which Israel is requesting. Senior sources in the
Administration and in financial circles in Washington confirmed the
existence of these contacts. An understanding over the delay of
European guarantees to Israel was already reached in September
1991. At that time, President Bush requested that Germany withhold
the granting of credit guarantees to Israel until the conclusion of
the freeze period imposed on discussions regarding the matter of
the guarantees in the United States. As a result, Germany -- which
had promised to grant Israel guarantees for $2.5 billion dollars in
loans -- purposely procrastinated in its response to Israeli
appeals. It has become known that Israeli Embassy personnel in
Bonn, headed by Ambassador Benjamin Navon, have found it difficult
to hold talks with officials of the German Foreign and Finance
Ministries with regard to the approval of the Israeli request.
MA'ARIV has learned that representatives of the U.S. government
recently renewed their appeal to Germany. In addition, the
representatives asked the heads of the European Community to delay
the granting of credit guarantees to Israel -- until a solution is
found to the dispute over settlements in the territories. MA'ARIV
further reports that U.S. Ambassador to Israel, William Harrop,
vigorously denied yesterday the reports that the U.S. is asking
other countries to impose a world "guarantees embargo" on Israel.
Harrop said that he goes over all the cables arriving at the
Embassy in Israel and receives complete reports on contacts that
are concerned with the Middle East. Therefore, he said, "I can
certainly tell you that there were no such things." The U.S.
Ambassador said that Israel is wrong for not making the absorption
of new immigrants the top priority. In an interview with MA'ARIV,
Harrop said that this difficult period in the relations between
Israel and the U.S. will continue at least until after the
elections in Israel. He added that there is a need to remove the
failure in communication between the leaders of the two countries
in order for relations to get back on track. The Ambassador
emphasized that the U.S. will continue to preserve the Israel
Defense Forces' quality edge and continue to give Israel financial
assistance.
 
 
Shamir Says Jews Worldwide Want to Help Israel in Absorbing
Immigrants
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT quotes Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir who
said, "Yesterday and the day before I received calls from all the
lands of the world, and Jews told me, 'Mr. Prime Minister, do not
fear about the issue of [the U.S.] loan guarantees. We want to give
money; we want to give our own guarantees...Request it, organize
us.'" Shamir was speaking at a ceremony noting the arrival of 
400,000 immigrants in Israel since October 1989. "The people of
Israel are ready to absorb all the immigrants in the land of
Israel," Shamir added. "That land, the land of Israel that will
absorb the massive immigration from Russia and other lands, that
land cannot be a Palestinian state. It has to be the land of
Israel, the land of the sons of Israel, the land of the Jews," 
Shamir said.
 
 
Number of Immigrants Arriving in Israel Decreased in Recent Months
 
Today's DAVAR reports that recent months have reached a record low
in the number of immigrants arriving since the beginning of the
mass immigration from the former Soviet Union more than two years
ago. Seven-thousand-three-hundred-and-thirty-five new immigrants
arrived in Israel in January, while 5,077 immigrants arrived in the
month of February. The newspaper notes that since the beginning of
March, only 4,140 new immigrants arrived in Israel.
 
 
Chinese Official Says Israel Did Not Transfer Missile Technology to
China; China Expresses Interest in Contributing to Peace Process
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that the head of an official
Chinese delegation now visiting Israel said that to his best
knowledge, Israel did not transfer missile technology to his
country. The official, Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Relations
Branch of the Communist Party, stated that the visit of the
delegation is aimed at promoting ties between the two countries in
all fields. He also noted that China is interested in contributing
to promoting the peace process. Israel Radio further reports that
the Chinese delegation met today with the Palestinian
representatives to the peace talks. In the meeting, the Chinese
guests said they support the Palestinian issue, and that their
country had established diplomatic relations with Israel in order
to promote peace.
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Randy Hayman. 

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                 Thursday, March 26, 1992
 
        Today we mark the 13 anniversary of the signing
         of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt
 
 
Harrop Says He'll Recommend to U.S. Administration to Publish
Report of Team Investigating Patriot Missile Issue
 
Today's HA'ARETZ quotes U.S. Ambassador to Israel, William Harrop,
who spoke last night on Israel Television's "Moked" news program.
Harrop said that although the decision of whether or not to publish
the report of the Patriot missile investigation has not been made,
he will recommend to the U.S. Administration to publish the report.
Harrop said he receives constant reports from the American team
investigating the allegations that Israel has transferred Patriot
missile technology to China. The Ambassador added, "If it turns out
that intelligence which we [the U.S.] had obtained and which was a
cause of worry to us proves to be completely groundless, I would
think an apology would not be out of line. The matter is still
under review, and we must see how it turns out. I have every hope
that it will prove to be groundless. But as I say, it is serious
and it must be reviewed." He said that the reports on the alleged
transfer of Patriot missile technology have caused concern among
Israel's friends in the U.S, and therefore, it is important to
clear the air and present the facts to the Congress. Not sending
the delegation, said Harrop, would have been a great mistake
because it might have left many questions unanswered. Harrop
praised Defense Minister Moshe Arens for welcoming the American
investigating team.
 
 
Harrop Says He Understands Israeli Concerns Regarding Security
 
The following is an excerpt from U.S. Ambassador William Harrop's
appearance on Israel Television's "Moked" news program last night.
"The other thing that I note in particular in Israel is the
security situation in this country. Before I left the United
States, people said to me: 'Why are Israelis so paranoid about
their security?' Well, after taking the helicopter trips with the
senior American military officers to the Negev, up to the Golan
Heights area, to the northern border, after speaking with many
Israeli military officials, after visiting the Chairman of the
Israel-American Chamber of Commerce who happens to live in Ramat
Hasharon, and getting up on his roof and his pointing out to me on
one side the road between Tel-Aviv and Haifa and on the other side
the Green Line...I really felt -- not to make a pun -- a stone
could be thrown from one to the other. One begins to understand the
concerns for the security of Israel. I will have answers to make to
people, when I go home, who say: 'Why are Israelis paranoid?' They
aren't paranoid. They have good reason to be concerned."
 
 
HA'ARETZ: Next Round of Bilateral Talks Expected to Take Place in
Washington on April 27th
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the bilateral peace talks are
expected to be renewed in Washington on April 27 and last for a
week. The peace talks will then apparently be moved to a different
site. The newspaper states that this information was confirmed
yesterday by American, Israeli and Arab sources in Washington.
These sources said that the date was not finalized officially yet,
but this is the understanding among the parties. Israeli sources
said that the discussion is not so much about the date and site of
the next round, but rather, on the meetings following this round of
talks. Israel demands that it will be promised that the round
coming after this next one is conducted closer to the Middle East
region.
 
 
Hizbullah Terrorist Organization Steps Up Alert Fearing Israeli
Military Action in Response to Attack on Embassy in Buenos Aires
 
Today's HADASHOT reports that there is great concern in Lebanon
over possible Israeli military action in response to the Hizbullah
terrorist attack on the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires. The
Hizbullah terrorist organization took unprecedented steps to raise
the stage of alert in all its units in Lebanon.
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes radio stations in Lebanon which
reported that Israel Air Force planes are flying over South
Lebanon. They also reported that the Israel Defense Forces and the
South Lebanese Army last night and this morning fired artillery
shells at Hizbullah targets in 12 villages in South Lebanon.
 
 
Direct Phone Dialing to Arab Countries Made Available in Israel;
Jordanians Say They Intend to Block It
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that since yesterday midnight,
Israelis call direct to Amman, Beirut, Riyadh, Tunisia, or Tzana in
Yemen. The service fee is NIS 7.83 per minute, including VAT. This
week, Communications Minister Raphael Pinhasi authorized Bezek to
operate direct telephone service to Arab countries after having
received the approval of the Knesset Finance Committee. This
telephone connection had been possible until today only through
"Solan Communications," which operated the connection via London.
The Arab states themselves did not give their approval on such a
telephone link with Israel. The Communications Ministry says,
however, that the connection can be unilateral; there is no need to
obtain the consent of countries receiving the calls. Jordan
expressed overt opposition to direct telephone connections, and at
midnight yesterday, the Communications Ministry in Ammantook action
to block all international telephone lines. The Director-General of
the national Jordanian communications company, with whom YEDIOT
AHRONOT correspondent spoke via "Solan communications" last night,
said: "We already intend to block you tonight. You will not create
facts...without our consent, and we do not consent to a direct
telephone line between our countries before there is peace."
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: Foreign Minister David Levy is gathering his
supporters this Sunday. The radio reports that the gathering is an
expression of the worsening crisis in the Likud Party, following
contacts between the Levy camp and the Shamir-Arens camp which did
not prove fruitful.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Randy Hayman.

               Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Friday, March 27, 1992
 
 
Prominent Levy Camp Activists in the Likud are Said to be
Organizing a New Movement
 
Today's DAVAR reports that Knesset Member Aharon Abuhatzeira and 10
heads of cities and local councils, all members of the Likud Party,
will announce the establishment of a new party which would run in
the next elections in June. Among the mayors in this group are
Prosper Azran, Mayor of Kiryat Shmona, and Yehuda Brus, Mayor of
Yavneh. According to the report, an announcement to this effect
would come in the next several days. DAVAR states that those
organizing the new party are all considered to be leaders in
Foreign Minister David Levy's camp in the Likud. According to the
newspaper, they decided to resign from the Likud after reaching the
conclusion that the Likud is blocking them from moving up within
the party. In the meantime, Levy is refusing to lend a helping hand
to the organizers of the new movement. Sources close to Levy
announced yesterday that the discussions with representatives of
the Shamir-Arens camp in the Likud had reached a dead end. They
said that central activists of the Levy camp will convene this
Sunday and some decisions will be made there. According to the
newspaper, all attempts to convince Levy to head the new party list
have failed so far. This has occurred despite encouraging polls
taken by the new list organizers which were presented to Levy. The
polls showed that this new list can become the third largest party
in the next Knesset. Some Levy supporters who are leading the
attempt to organize the new movement expressed disappointment over
his position.
 
 
Terrorists Fire Katyusha Rockets Toward Security Zone
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that several Katyusha missiles
and mortar shells were fired last night by terrorists toward the
Security Zone in South Lebanon. The radio quotes a source in the
South Lebanese Army who said that the missiles fell outside the
Security Zone and did not cause damage.
Today's HADASHOT quotes sources in South Lebanon who said yesterday
that Israel sent tank and artillery reinforcements to the Security
Zone. According to the Lebanese sources, 20 tanks and 30 artillery
vehicles had crossed the border into the Security Zone in South
Lebanon. But an Israel Defense Forces' Spokesman in Jerusalem said
that no significant reinforcements were sent to the area. He added
that it is possible that there was one change in a unit's location,
but reports of significant reinforcements are simply not true.
 
 
Iranian Leader Calls for Attacks on Israeli Targets Around the
World
 
Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, reports that Iran has
urged Palestinians today to attack Israeli targets around the
world. The call was made by Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
who said today at a rally for "Jerusalem Day," that "The
Palestinian nation... has only one path to salvation -- a violent
and selfless struggle which must be conducted inside and outside
occupied lands. This is an Islamic struggle [in] which all Moslems
are dutybound to help." Khamenei was quoted by Teheran Radio.
 
 
200,000 Moslems Pray at Mosques on Temple Mount to Mark Moslem
Holiday -- No Disturbances Reported
 
KOL YISRAEL reports that the Police have deployed large
reinforcements in Jerusalem to prevent any incidents of violence
today as large number of Moslems were expected there to pray at
mosques on the Temple Mount. The Moslems are marking the last
Friday of the Ramadan holy month. The Police conducted thorough
inspections at the entrances to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.
Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, reported this afternoon
that 200,000 people showed up to pray, a much higher number than
expected. Nevertheless, no disturbances have been reported, and
following the prayers, the people quietly left the area.
 
 
YEDIOT AHRONOT: The Israeli economy is in a recession which
worsened in February. Data released yesterday by the Bank of Israel
shows that the level of economic activity has been shrinking by
0.3% in February alone.
 
 
HADASHOT: Summer Savings Time is going into effect in Israel on
Saturday night, April 29, and will last through September 9. The
new time difference between Israel and Eastern Standard Time will
be 8 hours. Data presented by the Ministry of Energy and
Infrastructure indicates that savings in electricity use during
last year's Summer Saving Time totaled at 20.9 Million NIS.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Randy Hayman.

                Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                    Monday, March 30, 1992
 
 
Shamir Doesn't Understand Reason for Levy's Resignation; Will
Continue to Try to Persuade Him to Maintain Unity
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir who
responded today to Foreign Minister David Levy's announcement that
he intends to resign from the Government. Shamir said that he
doesn't understand the reason for Minister Levy's anger, since
there are no disagreements between them. During a visit to Migdal
Ha'emek, the Prime Minister said he is not looking to replace Levy,
since he's certain that Levy will continue to serve as Foreign
Minister. In any case, said Shamir, Levy will maintain his position
as Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister after the upcoming
elections. Shamir noted that he did not hear any tone of ethnic
divisiveness in Levy's speech, and that he doesn't know of anyone
in the Likud Party using ethnic expressions to describe Levy and
his supporters. The Prime Minister said he'll continue to try and
persuade Levy to maintain the unity.
 
 
Sources Close to Foreign Minister Levy Say He may Resign From the
Likud Party and Form a New Movement
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that sources close to Foreign
Minister David Levy, who announced his intent to resign from the
Government, say that he may also withdraw from the Likud Party and
form a new political movement. These sources told a KOL YISRAEL
correspondent that they couldn't rule out the possibility that this
new movement would join a Labor-led government following the
upcoming elections. People belonging to the Levy faction in the
Likud Party said that events put in motion yesterday by Levy may
bring an end to the Likud rule in Israel. This would be the case,
they added, if the Shamir-Arens faction continues to act with
"arrogance and contempt."
 
 
King Hussein Demands Clarifications from PLO on Confederation Idea
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that Jordan's King Hussein demanded
that the P.L.O. clarify its stand regarding the issue of
sovereignty in the Territories, and how they view the final goal of
the peace process. A letter asking for the clarifications was sent
by King Hussein to P.L.O. Chief Yasser Arafat before Hussein's
departure for his recent round of talks with President Bush at the
White House. The newspaper asserts that the points King Hussein
wishes to clarify before agreeing that the confederation idea will
be presented at this stage of the talks, are meant to ensure Jordan
that the Palestinians will not go back on their promises. Also,
King Hussein wants to ensure that the Confederation doesn't allow
the Palestinians to undermine the Government in Aman.
 
 
Arafat Expresses Support of Iranian Leader's Call to Attack Israeli
Targets Around the World
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that according to the official Palestinian
news agency "Wafa", PLO leader Yasser Arafat yesterday dispatched
a telegram to Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ahmed Khameini,
expressing support for his speech at the "Jerusalem Day" assembly,
particularly his call to strike at Israeli targets anywhere in the
world. Arafat also demanded that the speech be translated into
deeds.
 
 
Abie Nathan Released from Prison Today
 
Today's DAVAR reports that Israel's President, Chaim Herzog,
yesterday converted the rest of Abie Nathan's sentence to a
suspended sentence. This allowed Nathan to leave prison today after
he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for meeting with
terrorist leader Yasser Arafat. The President decided to cut
Nathan's sentence short, after Nathan stated he wouldn't violate
the law any more. Israel Radio quotes Abie Nathan who said upon
leaving prison that in the next three months he'll move to promote
the peace process only within the framework of the law. However, he
stated that he believes this law will be changed after the upcoming
elections, and talks with P.L.O. people will be permitted.
 
 
HA'ARETZ: Israeli Arabs today marked "Land Day" and dedicated it to
those small villages which were established on public land
designated for agricultural cultivations, and are not recognized by
the Israeli authorities. The Supreme Surveillance Committee of the
Israeli Arabs decided to turn Land Day into a national holiday, and
this year, to protest the phenomena of the illegal villages and
demand that the authorities recognize them. The Committee decided
to cancel the mass rallies that used to take place in the past and
which usually caused disturbances and brought Police interference.
Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, reported this evening in
Israel that "Land Day" had passed without any reported
disturbances.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: More than 20 Katyusha rockets were fired by terrorists
towards the Security Zone in South Lebanon yesterday. Military
sources in the north said that the rockets were fired from
territory under the control of the Lebanese Army. The sources noted
that the terrorists will not enjoy immunity due to their position
in this territory.
 
 
Correction:  Summer Saving Time started in Israel as scheduled, on
March 29th, and not April 29th, as was reported in Israel Line of
March 27th.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

                Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                    Tuesday, March 31, 1992
 
 
Military Source Cites Syrian Readiness for Limited War with Israel
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, this morning quotes a senior Israeli
military source who said that Syria might engage in a limited war
in order to try and prod the political process, should the peace
talks become deadlocked. The source noted that Syria is currently
making great efforts to arm itself with advanced weapons, as it
conducts tactical trainings and studies lessons from the Gulf War.
According to the source, Syria increased its number of advanced T-
72 tanks, improved its armored division and strengthened its
artillery.  It is also making attempts to acquire sophisticated
anti-aircraft missile systems and is considering buying precise
surface to surface missiles.  Today's DAVAR quotes military sources
who said that in order to achieve the desired strategic balance
with Israel, Syria invested all the aid which it had received from
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in arms acquisition.
 
 
Arens: No Recent Signs of Syrian Intent to Attack Golan Heights
 
KOL YISRAEL also quotes Defense Minister Moshe Arens who said at
noon today that Israel has not recently received any signs that
Syria is planning military action in the Golan Heights. However,
said the Defense Minister, the possibility of Syrian attack in the
Golan Heights always exists. This, because Syria has a totalitarian
regime in which one person makes such a decision and in a short
time, relays the command to the army.
 
 
Tutwiler says Venue for Future Round of Talks will be Made With or
Without Arab List of Possible Sites
 
ISRAEL RADIO this morning quotes US State Department Spokeswoman
Margaret Tutwiler who spoke in reference to the Israeli-Arab
Bilateral Talks.  She said that only Israel has responded to
Secretary of State James Baker's request to provide a list of
possible sites for the continuation of the talks after they leave
Washington.  Israel offered 10 possible locations; the Arabs have
not replied.  Yesterday, Ms. Tutwiler stated, "We hope the Arabs
and Palestinians will provide a list as well.  We will announce the
venue of the subsequent round of talks before April 27, whether we
have received the lists or not."
 
 
Foreign Ministers of Arab Countries in Bilateral Talks and PLO
Representative to Meet in Beirut to Coordinate Stands
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the Foreign Ministers of the 3 Arab
countries participating in bilateral talks with Israel and a
representative of the PLO will gather tomorrow in Beirut for a 2-
day conference. In the meetings there, they will analyze the
progress of the negotiations and consult regarding the continuation
of the talks.  According to Lebanese sources, they are also
expected to decide which European capital to suggest for future
rounds of the Bilateral Talks, "in case we can't continue the talks
in Washington." According to the newspaper, Syria and Lebanon
emphasize the need for a united Arab stand, but it is doubtful that
such a stand will be reached due to conflicting interests of the
different Arab countries. The Lebanese Foreign Minister said
yesterday that Lebanon and Syria will soon ask to withdraw from the
talks if no progress is achieved.
 
 
HADASHOT Poll: For Every New Immigrant Voting Right Wing -- Three
Will Vote for the Left
 
Today's HADASHOT reports that for any one new immigrant voting
right wing in the upcoming national election, 3 are likely to vote
for left wing parties. These are that results of a poll
commissioned by the newspaper.  The poll points to a continuing
rise in popularity of the Labor Party.  According to the survey,
which was conducted during the 2nd week of March, 34% of the new
immigrants intend to vote for Labor, with 5% leaning toward the
Ratz Movement. Only 11% intend to vote for the Likud Party, with 2%
voting for small right wing parties. The newspaper notes that only
3% of the new immigrants intend to vote for the new parties
established by immigrants who recently arrived in Israel.
 
 
Israelis are Requested to Exercise Maximum Alertness While
Traveling to Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and Greece
 
Yesterday's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that Israeli tourists have been
cautioned to exercise maximum alertness while travelling to Egypt,
Turkey, Cyprus or Greece. The Prime Minister's Adviser on
Terrorism, Yigal Carmon, initiated the alert in light of the fact
that many Israelis spend their Passover holiday vacationing in the
Mediterranean countries. The newspaper notes that immediately
following the attack on Israel's Embassy in Buenos Aires, Carmon
warned of an increase in the number of attempted terrorist attacks
on Israeli targets abroad by elements who want to sabotage the
peace process.
 
 
President Herzog in Spain
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that during the first day of his visit to
Spain, Israel's President Chaim Herzog dined with Spanish King Juan
Carlos and conducted a short meeting with Spanish Prime Minister
Gonzales. Following that meeting, Prime Minister Gonzales referred
to the opening of the Israeli-Arab bilateral peace talks in Madrid
and said that his country would be happy to host future rounds of
the bilateral talks. The newspaper notes that the peak of Herzog's
visit will be today when he and King Carlos attend a ceremony
commemorating the expulsion of Jews from Spain 500 years ago.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: Leader of the African National Congress, Nelson
Mandela, invited Israeli Knesset Members Yossi Sarid and David
Zucker of the Citizens' Rights Movement (Ratz) to meet with him. In
the letter of invitation, Mandela wrote that he hopes an agreement
between Israel and the Palestinians can be reached soon.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: The Labor Party holds its primaries today. One hundred
and sixty five candidates are competing for 43 slots on the party's
list for the upcoming elections. The polls will close at 9:00 PM
(1:00 PM EST) and preliminary results are expected to be published
late tonight. Official results will be announced tomorrow.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

            Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
               Wednesday, April 1, 1992
 
 
              Results of Labor Primaries
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today on the results of
yesterday's Labor Party primaries in Israel. The results were
delayed for hours due to problems in the central computer which
tabulated the voting. This afternoon, nearly 98% of the votes cast
by almost 100,000 Labor members had been counted. Shimon Peres is
leading the slate with a large majority of votes, followed by
Avraham Burg, Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, Ora Namir, Haim Ramon, Israel
Kessar, David Libai, Nissim Zvili, Shimon Shetreet and Uzi Baram.
The first slot on the Labor's slate is reserved to head of the
party Yitzhak Rabin, who was elected several weeks ago, and the
seventh slot is reserved to Michael Harish. The Labor voted on the
other top 45 slots of their party's slate.
The Labor list continues with: Rafi Elul, Uri Or,  Avraham Shochat,
Shevach Weiss, Hagai Meirom, Masha Lubelsky, Eli Ben-Menachem,
Nawaf Massalha, Moshe Shahal, Ra'anan Cohen, Eli Dayan, Yosef
Beilin, Dalya Itzik, Gdalya Gal, Ephraim Sneh, Micha Goldman, Avi
Yehezkel and Salah Tarif.
KOL YISRAEL notes that 5 current Labor Knesset Members failed to
make it into the first 45 slots for the next elections. The five
Knesset Members are: Gad Yaacobi, Michael Bar-Zohar, Yaacov Tsur,
Nava Arad and Shoshana Arbeli-Almozlino.
 
 
HA'ARETZ: Israeli Delegation Formulates Proposal for Municipal
Elections in the Territories
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that a proposal has been formulated in
Jerusalem as to the format of municipal elections in the
Territories. This would allow the establishment of a self-
administration council immediately following the signing of
agreement establishing interim arrangements in the Territories. The
council's members would appoint administrative bodies to assume the
duties currently performed by Israeli officers. The newspaper
states that the proposal would be presented at the renewal of the
bilateral peace talks in Washington at the end of this month. The
newspaper quotes sources in the Israeli delegation to the peace
talks who said that the current assessment is to delay general
elections since the atmosphere of violence which prevails among the
Palestinians isn't suitable for this democratic procedure.
Therefore, the delegation talking with the Palestinian track
formulated a proposal for municipal elections combined with
sectorial elections (teachers, physicians, lawyers, etc.) The
newspaper states that the belief among the members of the Israeli
delegation is that such local elections would be easier to
supervise in a way which would make it difficult for extremist
bodies in the population to violently disturb or influence the
elections. HA'ARETZ notes that Defense Minister Moshe Arens
supports the idea of municipal elections as an alternative to
general elections. It is possible that the Government will be asked
to approve the proposal in one of its upcoming meetings.
 
 
Levy Says Shamir Is Damaging Likud Chances to Win Next Elections by
not Taking Care of Likud Crisis
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Foreign Minister David Levy
last night sharply criticized Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir. Levy
said that Shamir isn't taking care of the crisis in the Likud
Party, and so, is damaging the Likud's chances of winning the next
elections. In a television interview, Levy said that the Prime
Minister is participating in a scheme against the people belonging
to his faction in the party. Levy claimed that those who
participated in the scheme used blunt and insulting names to
describe Jews of eastern origin. Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports
that a close aid to Prime Minister Shamir said last night, "again
Levy is pulling the 'ethnic' genie out of the bottle." The
newspaper also reports that Knesset Member Binyamin Ze'ev Begin is
joining the contacts between Levy and Shamir with hopes of arriving
at a reconciliation.
 
 
Arab Newspaper in London Claims Turkey is Preparing to Attack
Syrian-supervised Kurdish Bases in Lebanon
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Turkey is considering bombing the
large training base of Kurdish Labor Party guerrillas in the
Lebanese Beka. MA'ARIV quotes this report from an Arab newspaper
published in London, considered to be reliable and enjoys large
circulation. The report claims that it is possible that the Turkish
planes would fly towards Lebanon from the Turkish part of Cyprus.
According to the report, the U.S. is asking Turkey for maximum
restraint, but Turkey insists on attacking the base if the Syrian
authorities don't act to dismantle it. Turkey claims that the base
is under the complete supervision of Syrian intelligence officers.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: New York Cardinal John O'connor said that the Vatican
might soon act to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.
O'connor said this in a meeting with leaders of the World Jewish
Congress who convened in New York. The Cardinal said that he got
the impression regarding the Vatican's intentions during his recent
visit to Rome.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: The next round of the multilateral talks, which began
in Moscow in January, will take place in the middle of May. The
radio says that this information was relayed by a U.S. State
Department Spokesperson. The State Department Spokesperson noted
that the talks on arms control will take place in Washington, those
on the refugees issue in Ottawa, environmental issues will be
discussed in Tokyo, economic cooperation in Brussels and the water
issue will be discussed in Vienna.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.
 
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                                         Jerusalem, 1 April 1992
 
SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS  
(Hebrew press)
 
"Ma'ariv" refers to the symbolism of the moving ceremony in Madrid,
in which President Herzog and King Carlos of Spain participated,
marking the 500th anniversary of the expulsion from Spain.  The
paper states that the relations with Spain over the next 500 years
shall undoubtedly be better than the past 500 years.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, refers to the two items
released yesterday in all the papers quoting "senior IDF officers". 
Beyond the importance of what was actually said, the paper wonders
what the motives for turning to the press were.  Was it because
they feel that their commanding officers are not listening to them,
or is it because they feel that the politicians do not understand
the situation, which is even more serious?
 
"Hatzofeh" refers to criticism directed towards Ambassador Zalman
Shoval by David Levy -- at a time when everyone else is praising
the ambassador's performance.  The paper states that Levy's
criticism is actually directed towards Shamir for cutting him off
on all matters concerning Israel-U.S.  relations.  The paper also
notes that the Foreign Minister has often given the impression in
international circles that there are significant differences
between him and Shamir concerning the peace process.  Both these
behaviors are deleterious to the conducting of foreign policy.
 
"Hadashot" writes that President Bush's tough stance against Libya
is an election ploy.  The paper points out that a double standard
is applied where the third world is involved, regarding the
implication of U.N. resolutions.  The paper warns that the same
U.N. clause permitting force against a recalcitrant country could
one day be directed against Israel.
 
"Ha'aretz", "Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, and
"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, criticize the management of the
major banks in Israel for canceling the hugh loans to the moshavim,
which contributed to the fact that most banks ended the 1991 fiscal
year with huge losses.
 
"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, believes that it is
unacceptable for the doctors to hold patients hostage, no matter
how justifiable they believe their claims for striking to be.
 
"Yediot Ahronot" praises the democratic way the internal Labor
elections were carried out.
 
"Al Hamishmar" refers to the rift within the Likud.
 
"Davar" refers to David Levy's resignation.
 
 
                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
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              Attention Israeli Line Recipients
 
                   Thursday, April 2, 1992
 
 
Hizbollah Spokesman Commends Bombing of Israeli Embassy in
Argentina
 
Today's DAVAR reports that the spokesman for the Lebanese branch of
the Hizbollah terrorist organization yesterday praised the bombing
of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  In an interview
with an Argentinean journalist in Beirut, the spokesman said,
"[Argentinean President Carlos] Menem betrayed the Arabs and sold
his soul to the Jews." The spokesman neither confirmed nor denied
Hizbollah participation in the embassy bombing.  President Menem
has strongly condemned the Hizbollah for their accusations against
him saying, "The Lebanese group's accusations are the imaginative
fruit of a sick and zealous mind." Menem also condemned any kind of
terror. 
 
 
Arab Foreign Ministers Agree to Attend Next Round of Bilateral
Talks
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Arab Foreign Ministers from Syria,
Lebanon and Jordan as well as the head of the PLO's political
affairs branch announced yesterday they will attend the next round
of bilateral negotiations scheduled to take place in Washington on
April 27th. Lebanese Foreign Minister Fares Boueiz stated that the
ministers will provide U.S. Secretary of State James Baker with the
requested list of capitals as sites for subsequent rounds of the
talks. An arab diplomatic source in Washington said that the list
would most likely include several major european cities. However,
according to HA'ARETZ, Washington will top the list of suggested
locations. The ministers agreed that there would be another
coordinating session prior to the upcoming round of talks in
Washington.
 
 
IDF Spokesman: Events in Rafah Under Investigation
 
According to today's AL HAMISHMAR the IDF is investigating the
events yesterday in Rafah which was referred to as one of the most
severe incidents in the Gaza Strip, recently. The violence resulted
in the deaths of 4 Palestinians and the wounding of 10 others. 
HA'ARETZ reports that the IDF spokesman stated that at 6PM
yesterday, a hand grenade was thrown at an Army observation post.
A local vehicle trying to  escape the scene, ran down 3 Arabs.
Meanwhile, 3 Molotov cocktails were thrown at the Israeli forces.
One of these hit a jeep of the border police and ignited into
flames. Soldiers jumping from the flaming jeep fired at the
perpetrators. Three Israeli soldiers were injured in the attack.
Before authorities could determine cause of death, the bodies of
the 4 locals were snatched from the hospital for burial. Thus
authorities are unable to say whether the deaths resulted by IDF
fire of the escaping jeep. Following a preliminary investigation on
the scene, the IDF reported that 2 of those who had thrown the
firebombs had been killed by IDF fire. The circumstances
surrounding the deaths of the other 2 locals is still under
investigation.
 
 
Egyptian Court Sentences Israeli Arab to 3 1/2 years in Jail on
Lesser Charge Prior to Indictment for Espionage
 
KOL YISRAEL reports today that even before the presenting of an
indictment against the 4 Israelis being held in Cairo on charges of
espionage, a lesser Egyptian court has sentenced one of the four,
Israeli Arab Fares Musrati, to 3 1/2 years in jail. Musrati was
charged with disrupting court procedure and striking policemen in
the courtroom. Musrati's outburst occurred last Thursday, when he
and his 17 year old daughter, Fayka were brought into court for a
hearing to extend their detention. At one point, Musrati began
shouting, jumping up and down, and struck two men who were
undercover policemen. It is not known whether Musrati's actions
were a protest against unfair treatment in jail or simply a nervous
breakdown.
 
 
Barak in Germany; Visits Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp
 
MA'ARIV reports today on Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General
Ehud Barak's visit to the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp Memorial
site in Germany. Barak signed a visitor's log in Hebrew and English
with the inscription, "In the name of the Israel Defense Forces -
Never Again."
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Revital Lubinsky and Robert
Socolof. 

                                           Jerusalem, 2 April 1992

 
DAILY PRESS SURVEY  
(Hebrew Press)
 
IN TODAY'S SURVEY: Comparison of Likud and Labor party lists; Day
of violence in Rafiah.
 
"Yediot Ahronot" (p.  3) -- Nahum Barnea compares the proposed
Knesset lists of the Likud and the Labor: (...) [A] comparison
between the first 42 candidates of the Likud and the first 42
candidates of Labor reveals a tendency in the sociological profile
of the Labor list to approximate that of the Likud's list: the door
has opened to younger politicians and those of Oriental [Mizrachi]
communities, and to a mixture of the two.  In both parties those
elected are professional politicians -- people of the system,
members of the middle class.  There are no poor people.
 
Of the 15 new candidates in the first 42 places in Labor, 7 are
from Oriental ethnic groups.  Of the Likud's 12 new [candidates] 7
are from Oriental ethnic groups.  In contrast, both parties
completely refrained from the option of electing a representative
to the quarter of a million voters among the new immigrants.  A
Russian immigrant ran in the Likud but failed.  Sopha Landwer ran
in Labor as a representative of immigrants -- and also failed.
 
There are no generals (res.) in Likud except for one, Ariel Sharon. 
The charm of uniform did not work for Bril and [MK Yehoshua] Sagi
and they were pushed out.  Labor has six: Old timers Rabin,
Ben-Eliezer, Motte Gur, and the new Or, Sneh, and Kahalani.
 
There is an abundance of princes in Likud.  In Labor as well.  In
addition to Rabin himself, Uzi Baram, Beige Shochat (Levy Eshkol's
son-in-law) and Avraham Burg (who was actually born a prince to a
different political kingdom), Ephraim Sneh, also an imported
prince, Yael Dayan, a princess whose father's memory didn't
necessarily work to her benefit.
 
There are four women in Labor, as opposed to two in the Likud.  The
gap does not stem from the voters' wishes but from securing places. 
There is a long way ahead for women in both parties before they
reach true equal representation.
 
The middle generation in Labor has been dropped out and others
pushed to the back.  If Labor forms the government, or part of it,
this will affect the selection of ministers and the struggle for
inheritance after Rabin.  Yaakobi is out, Katz-Oz and Arad are out,
Gur and Shahal are weakened.  Burg, Ramon, Namir and Libai will
push them out of line for an appropriate seat.  In Likud, on the
other hand, everything seems sewn up: If Shamir forms the
government, it will be difficult for him to make changes in it. 
(...)
 
"Al Hamishmar" (p.  1) -- Avi Benayahu reports that four
Palestinian residents of Rafiah were killed and another 10 wounded
last night, during some of the severest incidents ever in the area. 
Official military sources reported that the IDF is investigating
the event and it is clear already at this stage that two of those
killed were killed by IDF soldiers after throwing firebombs at a
Border Police force.  As far as the other two killed, an
investigation in being carried out to determine if they were killed
by IDF soldiers or crushed by a local car.
 
The following details of the incident, one of the most severe to
occur in the Gaza Strip recently, were reported: At around 6 in the
evening a grenade was thrown at an IDF observation post in south
Rafiah.  Military forces which sealed off the area noticed a local
vehicle fleeing from the site of the incident and indiscriminately
crushed three locals while continuing to flee.  Three firebombs
were thrown at a Border Police patrol, one of which ignited a
Border Police jeep.  Border Police soldiers returned fire at the
firebomb throwers and in the area, heavy riots broke out in a
number of points.  A short time later, the bodies of four locals
who were killed and another 10 injured were brought to the
hospital.  Even before the circumstances of their deaths were
clarified (whether by IDF fire or by an accident) their bodies were
snatched from the hospital and brought to burial.  One IDF soldier
was lightly wounded during the incident.
 
A general curfew was imposed on Rafiah and it was reported that an
investigation will be made to complete the picture.  A firebomb was
thrown during the curfew at an army force, however, in this case,
there were no injuries.
 
After a preliminary investigation done on the spot, the IDF
reported that two of the firebomb throwers were shot and killed by
IDF fire.  Regarding the other two, the matter is still under
investigation.  (...)
 
 
                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
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              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Friday, April 3, 1992
 
 
Israeli Sources Say State Department Announcement Puts End to
Patriot Affair
 
Today's HA'ARETZ quotes sources in Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir's
office who said yesterday that the State Department's announcement
puts an end to this affair, and that Israel views that as a good
opportunity to improve relations with the U.S. The Prime Minister's
Spokesman, Ehud Gol, stated, "We emphasized from the beginning that
all the charges against us were baseless -- now our righteousness
was proven. Those who trashed us should now apologize to us."
HA'ARETZ quotes U.S. State Department Spokeswoman, Margaret
Tutwiler, who yesterday cleared Israel from allegations reported in
the media that it had transferred Patriot missiles or missile
technology to China. Tutwiler said, "Our team found no evidence
that Israel had transferred Patriot missile or Patriot missile
technology. We...consider the matter closed... As far as we are
concerned," Tutwiler stated, "based on the results of this mission,
the Israeli Government has a clean bill of health on the Patriot
issue." The State Department Spokeswoman expressed appreciation to
the Israeli Government for the "superb cooperation" it gave to the
American team. Tutwiler added that, "as I said last week and the
Secretary repeated this morning, those who leaked intelligence
reports owe both the United States Government and the Israeli
Government an apology." 
 
 
Levy is Firm in Decision to Resign from Government
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Foreign Minister David Levy
is firm in his decision to resign from the Government this coming
Sunday. This information was relayed to KOL YISRAEL following
consultations among close supporters of Levy. According to this
information, he intends to submit the letter of resignation
immediately at the beginning of the Cabinet meeting, and then leave
the meeting. People in Levy's camp in the Likud party claim that
since he announced his intention to resign, no contacts were made
between them and the Shamir camp. Also, the talks conducted on this
issue between MK Dan Meridor and MK Reuven Rivlin did not generate
any results.
 
 
HADASHOT Poll Signals Sharp Rise in Labor Popularity; Decrease in
Expected Voting for Likud and Meretz
 
Today's HADASHOT reports that a poll commissioned by the newspaper
and conducted at the beginning of this week shows a sharp rise in
the popularity of the Labor party and decrease in expected voting
for the Likud and Meretz parties. According to the poll, if the
elections were conducted this week, Labor would have received 46
mandates, the Likud Party 31 and Meretz (a joint list of Ratz,
Mapam and Shinui movements) 9 seats in the Knesset. A similar poll
taken two months ago showed 15 mandates for Meretz, 35 for the
Likud and 36 for Labor. The recent poll predicts that Moledet would
get 4 mandates, Tzomet 5, Tehiya 3, Agudat Yisrael 5, Degel Torah
2, Shas 5, the National Religious Party 4 and the Arab parties and
Hadash together would receive 6 mandates.
 
 
Modai: Senate Resolution on Guarantees Unfortunately Has no Teeth;
But is an Important Show of Moral Support
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports on Finance Minister Yitzhak Modai's
response to the U.S. Senate resolution in support of giving
immigrant absorption loan guarantees to Israel. The Senate's
resolution, drafted by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), passed by
a 99 to 1 vote. Modai noted that this is a public declaration which
does not carry any authority with regard to its execution. The
Finance Minister said that apparently Israel will need to find
alternatives to the guarantees. "Nevertheless," Modai added, "the
resolution is an important act of moral support."
 
 
Mortar Shells Fired Toward Israeli Forces in Security Zone
 
Several mortar shells were fired toward an Israel Defense Forces
unit while it was on a routine mission in the eastern section of
the Security Zone. Official military sources said that no one was
hurt and that the IDF unit returned fire. The newspaper reports
that the Hizbullah terrorist organization stated their forces are
responsible to the firing.
 
 
DAVAR: A senior American delegation headed by Assistant Secretary
of State for Political Military Affairs William Clarke will arrive
in Israel next week. The delegation will conduct talks on strategic
cooperation between the two countries and about the peace process.
 
 
YEDIOT AHRONOT: Israel today signs on agreement to establish
diplomatic relations with Tadzhikistan, an ex-Soviet republic that
borders Afghanistan.
 
 
GALEI ZAHAL: PLO Chief Yasser Arafat met yesterday with Abdel Salam
Jalu, an assistant to Libya's leader Muammar al-Qadhaffi. In the
meeting in Tripoli, Arafat said that he supports Libya's fight
against the western powers.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar, Randy Hayman.

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Monday, April 6, 1992
 
 
State Department Officials Kurtzer and Miller Carry Talks in
Israel; Sources in Jerusalem Say Lauzanne Appeared in Lists of All
Parties to the Bilateral Talks
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that U.S. State Department officials
visiting Israel will begin talks today at the Foreign Ministry.
Daniel Kurtzer and Aaron Miller are in Israel to discuss issues
related to the bilateral and multilateral peace talks. The
newspaper adds that yesterday, officials in Jerusalem confirmed
that the city of Lauzanne, Switzerland, appeared on every
delegation's list of sites for future rounds of the bilateral
talks. The lists were submitted to the U.S. by the parties to the
negotiations. However, the newspaper notes, there is little doubt
that the round of peace talks to be held in Europe will begin only
after Israel's general elections.
 
 
Citizens' Rights Movement Votes on Candidates for Next General
Elections
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports on the results of last night's 
tempestuous internal elections in the Citizens' Rights Movement
(Ratz) . Shulamit Aloni was chosen to lead the movement in the next
elections, followed by Yossi Sarid, Ran Cohen, David Zucker, Prof.
Naomi Hazan, Dr. Benny Temkin and Nagib Abu-Rakia. The first voting
on the 5th-7th slots was nullified due to the absence of any Arab
candidate on the list. The second voting saw Nagib Abu-Rakia fill
the 7th place on the party slate. Member of Knesset Mordechai
Virsubsky was only able to capture the 8th slot in Ratz' list for
the next elections.
 
 
Following Agreement Signed Between Levy and Shamir, Levy Withdraws
Intended Resignation
 
Today's DAVAR reports that following an agreement signed yesterday
between Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir and Foreign Minister David
Levy, the latter withdrew his intended resignation which was to be
submitted at Sunday's Cabinet meeting. The newspaper reports that
this agreement was crystallized in talks between Police Minister
Ronnie Milo and Levy's Political Adviser, Uri Oren. Several hours
before the Cabinet convened, Shamir and Levy met one-on-one and
signed the agreement.
 
 
IDF Chief of Staff Visiting Poland
 
Israel Radio reports that Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff,
Lieutenant General Ehud Barak, is beginning an official visit to
Poland today as the guest of the Polish Chief of Staff. It is the
first official visit of an IDF Chief of Staff to an Eastern
European country. The radio states that Lieutenant General Barak
will apparently announce the opening of a military attache near the
Israeli Embassy in Warsaw. Israel Radio notes that the high point
of the visit will be a memorial ceremony at Aushwitz, with the
participation of IDF soldiers and Holocaust survivors. 
 
 
Since Operation Solomon, 2,560 Ethiopian Jews Arrived in Israel
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that since Operation Solomon 9 months ago,
2,560 Jews from Ethiopia have immigrated to Israel. This was stated
yesterday by Chairman of the Jewish Agency Simcha Dinitz. He added
that only 100 Jews are still left in Ethiopia, and that they are
expected to arrive in Israel over the next several months.
Today's HADASHOT reports that Absorption Minister Yitzhak Perertz
yesterday revealed a slight increase in immigration to Israel in
March, compared to February 1992. During the month of March, 6,000
immigrants arrived in Israel, a 1,000 more than in February.
 
 
Chinese Trade Delegation Arrives in Israel
 
Today's HADASHOT reports that a Chinese delegation headed by the
Senior Minister for Foreign Trade arrived yesterday in Israel. The
delegation is scheduled to tour, among other things, several
Israeli high-tech companies. President of the Union of the Chambers
of Commerce, Danny Gilerman, said that trade between the two
countries can reach half a billion dollars in a few years. The
newspaper also notes that yesterday, a Chinese delegation on
agriculture ended a 10 day visit in Israel.
 
 
Tourism to Israel Recovers in 1992
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today on a recovery in tourism
to Israel. In the first three months of 1992, 350,000 tourists came
to Israel, a number similar to the record reached two years ago.
The radio notes a 12% increase of tourism from the U.S., and also
a substantial increase in tourism from Germany and Italy. Hotels in
the large cities in Israel, primarily Jerusalem, report full
capacity for the Passover holiday, and many reservations for the
summer.
 
 
AL HAMISHMAR: The Cabinet yesterday received a report that 10
Palestinians were killed last week by other Palestinians, including
three who were slaughtered near a mosque in Gaza. None of those
murdered, as accused collaborators, is known to the security
authorities.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                  Tuesday, April 7, 1992
 
 
Two IDF Soldiers Killed in Terrorist Ambush in South Lebanon;
Terrorist Killed During Clash
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that two Israel Defense Forces
soldiers were killed and five soldiers wounded in a terrorist
ambush yesterday afternoon in the central sector of the Security
Zone in South Lebanon. In the ensuing clash, three terrorists were
killed. Two South Lebanese Army soldiers were also injured in the
ambush. Those Israeli soldiers killed were 22 year-old Sergeant
Sharon Ben-Aryeh of Kibbutz Ein Gedi and 21 year-old Corporal Salah
Tafesh of Beit Jann. The radio reports this afternoon that two of
the injured IDF soldiers who were described as being in critical
condition are now out of danger. That announcement was made today
by the Deputy Director of Rambam Hospital in Haifa. The 5 other IDF
soldiers, and SLA soldiers who were injured are said to be in good
condition. The radio adds that Sergeant Ben-Aryeh, who was
posthumously awarded the rank of First Sergeant, and Corporal
Tafesh, who was posthumously awarded the rank of Sergeant, will be
buried later today. 
 
 
IDF Commander Ordered to Halt Firing Until Women and Children are
Evacuated; More Details on Clash
 
In further reports, Israel Radio states that the IDF convoy was
ambushed yesterday afternoon while traveling a road in the central
sector of the security zone in South Lebanon near the village of
Hule, northwest of Kibbutz Manara. The convoy carried senior IDF
officers, including the Commander of the IDF Liaison Unit in
Lebanon, Brigadier General Micha Tamir. The convoy was attacked
with light weapon fire, Rocket Propelled Grenades and LAW antitank
missiles. The IDF unit returned fire. The terrorists opened fire
from a house occupied by women and children. After the IDF unit
broke into the house, the Israeli commander ordered his men to
cease fire until the women and children were safely evacuated. In
the ensuing battle, involving IDF tanks and combat helicopters, as
well as a Golani infantry unit, three terrorists were killed. The
radio reports that a senior Israeli officers was injured as he ran
to evacuate another soldier who was inside a vehicle. Sergeant
Tafesh, a field medic, was killed while running to take care of
those injured. The "Palestinian Islamic Jihad" claimed
responsibility for the attack  in a broadcast on a Hizbullah radio
station in Lebanon. This  faction  of  the Islamic Jihad is headed
by Dr. Fat'hi Shekaki and Abed el-Aziz, who operate primarily from
Lebanon, having been deported from Gaza in 1988. The organization
maintains ties with Syria and Iran, which provide it with financial
support and assistance in training.
 
 
Reports from Beirut State IDF and SLA Shelling Targets in South
Lebanon
 
Israel Radio reports this afternoon that according to reports from
Beirut, the IDF and the SLA began shelling targets in the Nabatia
sector of South Lebanon. A radio broadcast from Beirut also carried
a report stating that Israeli Air Force planes were flying over the
area.
 
 
AL HAMISHMAR: Israel Decides to Hold Municipal Elections in Judea
and Samaria; First Elections Probably in Hebron
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that Israel has decided to hold
municipal elections in Judea and Samaria -- and that the first
elections will probably be held in Hebron. The decision to hold
elections was made by the defense establishment, on the advice of
Defense Minister Moshe Arens. AL HAMISHMAR learned that elections
in all municipalities will not be held concurrently, but rather, in
phases, allowing elections to be held in different cities at
different times. It was further decided not to impose the decision
on the Palestinians, but instead to notify them that -- as far as
Israel is concerned -- there is a green light, and any city
deciding to conduct municipal elections, can freely approach the
Civil Administration. In Hebron, preparations have already begun in
anticipation of approaching the Civil Administration. According to
the newspaper, there is a consensus on this matter between Israel
and international bodies active in the territories, who are also in
favor of municipal elections.
 
 
International Investor: Improvement in Israel's Investment
Environment
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the prestigious financial magazine
"Institutional Investor" has determined that in the last half year,
Israel has improved its situation regarding the level of risk and
profitability involved in investing there. In its most recent
issue, which came out at the end of March 1992, it was established
that the situation in Israel had stabilized following the Gulf war.
The paper promoted Israel from 51st place to 50th place, on its
list of countries to do business in -- considering their financial
and political situation. HA'ARETZ states that the "International
Investor," published in New York, is accepted as an authority by
many countries around the world. Every 6 months, the magazine
publishes a report on the risk and profitability of 119 countries
throughout the world. In March 1992, the paper determined that the
degree of stability in Israel had increased over the past half year
by 1.9 points.
 
 
Chabad Center in Moscow Attacked; Property Destroyed and Swastikas
Painted on Walls
 
Today's HADASHOT reports that early morning Monday, unidentified
people broke into a building belonging to the Chabad Center in
Moscow, destroyed property and painted swastikas on the walls. It
is the first attack on the Chabad Center which was founded in
Moscow several months ago. According to the newspaper, this is
considered to be the most severe anti-Semitic incident to take
place in Moscow in the past two years.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

I know that replies to this note should be restricted to actual
news reports, but I could hardly contain my excitement:

> Note .48:
> Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the prestigious financial magazine
> "Institutional Investor" has ... promoted Israel from 51st place 
> to 50th place, on its list of countries to do business in.

Whew, what a relief!

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                 Wednesday, April 8, 1992
 
 
Shamir: We'll Maintain the Security Zone Until Our Border is
Completely Secured
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, today quotes Prime Minister Yitzhak
Shamir who spoke yesterday while visiting the Katif settlements.
Regarding the incident in south Lebanon, Shamir said, "The people
in question think that their role in life is to hurt us, bother us
in order to drive us out. They will not drive us out of anywhere.
We will establish security on the northern border and all those
attacks and assaults won't help...Sometimes it happens that the
killers succeed, unfortunately, in harming our people. It happens. 
Usually they pay a dear price.  Of course it doesn't console us but
there is no doubt in anybody's mind from our side or theirs, that
we will maintain the security zone until our northern border is
completely secured."
 
 
Major General Mordechai: I Presume Our Visit was Known in the
Villages; Shamir: The Nature of Such a Visit, In the Context of a
holiday, Cannot be Kept Secret
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Commander in Charge of the IDF
Northern Command Major General Yitzchak Mordechai also commented at
the terrorist attack, saying, "I presume that our visit was known
about in the villages beforehand. I do not  know if it was known
just yesterday or the previous evening. I also don't know if the
unit attacking the convoy had prior knowledge."  He added that the
lesson of this incident is that precautions must always be taken.
"We'll continue to take necessary action in handling the residents
of South Lebanon as well as in the military aspect of fighting
terrorism," he said. "The war against terrorism does not stop at
any time or in any way." The newspaper notes that Prime Minister
Shamir stated yesterday that he doesn't think that the attack on
the convoy was the result of a lapse in security. Even if local
residents knew that high ranking officers were about to visit. "The
nature of such a visit, in the context of a holiday, cannot be kept
secret," he said.
 
 
Lebanese Minister: This Terrorist Attack  will Shake Public Opinion
in Israel, Syria Supports Terrorist Attack Against the IDF and the
SLA
 
Today's DAVAR reports that spokesmen for the Lebanese government
praised the terrorist attack yesterday on the Israeli Convoy in
South Lebanon. The Lebanese minister Abdallah El Amin said that the
terrorist assault is a turning point in the series of terrorist
action conducted against the IDF and it will shake public opinion
in Israel. He also stated that Syria supports terrorist attacks
against the IDF and South Lebanese Army in South Lebanon and thus
approves of this most recent attack as well. 
 
 
Chief of Staff Barak: 'Auschwitz -- Never Again!'
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports today on Chief of Staff Lieutenant General
Ehud Barak's visit to the site of the Polish Concentration Camp,
Auschwitz. He eulogized the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis,
and stressed that only the combination of power, justice and
political insight will help Israel to maintain its sovereignty.
"The soldiers and officers of Israel, The Israel Defense Forces,
are the symbol of our promise and oath, that what happened here
will not be repeated. The preparedness and the might of the Israeli
Defense Forces guarantee this commitment: 'Auschwitz -- Never
Again!" 
 
 
Levy Meets with High Ranking Indian Delegation Visiting Israel
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports on the meeting between Foreign Minister
David Levy and a high ranking delegation from India currently in
Israel. Minister Levy said that Israel is willing to include India
in the peace process, especially in the multilateral negotiations. 
This is the first visit of a formal Indian delegation to Israel and
follows a prior Israeli delegation visit to New Delhi. That Israeli
delegation, which was in India 10 days ago, was headed by the
Deputy Director General of the Foreign Ministry Moshe Yegar. The
head of the Indian delegation said after the meeting that a
temporary head of the new Indian mission will arrive in Israel
about mid-May and immediately after him, a permanent ambassador
will be sent. The head of the Indian delegation added, "We had a
very good and friendly meeting with Minister Levy. there are many
areas in which we can contribute from our experience to the peace
process in the Middle East." Foreign Minister David Levy said after
the meeting that there is a strong will among the Indians for
cooperation with Israel in different fields, including the peace
process.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Revital Lubinsky and Robert
Socolof.

    
    Re: .49
    
    >Whew, what a relief!
    
    Maybe this is significant because some corporations
    will only do business with the top 50 countries?
    
    Jem

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                  Thursday, April 9, 1992
 
 
Arens: the IDF is Starting a Campaign Against the Hizbullah
Terrorist Organization
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Defense Minister Moshe Arens
yesterday stated that the Israel Defense Forces is starting a
campaign against the "organization of murderers" -- the Hizbullah.
In response to a reporter's question on what could be done against
this organization that hasn't already been done, Arens said, "Wait
and see." Defense Minister Arens was visiting Israel's northern
border, close to where a terrorist squad operated against an IDF
convoy on Monday afternoon. He said that for over a year now, the
IDF has been confronted with increased activity by the Hizbullah
and other organizations cooperating with it, such as the Islamic
Jihad. During this period, 10 IDF soldiers were killed in South
Lebanon. Arens also visited the 5 IDF soldiers who were injured in
the recent attack and who are now in Rambam Hospital. During the
visit, Arens said that the Hizbullah and the Islamic Jihad have
made it their objective to torpedo the peace talks. However, the
Defense Minister added, Israel is firm in its will not to allow
them to do that.
 
 
Ashrawi's Call for Popular Elections to Palestinian Institutions
Causes Sharp Criticism by Many Palestinians
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that before Yasser Arafat's plane had been
located, Palestinian Spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi said in Stockholm
that if Arafat were dead, elections should be conducted in all
Palestinian institutions in the Territories and outside them. The
newspaper reports that this statement caused sharp reactions among
Palestinians in the Territories, some even made threats. Many
demanded that she be dismissed from the Palestinian delegation and
any other official role. The newspaper quotes a prominent
Palestinian who said that the chances of Ashrawi continuing to
serve as a senior member of the delegation to the peace talks are
not great, and depend on Arafat's will. The source, however, noted
that PLO Chief Yasser Arafat is known to like Ms. Ashrawi.
 
 
Algeria and Yemen Tell Japan They'll Participate in Multilateral
Talks in Tokyo on Environmental Issues
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Algeria and Yemen have told Japan that
they intend to participate in the multilateral talks in Tokyo,
dealing with environmental issues. The newspaper states that
American sources attribute importance to this change in the
position of the two countries, which had both refused to
participate in the Moscow talks, citing the Israeli participation
as a cause.
 
 
Plan for Regional Cooperation in Tourism will be Submitted by
Israel
 
Yesterday's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that a plan for regional
cooperation in tourism will be submitted by Israel during the next
round of peace talks in Washington. This plan includes cooperation
with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel. The plan suggests free
movement for tourists between the 4 countries, opening the Israeli-
Jordanian border between Eilat and Akaba for tourist transfer and
integrating the use of ferries, which will visit the coasts of the
four countries on the Gulf of Eilat. The plan was prepared by the
Israeli Ministry of Tourism, based on lessons of the "open bridges"
policy enacted with Jordan.
 
 
Shamir Authorizes Minister Nissim to Appoint 4 David Levy
Supporters to Likud Secretariat
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEl, reports that Prime Minister Yitzhak
Shamir authorized Minister Moshe Nissim to appoint 4
representatives of David Levy's camp in the Likud to the Party's
Secretariat. Minister Nissim is to appoint the Levy representatives
by virtue of his position as the Chairman of the Likud's Campaign
Board for the upcoming elections. This act is said to be part of
the agreement reached between Prime Minister Shamir and Foreign
Minister Levy last Sunday. KOL YISRAEL adds that the Likud
Secretariat Chairman, Minister Moshe Arens, had reservations about
the agreement reached between Shamir and Levy.
 
 
HA'ARETZ: A sophisticated genetic profile examination has verified
the death of Josef Mengele, the Nazi physician who operated at
Auschwitz concentration camp. Mengele, who was responsible for the
death of 400,000 people, died in Brazil in 1979. This was announced
yesterday by the Justice Ministry in Israel and the General
Prosecutor of Frankfurt.
 
 
AL HAMISHMAR: 5,000 Jewish youths from 44 countries will
participate in the March of Life, which is scheduled to take place
on Holocaust Memorial Day, April 30, in Poland. The youths will
march along the route of the "death march" which was walked by
masses of Jews on their way from Auschwitz to Birkenau. Among those
who will participate are 600 youths from Israel.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

                Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                    Friday, April 10, 1992
 
 
If U.S. Insists on Participation of Palestinians from the Diaspora
in Work Groups on Refugees and Economic Development -- Israel Will
Not Attend These Discussions
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports yesterday's assertion by Israel that
it would not participate in either the work group on the refugee
problem, or the one for economic development, should the U.S.
insist on the participation of Palestinians from the diaspora in
those groups. The two work groups are part of the multilateral
talks and are scheduled to convene on May. This was clarified in
talks earlier this week between senior Israeli representatives and
two U.S. State Department officials, Daniel Kurtzer and Aaron
Miller, in Israel. The Israeli officials told Kurtzer and Miller
that participation by Palestinians from outside the Territories
contradicts the principles agreed to by Israel and the U.S. on the
eve of the peace conference in Madrid. They said that Israel would
not agree to one-sided violations of the  Madrid principles. The
Israeli representatives stated that if the U.S. insists on this,
the two work groups will convene without Israeli participation.
They reminded their guests that Israel is 50% of the Middle East
conflict, and that without its agreement, nothing can be resolved.
According to the newspaper, Miller and Kurtzer responded, saying
that Secretary of State James Baker had promised the Palestinians
that representatives from the diaspora would participate in these
work groups, and that he does not intend to go back on his word.
 
 
Levy Calls On Egyptians to Release David Ovich
 
Today's DAVAR quotes Foreign Minister David Levy who  called upon
the Egyptian authorities yesterday to release Israeli David Ovich.
Levy said that Egypt "knows that he is innocent", and that "he was
done an injustice, which must be corrected by his immediate
release." Political sources in Jerusalem expressed wonder over the
decision to hold Ovich in detention for 45 more days. According to
these sources, Israel explicitly told the Egyptians that Ovich did
not commit espionage and wasn't connected in any way to any
official Israeli body. The sources added that though all espionage
accusations against the Israeli detainees are baseless, the Musrati
family has other charges standing against it. These charges include
using fake documents and staying in Egypt illegally. However, there
are no such charges against Ovich, said the sources, and thus he
has to be released. The newspaper reports that Levy instructed
Israel's Ambassador in Cairo, Ephraim Dowek, to pressure for
Ovich's release through all appropriate forums. The sources in
Jerusalem said that the continuation of this affair would
eventually cause damage to the relations between the two countries.
 
 
AL HAMISHMAR: Palestinians will Ask Egypt to Demand that Israel
Give Back the Gaza Strip in the Framework of the Peace Talks
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that the Palestinians will ask Egypt
to demand that Israel give back the Gaza Strip in the framework of
the peace talks. The Palestinians have similarly requested that
Jordan ask Israel for the West Bank, by virtue of U.N. resolution
242. This was related to AL HAMISHMAR by Palestinian sources in the
Territories as a prelude to the departure to Cairo of Palestinian
delegates to the peace talks. The newspaper states that this issue
was previously raised by the P.L.O. with the Egyptian Government.
According to preliminary reports, Egypt's attitude is positive. The
initiator of the idea is Haled El-Hasan, head of the Committee for
Foreign Relations of the National Palestinian council. In an
interview given to Radio Tunis on March 23rd, Hassan said that the
same way Jordan should be given the responsibility to recoup the
West Bank, Egypt should be given the responsibility to recoup the
Gaza Strip. This, he said, because U.N. resolution 242 pertains to
Jordan and Egypt, from which the Territories were captured.
 
 
Levy: Likud-Led Government Lost Coalition Due to Its Commitment to
Peace Process
 
Foreign Minister David Levy was interviewed yesterday on Israel
Television's Mifgash program. During the interview, the reporter
said that representatives of the Arab delegations to the peace
talks claim that the next round of  talks will be useless, since
Israel is awaiting elections. The reporter asked Levy whether
Israel intends to come with new proposals in order to advance the
peace process. Levy responded by saying, "A. Our delegation is
authorized, and was authorized by the Government, to promote and
make any effort to promote [the process]. B. As for the
elections,...this Government, the Likud, gave up a majority in the
parliament, stood and sacrificed the coalition, something which
brought the early elections -- and this for the peace process. It
[Likud] didn't accept the dictation of the partners that resigned
from the coalition -- Moledet, Tehiya and Tzomet -- which asked to
halt the [peace] process...We rejected that, and we said that the
process wouldn't be halted, even if the coalition breaks apart,
even if we lose the majority in the parliament, and even if it
resulted in early elections. Can there be a more concrete example
than this as to what the Government is doing in order to emphasize
its commitment to the peace process?"
 
 
YEDIOT AHRONOT Publishes Another Poll Citing Increase in Labor
Popularity and Decrease for Likud
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT published a poll stating that if the
elections to the Knesset were conducted today, the Labor Party
would garner 44 Knesset seats, with the Likud Party getting only
35. The newspaper notes that in comparison to a poll taken two and
a half weeks ago, the current poll indicates another increase in 
Labor's popularity and a decrease for the Likud. According to the
poll, the Labor, Meretz and the Arab parties have a "blocking
majority" of 60 seats in the Knesset. The poll indicates 10 seats
to Meretz, 5 to the National Religious Party (Mafdal), 4 to Agudat
Yisrael, 4 to Shas, 3 to Tzomet, 4 to Moledet, 3 to the Tehiya and
2 to Degel Hatorah. According to the poll, the Arab parties would
get 6 seats. The phone survey was conducted by the Dahaf Institute.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

               Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Monday, April 13, 1992
 
 
Israel and Kazakhstan Establish Diplomatic Relations
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, today reports that Israel has
established diplomatic relations with the former Soviet Republic of
Kazakhstan. Israel's Ambassador to Russia, Aryeh Levin, set up the
ties during his April 10th visit to Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan's capitol,
where he met with heads of the Government of the largely Moslem
country. The radio adds that an Israeli diplomat was sent to Alma-
Ata to handle the establishment of an embassy.
 
 
King Hussein: The Arabs Have no Choice but to Continue to Negotiate
Due to Recent Changes in the World
 
Today's DAVAR quotes King Hussein of Jordan who said yesterday that 
due to changes which have occurred in the world recently, the Arabs
have no choice but to continue the negotiations with Israel.
According to King Hussein, the coordination among the Arab States
is not ideal, but Jordan is sticking to its decision to participate
in the multilateral negotiations. Jordan refuses to accept dictates
from the Arab countries (DAVAR states that this is a hint towards
Syria), but will consider the position of the Arab consensus. The
King was speaking at the Jordanian University in Aman and answering
students' questions. The King assessed that in any case, the Arab-
Israeli negotiations will be difficult and long. Answering one of
the students who showed deep solidarity with Iraq, King Hussein
expressed the hope that the international embargo will soon be
lifted from that country.
 
 
Jewish Agency Representative Meets with Jews in Yugoslavia who Fled
the Areas of Battles
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that a special envoy of the Jewish Agency
in Yugoslavia met yesterday with 180 Jews who had escaped to
Belgrade from the areas of internal battles. In the meeting, they
discussed the severe condition of those who had escaped and left
behind family members and property. According to the Jewish
Agency's envoy, the Jews are in a state of confusion. Sources in
the Jewish Agency said that it's not the time for them to make
decision regarding immigration to Israel. Most of the group who
escaped to Belgrade are old people, women and children; the men
remained behind to guard the property.
 
 
Tension in the Likud Party
 
KOL YISRAEL reports today on tensions in the Likud Party.
Supporters of the Moshe Arens camp in the Likud say that the
representatives of the David Levy camp would not join the Party's
Secretariat. Four representatives of the David Levy camp were
supposed to join the Secretariat as part of an agreement reached
between Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir and Foreign Minister Levy.
The Arens supporters say that the letter given by the Prime
Minister to this effect is not binding. The radio further reports
that Minister Ariel Sharon and Prime Minister Shamir met yesterday
to discuss the need to convene the Likud Central committee. Nothing
was said to be decided.
 
 
Three Terrorists Who Attacked Convoy in South Lebanon Last Week
Were Palestinians
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the three terrorists who last week
ambushed the convoy of officers in South Lebanon and were killed in
the fighting, were Palestinians, and not Lebanese Hizbullah.  One
of them came from a refugee camp near Sidon, the other from a
refugee camp in Jordan, and the third came from Basra in Iraq. The
three were recruited into action by the Islamic Jihad, which
received Hizbullah assistance in arranging the ambush. The
commander of the ambush was a 26 year old Palestinian from the Ein
Hilwe refugee camp near Sidon, Adal Kamal Zahar.  The other two
were Khaled Mohammed Hassan, from the Wahidat refugee camp in
Jordan, and Nazzar Mahadur from Basra. Apparently, all three were
assembled about five months ago in Lebanon and began military
training for a special mission. On the foreheads of the dead men
were bands, of the type usually worn by Iranian Revolutionary Guard
fighters and Lebanese Shiites. Small Korans were found in their
pockets. Operational ties were established between the Jihad and
the Hizbullah for this action.  The Hizbullah organization has an
extremely orderly infrastructure in South Lebanon and has, in the
past, given aid more than once to the Islamic Jihad in its actions
against Israel in Lebanon. 
 
 
IDF Northern Command Recommends a Medal for the Bravery of Sergeant
Salah Tafesh
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that the Israel Defense Forces'
Northern Command has recommended to award an IDF medal to Sergeant
Salah Tafesh of Beit-Jan who was killed in the terrorist attack
last week in South Lebanon. Sergeant Tafesh was a medic who arrived 
on the site of the clash with IDF reinforcements. He went under
fire to begin taking care of those wounded. He didn't listen to the
requests of his commanders to get out of there and hide behind a
shelter. Tafesh continued taking care of the injured until a bullet
hit him and he was killed. Officers at the Northern Command said
that sergeant Tafesh demonstrated extraordinary bravery and
commitment to his mission.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert Socolof.

                                         Jerusalem, 9 April 1992
 
EXCERPTS OF SHAMIR INTERVIEW ON "MOKED" 
 
(Interview with Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir on Israel 
Television's "Moked" program, 8.4.92.  Interviewers: Yoram Ronen
and Gadi Sukenik)
 
 Q: Now that it is clear that Yasser Arafat has survived, let me
ask you -- is Yasser Arafat a target of ours? In other words, do we
want to liquidate him, or considering who might succeed him, is
Arafat, whom we are used to, the lesser of two evils?
 
A: I do not think we have to deliberate today, of all days, on this
specific issue.  In any case, according to the information we have
received until now, as far as we are concerned, nothing has
changed.  There was a certain amount of excitement in the Arab
world, we hope the day will come when many Arabs will understand
that their salvation will not come from Arafat.
 
Q: You have not answered the question if he is a target of ours?
 
A: You are right, I did not answer and I do not intend to.
 
(...)
 
Q: Regarding Eretz Israel, you have received more than a little
criticism from the American administration, either directly or
indirectly, from administration officials, from George Bush, James
Baker, and their people, that you have violated agreements
concerning the settlements.  They claim they do not believe you,
because you have broken promises to them on these matters.
 
A: Can you quote them?
 
Q: Not this minute from memory.
 
A: No one has ever said that.  Perhaps there was an impression that
someone, at one time, did not understand my remarks .  I have never
in my life promised that settlement activity in the land of Israel
would cease in any part of the land of Israel.  And that is fact.
 
Q: Be that as it may, due to this and perhaps also due to other
matters, there is a low ebb in our relationship with the U.S.  that
commentators say is without precedent.
 
A: This is not so.  Never.  The low ebb is not because someone said
something or someone did not understand ...
 
Q: Because of the facts.
 
A: There are certain differences of opinion.  And if you take into
account everything that has been said recently -- the interview
with Baker, Quayle's speech yesterday, all sorts of announcements
and declarations, it is very difficult to talk about a unparalleled
low ebb when things of this sort are said precisely at this time. 
It is true, there are differences of opinion, I regret these
differences of opinion, but these differences of opinion, when
compared to settlement and when compared to the issue of territory
in the conflict between us and the Arabs, these differences of
opinion have always existed, throughout all the periods of good
relations between us and the U.S.  And they did not ruin the
network of friendly relations.  And even now they do not ruin them. 
So says Bush and so says Baker and so said Quayle yesterday, and
you do not believe them.
 
Q: These are words, what about deeds, what about the damage done to
defense industries, these awful investigations, the threat of
sanctions? The loan guarantees...
 
A: Where is there any damage to the defense industries? There are
occasionally misunderstandings on all sorts of subjects, but when
there are friendly relations which are fundamental and basic, one
also overcomes differences of opinion.  There have been differences
of opinion during the best periods of the Reagan administration. 
There were things of this sort.  We surmounted them, and afterwards
very good things came of it as reflected in the cooperation between
us and the U.S.  There are differences of opinion.  There are
differences of opinion between the U.S.  and its other allies,
including members of NATO.  But the fact that a sturdy base exists
to the friendship and cooperation, and the sharing of values and of
interests, this fact allows both sides the ability to overcome
differences of opinion that crop up and appear on occasion.
 
Q: Even so, Mr.  Prime Minister, even when there are differences of
opinion, on the issue of settlement in Judea and Samaria, which has
existed since 19[67], there was never a time when there was
explicit conditioning by the U.S., that they are not willing to
grant us aid except if we cease the settlements ...
 
A: This is a precedent, that is true.  I hope that one day this
will also be clarified and I hope this also will dissolve.  We have
recently heard the Senate resolution voted for by 99 senators, with
1 against...
 
Q: A declarative statement that has no significance.
 
A: But it is very meaningful and it contains a principle that every
member of the U.S.  Senate -- the most important parliamentary body
in the democratic world -- that all members of the Senate,
excepting one, said they were in favor of guarantees, without
political linkage, they said the U.S.  has to aid Israel in its
immigration operations.  They decided, all those who initiated the
proposal of this resolution, that this is not the end.  The U.S.,
in the final analysis, will continue to aid Israel in absorbing
immigration.
 
Q: But how will this affair be concluded? You say that in the final
analysis we will receive the guarantees.  But the Americans say --
either guarantees or settlements, and you say -- we will continue
to settle in all parts of the Land of Israel.  There's no room here
for compromise.
 
A: Why? There is no doubt that we will continue [to settle].  No
one can take away our right to do so.  And we continue to settle. 
Today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow.  That is our way.  And I
do not believe any government in Israel would commit itself to stop
settling in any part of Israel due to pressure and dictates.  All
the same, the relationship did not end.  The network of friendly
relations continues.
 
Q: But we will not receive the guarantees under these conditions.
 
A: At this minute we will not obtain them.  I do not know if we
will get them in another half a year or a year.  Do you think we
will not need them? We will need them.  I am not giving up.
 
Q: The issue of the Patriot affair is not over either.  You said
that the affair was over, or that you estimate that the affair to
be over, (...) yet the American Secretary of Defense yesterday said
its not over -- "we still have reason for concern."
 
A: The spokeswoman for the U.S.  State Department said that for
them the matter is closed.  Word for word, she said it.  I did not
hear exactly what the Secretary of Defense said, but she explicitly
said that, and we know that she is very careful in choosing her
words.
 
Q: That was a week ago.  Yesterday however there was a different
announcement.
 
A: But its the same subject.  And she said the matter was closed. 
On this basis I had the opportunity and the permission to also say
that the matter is closed.
 
Q: You sound very optimistic, Mr.  Prime Minister.  It sounds as if
the situation is indeed excellent ...
 
A: I did not say that.  You have to keep things in proportion.  I
said, that the network of relations, in its fundamentals, is as it
used to be, is friendly.  (...) We must make an effort to overcome
these difficulties.
 
Q: To sum up this topic, it does not seem, to me anyway, that after
the elections in the U.S.  in November, when George Bush will
probably be reelected for another term, that the situation will
improve, when he will clearly, of course, not be needing of the
Jewish vote.
 
A: You still talk about needing the Jewish vote.  What is it? It is
not something that in any case obligates taking into account the
Jewish factor.  And as for what will be after the elections, we
shall wait and see.  (...)
 
Q: If you are elected Prime Minister in June, you will reach the
government at nearly the age of 77.  Are you willing to commit
yourself to serving the full four years as Prime Minister, or
during the coming term will you pass the scepter on to another
person?
 
A: Look, it is very difficult to commit oneself to things of this
sort.  Even a younger man than I cannot make this commitment.  And
what happens if he feels he cannot any longer? Then he will resign. 
It is not so terrible.  But I say, according to how I feel right
now, I do not think I have to make conditions, or request certain
limitations, I will continue for as along as I can, without
limitations.
 
Q: Four years?
 
A: Without limitations.  If I will feel that I am limited, I will
reach the appropriate conclusions.
 
(...)
 
 
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                                      Jerusalem, 10 April 1992
 
DAILY PRESS SURVEY 
(Hebrew press)
 
"YEDIOT AHRONOT", (p.3) -- Aryeh Egozi reports that the "Python 3"
missile produced by Rafael is a product of Israeli development
which does not [contain] any technology or unique component
produced in the United States.  This was stated yesterday by
knowledgeable sources.  "If there are American parts in the
missile, they are peripheral components which can be obtained
freely on the market," the sources said.
 
The sources added that the missile is the third generation of the
air-to- air missiles whose development was begun by Rafael in the
1960s.
 
The "Python-3" is an air-to-air missile which is equipped with a
homing infra-red head that which enables it to home in on the heat
emitted from the engine of the aircraft.  It is three meters-long;
its diameter is 16 centimeters, and; its weighs 120 kilograms.  It
can be launched at combat aircraft at a range of one half-kilometer
and it has a maxuimum range of up to 15 kilometers.  Its missile
warhead weighs 11 kilograms and it contains a large quantity of
special metal particles whose purpose is to cause damage to enemy
aircraft -- even in instances when the missile explodes nearby and
does not achieve a direct hit.
 
The missile, which has been in the operational service of the Air
Force for many years, has thus far downed about 150 Syrian and
Egyptian combat aircraft.
 
"MA'ARIV", (p.14) -- Avinoam Bar-Yosef reports that senior
government sources in Jerusalem are accusing the United States of
having distorted agreements that were reached on the eve of the
start of the political process -- which determined that only
Palestinians from the territories would participate in the peace
talks.
 
Yesterday, attempts to find a compromise -- which would allow the
start of negotiations on the matter of the refugee problem and on
the areas of regional-economic development -- failed.  Two American
officials involved in the matter are leaving Israel.  Aaron Miller
already returned to Washington yesterday, while Dan Kurtzer is
supposed to leave for Jordan today for the continuation of the
talks, en route back home.
 
A senior [member] of the negotiating team with the United States on
the matter of the opening of the multi-lateral discussions
clarified yesterday that American abstinence to include
representatives of the [Palestinian] exile in the working group on
economic-regional development and on refugee affairs contradicts
the agreements and the letter of assurances presented to Israel.
 
It turns out that Dan Kurtzer, who is in charge of the political
process in the Near East Department of the American State
Department, and Aaron Miller -- assistant to the head of the
Political Planning Branch -- claimed, during the talks in
Jerusalem, that Israel was originally aware of the intention to
include representatives of the exile on the multi-lateral track.
 
The two met with elements in East Jerusalem and requested a list of
exiled Palestinians who are not identified with the PLO, in order
to invite them to the talks.  In response, Israel unequivocally
clarified that it does not intend to participate in discussions
alongside representatives from the Palestinian exile.  The
statement was relayed to senior American officials in order to
prevent misunderstandings in the future.  The Israeli position is
steadfast, even at the price of its non-participation in these
talks.    
 
In contacts which took place in Tiberias, no formula was found
which would enable the participation of United Nations
representatives in the talks and, at this stage, the American
request to enable the invitation of European Community
representatives to the discussions of arms control was rejected.
 
"DAVAR", (p.2) -- Onn Levy reports that the bi-annual talks on
strategic cooperation between the United States and Israel ended
yesterday with a festive dinner at the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv. 
According to senior defense establishment figures, "it was one of
the best meetings we have had with the Americans in recent years."
 
The talks on this subject, which take place once every half year
and alternating between Israel and the United States, lasted for
one week and were held in Tiberias.  All issues concerning
cooperation between Israel and the United States were discussed and
future horizons were explored.
 
Yesterday, senior elements in the defense establishment said that
-- despite the weak relations now prevailing between the American
administration and its Israeli counterpart -- the Americans
demonstrated understanding and a desire to advance many issues,
more so than usual.
 
The American delegation will return to the United States this
morning.
 
"YEDIOT AHRONOT", (p.12) -- Michael Rosolio reports that the affair
of the royal horse from Jordan ended yesterday.  In a short
ceremony, Omar -- the beloved horse of Jordanian Crown Prince
Hassan -- who swam across the Gulf of Eilat and arrived in Israel
three days ago, was returned [to Jordan].
 
With a one-hour delay, representatives of the Jordanian royal
family -- escorted by officers from the United Nations force --
arrived at the meeting point on the border, about 50 kilometers
north of Eilat, to receive the horse.
 
When they distinguished the many Israeli journalists, the
Jordanians hid behind a hill and requested that the United Nations
officers signal the Israelis to cross the border.  The deputy
commander of the Arava brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel Ze'ev; the [IDF]
liaison officer for the international force, Captain Gil, and; an
assistant to the IDF spokesman from the Southern Command, crossed
the border without the horse, and walked 300 meters in Jordanian
territory to the hiding place of the Jordanians.
 
>From afar, it was possible to see handshakes.  The Israeli officers
reported having held a pleasant conversation with the Jordanians,
during the course of which they told them that the horse has been
in Kibbutz Eilot, and had received medical care and choice food. 
The Jordanians thanked them and asked to have the press moved away
so that the trainer of the horse could come and get him.  The
Israelis refused, on the grounds that Israel is a democracy and
cannot interfere with the media.
 
A solution was eventually found.  The sides agreed that an officer
from the United Nations force would come to take the horse from the
Israeli side.  The American officer again raised the green flag and
approached the border.  After a few courteous words, the horse
returned to Jordan under a military escort.
 
Dan Starmuza, a member of Kibbutz Eilot who cared for the horse,
was able to pass to the United Nations officer a letter from second
graders in Kibbutz Eilot with an invitation for King Hussein to
come and visit the kibbutz.  "We were happy to care for the horse
of your brother and we would be pleased if you would come visit us,
and we you," the children wrote the King.     
In an official announcement, the Jordanian royal family promised to
pay for the cost of maintaining the horse for the time during which
it resided at the stables of Kibbutz Eilot.  In response, Israel
stated that it has waived the payment.
 
 
 
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Sorry  this item is a few days late, I was away for a few days.  I am
posting this one because of the story regarding the loan guarentees.  I
know that Bandar played a key role in bringing the Arab parties to the
peace process, and that he was very active at Madrid during the opening of
the talks.  

                                       Jerusalem, 12 April 1992
 
DAILY PRESS SURVEY 
(Hebrew press)
 
"Ma'ariv" (p.  1) -- Avinoam Bar Yosef reports that President
George Bush already a year ago, in April 1991, promised the Saudi
ambassador to Washington, Prince Bandar ben-Sultan, that the U.S. 
will not grant the guarantees to Israel -- if he succeeds in
persuading Syrian and Jordanian leaders to join the peace talks.
 
A classified report on a deal of this sort between the American
administration and Prince Bandar was passed to Jerusalem over the
weekend from the Israeli embassy in Washington.  According to the
report, based on talks between Prince Bandar himself with American
elements -- Bush did not link the granting of guarantees to a
settlement freeze, but on Arab participation in the peace process.
 
[Sources] in Jerusalem said last night that all the delays in
granting the guarantees were meant, apparently, to mislead Israel
and its supporters in Washington, while President Bush intended to
abide by his agreement of April of last year with Bandar.
 
At the time the promise was given, Israel was convinced that the
guarantees would be granted as requested.  The Bush administration
agreed at that point to compensate Israel at the sum of $650
million for its expenses during the Gulf War, on condition that
Israel delay the request for guarantees until September.
 
Prince Bandar fulfilled a central role in the American diplomatic
effort to advance the peace process, and mediated between
Washington to Amman and Damascus, after fulfilling a similar role
in consolidating the Arab coalition during the Gulf War.
 
The close association between Prince Bandar and leaders of the
American administration reached its peak at the Madrid conference. 
According to a report which reached Jerusalem -- at the height of
the conference, when Israel was considering leaving the talks
because of pro-PLO statements of Haidar Abed al-Shafi, head of the
Palestinian delegation, Baker approached Bandar with a request to
restrain the Palestinians.
 
"The F---ing Israelis intend to leave", Baker said, according to
the report.  Bandar responded: "Let the Jews leave, as long as the
good Americans stay."
 
Oded Shorer reports from Washington: sources in the American State
Department yesterday denied the allegations that a year ago the
U.S.  promised Saudi ambassador Prince Bandar to withhold
guarantees to Israel in exchange for Syrian participation in the
peace talks.
 
Jewish sources in New York, however, said explicitly that there was
such a meeting and this is exactly what Bandar was told, and that
White House circles confirmed this some months ago.  They quoted
from letters the White House sends to various elements in the
Jewish community which deprecate the President's attitude to
Israel.  It says explicitly in the letters that the U.S.  is
delaying granting the guarantees to Israel because such an American
move would sabotage the peace process.
 
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                                     Jerusalem, 13 April 1992
 
DAILY PRESS SURVEY (Hebrew press)
 
IN TODAY'S SURVEY: Three terrorists killed last week were
Palestinian and not Hizballah; U.S.  relaxes demand to include
Palestinians from abroad and from East Jerusalem in the working
committees of the multi-lateral talks.
 
 "HA'ARETZ" (p.  1) -- Ze'ev Schiff reports that the three
terrorists who last week ambushed the convoy of officers in South
Lebanon and were killed in the fighting, were Palestinians, and not
Lebanese Hizballah.  One of them comes from a refugee camp near
Sidon, the other from a refugee camp in Jordan, and the third came
from Basra in Iraq.  The three were recruited into action by
Islamic Jihad, which received Hizballah assistance for the ambush.
 
The commander of the ambush was a Palestinian from the Ein Hilwe
refugee camp near Sidon, Adal Kamal Zahar, 26.  The other two were
Khaled Mohammed Hassan, from the Wahidat refugee camp in Jordan,
and Nazzar Mahadur from Basra.  Apparently, all three were
assembled about five months ago in Lebanon and began military
training for a special mission.
 
On the foreheads of the dead men were bands, of the type usually
worn by Iranian Revolutionary Guard fighters and Lebanese Shi'ites. 
Small Korans were found in their pockets.
 
>From the gang's vehicle it is clear that this was not solely a
Hizballah operation.  This was an action carried out by
Palestinians, at the instigation of the Shkaki faction of the
Islamic Jihad.
 
Operational ties were established between the Jihad and the
Hizballah for the action.  This organization has an extremely
orderly infrastructure in South Lebanon and has in the past given
aid more than once to the Islamic Jihad in its actions against
Israel in Lebanon.  It is likely that it was Hizballah that gave
the Jihad the intelligence and operational information needed for
the ambush.  (...)
 
"MA'ARIV" (p.  2) -- Oded Shorer reports that the U.S.  has relaxed
its demand to include Palestinians from abroad and from East
Jerusalem in the working committees of the multi-lateral talks, set
to take place next month in various world capitals.  In the talks
held last week in Jerusalem, American State Department
representatives proposed a compromise.  Israel refused to allow the
PLO to send delegates to the committees, and threatened to disrupt
the talks.
 
According to the American proposal, the Palestinians would not
participate in the discussions of the disarmament committee, set to
take place at the beginning of May in Washington.  In exchange
Washington proposes that Israel agree to Palestinians that fulfill
the criteria established at the Madrid conference -- not from
abroad, not from East Jerusalem, not PLO representatives --
participate in the working committees for environment and water.
 
The U.S.  also proposes that Israel agree to include Palestinians
from abroad in two committees: the committee on refugees, set to
meet in the Canadian capital of Ottawa next month, and the
committee for economic cooperation set to meet in Tokyo next month. 
These delegates, the U.S.  promises, would not be identified with
the PLO and would not be residents of East Jerusalem.
 
 
 
                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
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              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                 Wednesday, April 15, 1992
 
 
Mubarak Asks Palestinians to Attend Multilateral Talks
 
Today's DAVAR reports that Egyptian President Husni Mubarak
yesterday asked the Palestinian representatives from the bilateral
peace talks with Israel to join in the multilateral negotiation
session opening next month. Mubarak told the Palestinian delegation
not to distinguish the multilateral talks from the bilateral. The
Egyptian President told the Palestinians that they must agree to
attend the multilateral sessions on the same terms as the bilateral
negotiations. This statement was a referral to the Palestinian
demand to include Palestinian representatives from outside the
Territories. Mubarak stated that either he, or an envoy would also
go to Syria to persuade them to attend the multilateral talks. 
Syria has already stated that it will not attend the multilateral
talks despite an American effort to change their minds.  Mubarak is
encouraging the Palestinian representatives to adopt a pragmatic
outlook towards all stages of the political negotiations and called
on all the different Palestinian groups to arrive at a fully
coordinated position on the subject of the negotiations.
 
 
Arens: Egyptian Administration Responsible for Non-Development of
Multi-faceted Relations Between the Two Countries
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Defense Minister Moshe Arens blamed
the head of the Egyptian administration for not encouraging
development of the ties between their two countries in industry,
culture, tourism and academics. According to Arens, one purpose of
Israel's relationship with Egypt is to create an interwoven network
of relations in different fields which will enhance the peace so as
to preclude a retreat from it. As an example of his statement,
Arens cited Egypt's non-existent publicity of a huge agricultural
project reaching from Cairo to Alexandria, which included the
participation of Israeli experts.
 
 
Arens Welcomes Municipal Elections in the Territories
 
Today's HA'ARETZ also quoted Defense Minister Arens on the increase
in the number of terrorist attacks in the Territories.  In March,
there were 263 reported incidents  of terrorism as compared with
240 in February.There was also a growth in the number of
disturbances, up from 1,641 in February to 2,273 in March. Arens
attributed the increase to the end of the Arab feast of Ramadan and
improving weather conditions.  Since the beginning of the Intifada
uprising in November 1987, 1,396 Arabs have been killed. Six
Hundred fifty five of whom died at the hands of other Arabs. Arens
was talking about the elections of the chambers of Commerce and
Industrialists in the Territories.  So far, 40 election campaigns
have been held, involving 10-20 thousand voters. Arens commented
that these elections were free and democratic. He added that he
welcomes these elections because their purpose is to appoint
municipal committees who will prepare the groundwork for municipal
elections in the Territories. Arens estimates that Hebron will be
the first town to hold such elections.  
 
 
Terrorist Ambush in Security Zone
 
According to today's HA'ARETZ 2 terrorists were killed and an IDF
soldier lightly wounded yesterday when a terrorist group ambushed
an army unit on routine patrol in the central section of the
Security Zone in southern Lebanon. The incident took place 12
kilometers north of Metullah. The terrorists opened fire on the
Golani unit from atop a hill which overlooks the road traveled by
the Israeli soldiers. Military sources suspect that townspeople
from the nearby village of Ayishia helped the terrorists reach
their position in broad daylight. Many terrorist incidents have
taken place in the area recently, with the Hizbullah claiming
responsibility in all of them.  
 
 
Tzomet Party Election Results; Tsidon Out, Eitan Retains #1
Position
 
HADASHOT reports today that in the internal election of the Tzomet
Party, Yoash Tsidon was knocked out of the 2nd position on the
party slate and replaced by Gonen Segev. Segev is a farmer from Tel
Adashim. Tsidon subsequently resigned from the party, accusing
party members of forging the election results in a conspiracy
against him. Raphael Eitan won first spot on the party's list.  
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: Israel's Consumer Prime Index rose 1.5% in March.
 
 
MA'ARIV: At the invitation of the head of the European Community,
Directors General of the Defense Ministry and the Foreign Ministry,
David Ivri and Dr. Yosef Hadass, will go to Portugal. The two men
will meet with the Europeans regarding their participation in the
multilateral talks. The newspaper, adds that the U.S. and Russia
are expected to deliver the invitations to the next round of
Bilateral talks in Washington in the next few days. They will also
declare that the next round of talks will take place in Europe,
probably Rome.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: The U.S. Administration will transfer 600 million
dollars to Israel. This represents the 2nd half of the annual
economic aid granted to Israel. The U.S. government unfroze the aid
only last month, when Congress decided on the national budget,
including foreign aid.  
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Revital Lubinsky and Robert
Socolof.

               Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                  Thursday, April 16, 1992
 
 
Reactions in Israel to Libyan Affair
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT quotes Defense Minister Moshe Arens on the
developments in Libya. Arens said, "There is no danger that the
tension between Libya and the West would cause a security problem
with regard to Israel... What's happening in Libya can have only a
positive effect since the West, the U.S. and perhaps the entire
world are again demonstrating firmness against terrorism." The
media in Israel quote Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir who said
yesterday that he hopes, "Israel would not be involved in any way
with the current crisis in Libya." He was speaking in Metzudat
Ze'ev, the Likud headquarters, in Tel Aviv. Shamir added that
Israel is getting ready for any possible scenario, but he hopes
Israel "wouldn't have to act." Also, the head of the Jaffa
Strategic Institute at Tel Aviv University, Major General (Reserve)
Aharon Yariv, said that Israel should enter a state of military
alert due to the developments in Libya, but he added he does not
foresee a Libyan attack. Nevertheless, should the international
community take military action against Libya, there is a chance
Libya would try to take actions against Israel, said Yariv. He
added that although Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhaffi does not have
long-range missiles that can reach Israel, as Iraq had during the
Gulf War, the Libyan leader can give orders to carry out terrorist
attacks.
 
 
Jibril: Palestinians will Fight with Libya if It Should Come Under
Attack
 
YEDIOT AHRONOT today reports that a general strike has been
declared in the Territories today by the Palestinian United
National Headquarters to show their support for Libya. The general
strike was called to protest the U.N sanctions in effect against
Libya. Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that head of the Popular
Front for the Liberation of Palestine -- General Command (PFLP-GC),
Ahmad Jibril, stated that the Palestinians will fight with Libya,
if it should come under attack. KOL YISRAEL also reports that Syria
has expressed its solidarity with Libya though it did not let
Libyan planes land on Syrian territory.
 
 
Ovich in a Better Mood; Hopes in Jerusalem for His Release Despite
Pessimistic Assessment
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that sources in Jerusalem said they
continue to hope for a "positive surprise" to come out of Cairo
regarding the David Ovich affair. This occurred despite a
pessimistic assessment reported by the Israeli Embassy in Cairo
concerning the chances that David Ovich would be released soon. The
Israeli Consul in Cairo, Ronnie Porat, yesterday visited Ovich in
the Egyptian prison, bringing him matzoth, candies and kosher
cookies. Porat described Ovich, saying, "I found Ovich in a better
mood than I had found him in a previous visit. It seems that
reports on a lot of interest in his fate and the efforts being made
for his release have been encouraging to him."
 
 
GSS Interrogators Were Dismissed Following Deviation from
Interrogation Procedures
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that several General Security Service
interrogators, among them senior interrogators, have been dismissed
from the GSS after it was found that they deviated from
interrogation procedures at the Gaza GSS facility. This has been
revealed in a deposition submitted to the High Court of Justice by
the head of the GSS. The deposition shows that a special committee
with representatives of the State Attorney and the Security Service
had found out that the interrogators deviated from the procedures.
Following that, State Attorney Dorit Beinish and head of the GSS
decided to dismiss them.
 
 
Yemenite Deputy Prime Minister Says Jews Would be Able to Leave for
Israel Only After Palestinian Problem is Resolved
 
Today's DAVAR quotes Yemenite Deputy Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Al-
Hadi who said that Yemen would be able to recognize Israel and
establish diplomatic relations with it only after the Palestinian
problem is resolved. He said that only then will Yemenite Jews who
want to leave for Israel be able to do that. Until that time, he
claimed, they can travel to any other country.
 
 
Israel and Angola Establish Diplomatic Relations
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Israel and Angola are establishing
full diplomatic relations today. The two countries' Ambassadors to
the U.N. have signed an agreement to this effect. The newspaper
adds that Israel's Embassy in Lisbon stated that Angola's Foreign
Minister will visit Israel in May.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Randy Hayman.

               Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Friday, April 17, 1992
 
 
Shamir: Israel to Continue Peace Process, But Negotiate Only with
Those It is Interested in Talking to
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEl, today carried an interview with Prime
Minister Yitzhak Shamir who said that Israel will continue with the
peace process, but negotiate only with those it is interested in
talking to. According to Shamir, this issue has remained unchanged
by the meeting between Palestinians delegates and P.L.O. Chief
Yasser Arafat in Cairo. Responding to a question, Shamir said that
Israel would not agree to participation by the P.L.O. or similar
groups in the process. The Prime Minister noted that should there
be an attempt to involve Palestinians from outside the Territories
in the multilateral discussions, Israel would not participate in
these discussions. The Prime Minister was speaking in a special
interview given to KOL YISRAEL and GALEI ZAHAL for Passover.
 
 
Ben-Aharon Says Palestinian Delegates' Meeting with Arafat Won't
Prevent Israeli Delegation from Attending Next Round of Talks
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR claims that Israel would not bring those
Palestinian delegates to the peace process who met on Wednesday in
Cairo with Yasser Arafat and the P.L.O leadership to trial. This,
despite the fact that by this act they broke Israeli law. Director
General of the Prime Minister's Office, Yossef Ben-Aharon,
emphasized yesterday that the meeting in Cairo wouldn't prevent the
departure of the Israeli delegation to the peace talks in
Washington on April 27. Ben-Aharon added that the subject of this
meeting should be directed to the care of the Attorney General.
 
 
Head of Intelligence on Arab Readiness to Talk and Armament of Arab
Countries
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT quotes head of the Israel Defense Forces'
Intelligence branch, Major General Uri Sagi, who gave a special
interview to the newspaper for Passover. Major General Sagi said in
the interview, "I think that there is a change in the Arabs'
consciousness and this is been expressed in their attitude to the
peace process. I clearly recognize," Sagi said, "true Syrian will
to exhaust everything possible from the political process." Sagi
said that the readiness on the part of the Arabs to take part in
the process is the result of several factors. Among these factors
are the rise of the U.S. to a status of sole world superpower,
increased economic difficulties in the Arab countries which make it
hard for them to acquire more weapons, and a long psychological
process. The head of Intelligence revealed that the Scud missile
deal between Syria and North Korea includes also the establishment
of a Scud production line in Syria. He also referred to Iran,
saying that it will achieve nuclear capability by the end of this
decade, combined with domestically-developed long-range ground-to-
ground missiles. According to Sagi, Libya poses only a limited
strategic threat to Israel, even considering its non-conventional
weapons.
 
 
Labor Rejects the "Norwegian Law"
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the Labor Party will exercise party
doctrine and have its Knesset members vote against the "Norwegian
Law," should the Likud Party ask to convene the Knesset in order to
approve it. The newspaper claims that the Likud intends on passing
the bill, immediately after Passover. The bill was demanded by
David Levy as part of the resolution of internal Likud problems.
Labor claims that according to legal material in their possession,
this proposed bill would damage the electoral reform bill approved
by the Knesset one month ago.
 
 
Record Number of Pilgrims Visit Israel
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports on this year's record numbers of
religious pilgrims visiting Israel. Thousands of Christian pilgrims
are touring in Jerusalem and other religious sites around Israel.
The large numbers may be attributed to the coinciding of Passover
and Easter. The pilgrims come from all over the world and include,
Germans, Swedes, Australians, Ethiopians, Greeks and Cypriots. One
of the highlights of the Easter celebration will be a public
baptismal ceremony attended by the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox
Church. The baptism will be held in the Jordan River.
 
 
American Ambassador Harrop to Attend Minister Magen's Seder
 
KOL YISRAEL also reports today that American Ambassador to Israel
William Harrop and his wife will attend the seder [traditional
Passover feast] this evening as the guests of Minister David Magen.
A few weeks ago, Minister Magen had harshly criticized American
policy towards Israel. When Ambassador Harrop met with him later to
discuss the issue, Magen extended the invitation to share the
holiday meal with his family.
 
 
Syrian Cargo Ship Saved by Israeli Navy; Under Repair in Port of
Haifa
 
Israel Radio reports that a Syrian ship is currently anchored in
the waters of Haifa Bay. The ship, which had encountered trouble in
international waters about 40 miles northwest of the Israeli
shoreline, sent out a distress signal. A beachside communications
station of the Bezek telephone company in Israel picked up the
signal. Israeli Navy ships met the Syrian vessel and towed it into
the port of Haifa where cargo of onions and oil were unloaded so
that the Navy could affect repairs.
 
 
Israel Recognizes Croatia and Slovenia
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Israel has decided to recognize the
independent states of Croatia and Slovenia. Foreign Minister David
Levy sent formal messages of congratulation to the foreign
ministers of both countries. In the letter to the Croatian Foreign
Minister, Levy conveyed Israel's hope that Croatia will find a
suitable way to honor the memory of the Jewish communities that
perished under the rule of the fascists.
 
 
New Immigrants Share in Tradition of Passover Celebration in Israel
 
According to KOL YISRAEL, 100,000 new immigrants will participate
in seders conducted by the ministry of Absorption in cooperation
with local constituents, religious councils, religious
organizations and the IDF. One hundred fifty thousand haggadahs
[prayer books for the seder service], have already been distributed
in Russian, Amharic and other assorted languages. The new
immigrants may also take part in special seminars on the Passover
holiday and it's history.  Over the last few days, the ministry has
conducted model seders attended by 40,000 new  immigrants currently
studying in Ulpan.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar, Revital Lubinsky
and Robert Socolof.

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                 Monday, April 20, 1992
 
 
Arens:Bir Zeit University to Re-open
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today that Defense Minister
Moshe Arens has decided to allow the reopening of Bir Zeit
University and the resumption of studies at two of its colleges.
Studies at Bir Zeit, the last university in the Territories to
remain closed, were suspended shortly after the beginning of the
Uprising. The heads of the university were informed of the decision
this morning by Head of the Civil Administration in Judea and
Samaria Brigadier General Gad Zohar and Coordinator of Activities
in the Territories, Major General Danny Rothchild. The University
officials were told that the school would be re-opened in stages.
University spokesman Albert Agazarian also met with Defense
Minister Arens and said afterwards that the atmosphere had been
"very pleasant." The decision to re-open Bir Zeit was harshly
criticized by head of the right-wing Moledet party, MK Rehavam
Ze'evy.
 
 
Sharansky Enters Politics; Plans on Establishing His Own Party
 
Yesterday's YEDIOT AHRONOT carried an interview with Natan
Sharansky, the former refusenick who emigrated to Israel after
years in a Soviet prison. Sharansky said that after "much
hesitation" he has now decided to establish a new political party
and run for the Knesset in the June 23 national elections. In the
interview, Sharansky said he decided to enter politics because he
believes Israel is missing a historic opportunity to bring in more
immigrants. He said he was concerned there would come "a moment
that I will think I could have done something, but didn't." The
newspaper notes that Sharansky has rejected past offers from major
parties in Israel to join their lists.
 
 
Rabin Interviewed by Egyptian Newspaper
 
Labor Party Chairman, Yitzhak Rabin, was quoted yesterday in the
Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram. Replying to a question on autonomy for
Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Rabin said  "Yes, I
will give the Palestinians more than they have been offered by the
Likud, but I wouldn't like to go into details for now." Rabin also
stated, "I see the most important thing for today is to reach an
agreement with the Palestinians." Nevertheless, Rabin, rejected the
idea of Palestinians from outside the Territories participating in
the peace talks. "I agree on the participation of one or two exiled
Palestinians, but I mean Palestinians from the Territories and not
from outside these Territories," he added. Rabin also told the
Egyptian newspaper that  Syria remained  "the difficult problem
among our Arab neighbors"  in the peace talks. "I believe Syria is
still not ready for peace. It has said 'yes' to America, but has
not said 'yes' to peace with Israel. I see that making peace with
Syria is not possible today... when the Syrians say they are ready
for peace with Israel, then I will be ready to speak to them,"  he
added, saying  "in contrast to the Syrians, the Palestinians have
said they are ready for peace with Israel." Referring to the
Syrians, Rabin said, "I say today, once again, that peace cannot
not be achieved without mutual concessions. I have said in the past
that I am ready for a solution to Golan Heights, but without
Israel's withdrawal from there,"  he added.
 
 
Vatican Delegation to Pay Official Visit Next Month
 
A high level Vatican delegation is scheduled to arrive in Israel
next month and will probably hold official talks with Israeli
Government representatives. Although the Vatican has always
recognized the State of Israel, it has never established diplomatic
relations with it. However, over the past year, over 30 countries
have either established or resumed diplomatic relations with
Israel, leaving the Vatican as the only body with diplomatic status
in the Free World which has not done so. Next month's scheduled
official talks are being seen as a welcome sign of change.
 
 
Syrian Jews Released from Prison in Syria; The two Brothers were
Held for Four and a Half Years
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Ali and Salim Sweid, two
brothers, members of the Jewish community in Syria who were
arrested four and a half years ago, have been released from prison.
A year ago it was said that the two were sentenced to six and a
half years, but the charges against them were never published. The
task force for Syrian Jewry of the Canadian Jewish Congress, which
worked for the release of the two brothers, noted that no one was
allowed to visit them during the first two years of their
imprisonment. Only later, members of their families were allowed to
come and see them in prison.
 
 
Likud Postpones Opening of Elections Campaign
 
KOL YISRAEL also reports that the Likud Party postponed the grand
opening of its election campaign. This, in order to prevent the
absence of Defense Minister Moshe Arens from the event. The opening
was scheduled to next Tuesday, in a ceremony at Binyanei Ha'uma in
Jerusalem. However, it was found that Arens will be in Finland at
that time and therefor the event was postponed.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

                Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                    Tuesday, April 21, 1992
 
 
Passover in Israel Sees Large Toll in Highway Death and Casualties
 
All Israeli newspapers had headlines today on the 6 people who died
and the more than 60 who were injured yesterday in Passover road
accidents. KOL YISRAEL reports today that tens of thousands of
people are touring northern Israel, causing long traffic jams on
the roads of the Golan Heights. Police Commissioner, Ya'akov
Terner, said that one of the main reasons for the many car
accidents which occurred yesterday, is that the road system is
insufficient for Israel's 1,200,000 vehicles. He added that the
forecast for upcoming years is for further deterioration. Terner
said he believes many drivers are not used to driving outside the
cities, on long and narrow roads, and that this fact is highlighted
mainly during the holidays.
 
 
Lebanese Ministers Perceive International Support for Israeli
Retaliation Against Hizbullah in Lebanon
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Lebanese Government
ministers say that a number of european states support the message
conveyed by the United States to Beirut and Damascus, urging the
tough restriction of movement for Hizbullah fundamentalists in
Lebanon. The Lebanese ministers understood the message to mean that
Washington and its European partners would understand Israeli army
action in Lebanon if Hizbullah terrorist activities in Lebanon were
not stopped. KOL YISRAEL adds that the leader of the Hizbullah,
Sheik Naswallah has met with the Intelligence chief of the Lebanese
Army, Colonel Rahmani, and that after their meeting it was reported
that they had agreed to coordinate moves in the event of Israeli
retaliatory action.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: IDF & SLA Shell Terrorist Targets in Lebanon
 
KOL YISRAEL further reports that dozens of artillery shells were
fired overnight by Israel Defense Forces and South Lebanese Army
gunners in South Lebanon. According to UN Headquarters in Lebanon,
the intended targets were terrorists near villages north of the
Security Zone.
 
 
MA'ARIV: New Israeli Proposal to Fight Scuds -- Use Drones and Air-
to-Air Missiles
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that the U.S. Department of Defense is
examining a revolutionary Israeli proposal to produce drones armed
with air-to-air missiles to intercept Scud missiles. According to
the new proposal, the Scuds would be intercepted 10 seconds after
launch -- and not near their target. The newspaper quotes the
American weekly magazine for military affairs "Defense News" which
writes that the heads of the U.S. "Star Wars Project"  are
currently reviewing the Israeli proposal. The magazine quotes
sources in the Israeli Aircraft Industry who said that the proposed
system would be based on drones developed at the IAI and the
Israeli air-to-air Piton missile.
 
 
Fatah Calls to Ease Commercial Strikes in Order to Win Support of
Palestinian on the Street
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that a leaflet distributed in the
Territories and signed by the Fatah calls for reducing the number
of days declared as commercial strikes each month to a minimum.
These strikes are declared by the Palestinian Uprising's National
Headquarters. Palestinian sources noted that this leaflet is
another attempt by the Fatah organization to win the support of the
Palestinians on the street. Recently, a leaflet was distributed in
the Territories signed by the United National Headquarters,
allowing merchants to open their shops until the afternoon.
 
 
Repairs in Syrian Merchant Ship Rescued by Israel will End Today
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that repairs to the Syrian
merchant ship which was rescued by the Israeli Navy after sending
out a distress signal from international waters will be concluded
today. The ship went out today for a test run in the Port of Haifa
in order to check if it can resume its voyage. Yesterday, contact
was established with representatives of the ship's owners. The
Israeli's briefed them on the condition of the ship and the
expenses related to its repair.
 
 
Latvia Opens Consulate in Tel Aviv
 
KOL YISRAEL reports that the Baltic republic of Latvia opened its
consulate this morning in Tel Aviv's Asia House. The consulate is
Latvia's 1st diplomatic representation in Israel and will be headed
by an honorary consul. The consulate's function will be to issue
visa and to encourage the strengthening of economic ties between
Israel and Latvia. Israel intends to open an embassy in Latvia in
the next few months, which will represent Israel's interests in all
the Baltic states.
 
 
AL HAMISHMAR: Arie Oded became Israel's non-resident Ambassador in
Zambia yesterday as he submitted his credentials to Zambia's
President. Zambia severed its diplomatic relations with Israel in
1973, but the two countries have now reestablished full diplomatic
relations.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

 
Sorry for the backlog.
    
Jem

                  Wednesday, April 22, 1992
 
 
Shamir Speaking on Settlements and the Peace Process
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir who
spoke last night at a rally. Shamir said, "The governments of
Israel since 1977, have viewed the liberated parts of the homeland
not just as a deposit for time of negotiation, but an indivisible
part of the country, to which the Jewish people had returned.
Settlement in these areas became one of the cornerstones of the
Government's policy. Not out of political considerations and not
just out of security considerations, but out of the simple logic
that these [parts] are ours and will remain ours for evermore."
Shamir added in an interview to KOL YISRAEL that there is no
contradiction between these declarations and the peace process, "I
didn't surprise anyone. The people with whom we negotiate, with
whom we sit in Washington and with whom we'll sit, with G-d's will,
also in other places, know exactly what our stands and views are.
And nevertheless, they negotiate in order to achieve peace."
 
 
IDF Soldier Severely Injured from Terrorist Mortar Fire in 
Security Zone
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that an Israel Defense Forces soldiers was
severely injured yesterday from terrorist mortar fire in the
Security Zone in South Lebanon. the incident happened while IDF
soldiers were on a routine patrol in the area of the Bufor. The
soldier was transferred to Rambam hospital in Haifa. The newspaper
reports that the Hizbullah terrorist organization has taken
responsibility for the shelling, aimed at the IDF unit. Israel
Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that the injured soldier underwent
surgery yesterday. His condition is said to be moderate and stable.
 
 
Two Hizbullah Terrorists Killed by IDF Shelling
 
KOL YISRAEL further reports that two Hizbullah terrorists were
killed in South Lebanon from IDF fire. The radio quotes the
Lebanese police which stated that the terrorists were killed in an
IDF shelling of two houses in the village of Roman. These houses
were apparently used as armories for the Hizbullah.
 
 
Head of Health Services in Jenin Killed by Masked Men
 
Israel Radio reports today on the murder this morning of Dr. Ahmed
Istateh in the Samaria town of Jenin. As Dr. Istateh, head of
Health Services in the Civil Administration of the region, arrived
at the health services building, unidentified assailants attacked
him, stabbing him in the neck and chest. Dr. Istateh died en route
to the hospital. There were prior attempts to murder Dr. Istateh,
who was accused in collaboration with Israel.
 
 
Investigating Officer Appointed to Examine the Event at Dora
Village
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that the IDF Commander in Charge of the
Central Command, Major General Danny Yatom, yesterday appointed an
investigating officer to pursue the event which took place in the
village of Dora. Yatom was instructed to appoint the investigating
officer by the Chief of Staff Major General Ehud Barak. According
to two Israeli citizens who were on the scene, IDF soldiers fired
at 3 masked Palestinians wounding them while they were writing
slogans on walls.
 
 
Jewish Majority in the Galilee and Immigration Statistics
 
Today's DAVAR reports that as of last December, the wave of
immigration from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia had created
a Jewish majority in the Galilee. This was announced yesterday by
the Chairman of the Jewish Agency Simcha Dinitz during a visit to
the Galilee. According to the Agency's data, 414,000 Jews, or 51%
of the population in the Galilee, are living with 410,000 Arabs.
Dinitz noted that 28,950 new immigrants were relocated in the
Galilee in 1991. Other immigrant absorption data for 1991 revealed
that 40.8% of new immigrants live in the central region of Israel,
with 33.1% in northern Israel and Haifa, 16.5% in the south, 8.7%
in Jerusalem and 0.8% in the Territories.
 
 
Russian Deputy President Will Visit Israel Next Week
 
KOL YISRAEL reports that Russia's Deputy President Alexander
Rutskoi will pay an official visit to Israel in about a week. The
visit will concentrate mainly on the field of agriculture. Rutskoi
supervises Agriculture in Russia. Heading the Russian delegation
accompanying the Deputy President will be President Boris Yeltsin's
Advisor for Foreign Affairs Yuli Vorontsov. The radio adds that
Rutskoi will meet with Israel's President Chaim Herzog and Prime
Minister Shamir.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

              Attention Israel Line Recipients

 
                  Monday, April 27, 1992
 
 
Head of Syrian Jewish Community Says Jews Will be Allowed to
Emigrate
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, today quotes the head of Syria's Jewish
community, Rabbi Alber Ibrahim Hamara, who said that the community
received a positive verbal response to its request that Jewish
families be allowed to emigrate. He added that he expects to
receive confirmation in writing in four to five days. Talking to
KOL YISRAEL reporter in Paris, Rabbi Hamara said that the Jewish
community is joyful and that many families have already submitted
requests to emigrate. He believes that the exit visas will be
granted to the Jewish families by next week. According to the
Rabbi, the new regulation will enable Jews to leave Syria without
leaving family members behind. He also revealed that in the meeting
of representatives of the Jewish community with Syrian President
Hafez Assad, other problems were also raised and it was promised
that all of the problems will be resolved. Rabbi Hamara said that
he himself intends to leave Syria only after all community members
who wish to emigrate leave.
 
 
Jerusalem Cautious Regarding News Reports for Permission to Jews to
Leave Syria
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports on cautious responses by Prime Minister
Yitzhak Shamir and Foreign Minister David Levy to news reports that
Jews will be allowed to leave Syria. In the Government's weekly
meeting yesterday, Shamir said, "A tendency becomes apparent in
Syria to ease the condition of Jews there out of consideration of
world public opinion." However, he emphasized that Israel still
awaits an official announcement in this matter.
 
 
Rubinstein Comments on Meeting with Palestinian Track
 
Head of the Israeli delegation for the peace talks with the
Jordanian-Palestinian delegation, Government Secretary Eli
Rubinstein, speaking today following a meeting with the Palestinian
track, told reporters, "This time we submitted a number of new
ideas and suggestions for their [the Palestinians'] consideration
in a few dimensions of the negotiations. We also heard from our
counterparts comments on papers, documents submitted by us in the
previous meetings, and this discussion of these comments and the
documents will hopefully be continued tomorrow."  When asked
whether the announcement of possible free emigration for Syrian
Jewry would have an effect on the talks, Rubinstein said, "If there
is movement on the Syrian Jews, it can only bring joy to every free
person, every Jew everywhere. I can only associate myself with
expressing happiness with this event." 
 
 
Levy Arrives in New York Today for Event Marking 500th anniversary
of Jewish Expulsion from Spain
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that Foreign Minister David Levy
flew to New York last night to represent Israel at an event marking
500 years since the expulsion of Jews from Spain. The newspaper
reports that among those participating in the event will be the
Turkish President, Turgut Ozal, and former U.S Secretary of State
Henry Kissinger. From the U.S., Levy will continue on to Lisbon for
talks with the Troika of the European Community. Levy will conclude
his trip in Nigeria where he'll sign an agreement, reestablishing
diplomatic relations between their two countries. Levy will leave
for several tours next month as well, among them an official visit
to Russia and perhaps several other former Soviet republics.
According to the newspaper, Levy's travel schedule will prevent him
from participating in the Likud Party's elections campaign. The
newspaper reports that Levy left a pre-taped video cassette with
the Likud leadership. In the video, Levy offers congratulations on
the opening of the elections campaign.
 
 
Arens Suggests Municipal Elections in Territories
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Defense Minister Moshe
Arens suggests to carry out municipal elections in Judea, Samaria
and the Gaza Strip. This, in order for the residents to take the
management of local matters into their own hands. The Defense
Minister announced his suggestion during a meeting in Helsinki with
the Finish Minister of Defense. He also referred to the situation
in Lebanon, saying that the Syrians control Lebanon, and if they
don't put an end to terrorist activity over there, Israel would
have to act.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: A general strike was declared this morning in Han-
Yunes and Rafiah in the Gaza Strip by the Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine organization. The strike is in protest of
the opening of the current round of bilateral peace talks in
Washington.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: Kazahtstan's Minister of Industry will arrive in
Israel today heading an economic delegation. He guest will attend
the opening of a new branch office of his ministry in Jerusalem.
The minister will also check possibilities of promoting business
ties with Israeli industries in the fields of food and agriculture.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: The Moledet Party Has chosen its candidates for the
next elections to the Knesset. Heading the party is MK Rehavam
Ze'evy, followed by Prof. Shaul Gutman from the Technion, Rabbi
Yossef Ba-Gad and Dr. Sarah Pollack.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Socolof and Robert
Socolof.

                                      Jerusalem, 28 April 1992 
DAILY PRESS SURVEY 
(Hebrew Press)
 
"Yediot Ahronot", (p. 8) -- Roni Shaked reports that Israel and
Jordan are conducting negotiations on opening, in the territories,
branches of the El-Urdon Bank -- a commercial bank operating in
Jordan which has branches in Arab states. The negotiations area
being conducted with the approval and blessing of the Jordanian
prime minister, Za'id Ibn-Shakar.
 
Two of the bank's managers, Towfik Alfakuri and Mahmoud Abu-Alinan,
visited Israel recently and met with the Coordinator of Activities
in the Territories, Major General Danny Rothschild, and the head of
the Civil Administration for Judea and Samaria, Brigadier General
Gadi Zohar. After receiving approval in principal on opening bank
branches in the territories, the two met with senior Bank of Israel
officials, among them the supervisor for banks.
 
The Bank of Israel requested the two Jordanian bankers to set up a
meeting between representatives of the central Jordanian bank with
representatives of the Bank of Israel.
 
The Bank of Israel's request was conveyed to Jordan, and was
discussed at the Prime Minister's office. Ibn-Shakar directed the
bank's representatives to continue the discussions with Israel. The
discussions with the central Jordanian bank will be held
indirectly, via the El-Urdon bank.
 
Another Jordanian bank is already operating in the territories --
the Cairo-Amman Bank.
 
An additional proposal for joint Israeli-Jordanian cooperation in
the tourism field was raised recently by the president of the
International Hotels Association, Helj Holgerson. In a letter he
sent to the president of the Israeli Hotels Association, Michael
Federman, Holgersen proposed that as a first step, to open the
Aqaba-Eilat border to travelers.
 
In the wake of the letter, the Israel Hotel Association is
suggesting holding joint tours of the Dead Sea, and turning Allenby
Bridge into a central route between Jordan and Israel, and
cooperating in the Gulf of Eilat.
 
 
                                       Jerusalem, 28 April 1992
 
SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS 
(Hebrew press)
 
"Ha'aretz"; "Davar"; "Ma'ariv", in its first three editorials;
"Yediot Ahronot"; "Hadashot" and "Hatzofeh" all deal with aspects
of the 42nd annual report of the State Comptroller.
 
"Ha'aretz" claims that the report of the State Comptroller serves
a special purpose in this election year and that the voting public
will be the real judge of inconsistencies in Israeli governance.
"Davar" notes that MK Haim Corfu was correct in his assumption --
the Ben-Porat report has done immeasurable damage to the prospects
of the Likud; it is now for the electorate to vote it out of power
on 23 June. "Ma'ariv" feels that the actual contribution of the
report is in its ability to deter politicians from implementing
programs they fear will appear in its table of contents. "Ma'ariv",
in its second and third editorials, points to the fact that the
State Comptroller cited the drastic drop in immigration as an
indicator of the shortcomings of the Absorption Ministry --
although the government is ultimately responsible, while hiding
behind the collective indifference of the public at large. "Yediot
Ahronot" comments that the report is damaging in its exposure of
personal failures; in this election year though, the electorate has
some recourse and can strengthen the hand of the State Comptroller.
"Hadashot" remarks that charges against Housing Minister Sharon and
other public figures should be investigated by a commission of
inquiry, although a more effective mechanism of justice is the
ballot box. "Hatzofeh" suggests that, even though the current
construction boom is unprecedented, the intense corruption cannot
be overlooked.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its fourth editorial, mocks the election slogans of
Labor and the Likud.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, criticizes government
bureaucracy for delaying measures to save rainwater.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its third editorial, states that -- as always
-- students function as the hostages of low-paid teachers.
 
"Al Hamishmar" deals with the public sector wage dispute.
 
"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, comes out against the tax paid
by employers.
 
 
                                     Jerusalem, 28 April 1992
 
HEADLINES FROM THE HEBREW PRESS 
(Hebrew press)
 
The following are the headlines from today's Hebrew papers:
 
"HA'ARETZ" 
---------- 
1. HARISH CONSIDERING OPENING INVESTIGATION OF SENIOR HOUSING
MINISTRY OFFICIALS IN WAKE OF FINDINGS OF COMPTROLLER.
 
2. UNITED STATES: SYRIAN JEWS NOW PERMITTED TO ENJOY COMPLETE
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT OUTSIDE COUNTRY.
 
"DAVAR" 
------- 
1. COMPTROLLER TO TRANSFER FURTHER SUSPICIONS OF CRIMINAL ACTS TO
HARISH.
 
2. ISRAELI AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATION OF UNITED NATIONS
REPRESENTATIVES IN MULTI-LATERAL TALKS.
 
3. ISRAEL PROPOSES MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS; PALESTINIANS: ONLY AFTER
GENERAL ELECTIONS.
 
4. SATISFACTION OVER WILLINGNESS OF SYRIA TO PERMIT DEPARTURE OF
JEWS ABROAD.
 
"AL HAMISHMAR" 
-------------- 
1. ADMINISTRATION: SYRIA CONFIRMS THAT IT WILL PERMIT DEPARTURE OF
JEWS. Ban on travel to Israel remains; Jews will also be allowed to
sell and buy property in Syria; Syrian spokeswoman: Exit permits
will be given only for trips and business, not for emigration;
Tutwiler refuses to say what Damascus received in exchange and
whether it will be erased from list of terror sponsors.
 
2. Israel receives invitations to three committees [within
framework] of multi-lateral talks. LEVY TO MEET BAKER: REMOTE
CHANCE OF RESOLVING CRISIS OF EXILED PALESTINIANS.
 
"HATZOFEH" 
---------- 
1. STATE COMPTROLLER OPPOSES ESTABLISHMENT OF INVESTIGATIVE
COMMISSION ON FINDINGS OF SEVERE REPORT SHE RELEASED.
 
2. WASHINGTON REPORTS ON OFFICIAL AGREEMENT OF HAFEZ ASSAD TO
PERMIT SYRIAN JEWS TO LEAVE COUNTRY. Now, will also be permitted to
buy and sell property without restriction.
 
3. GEORGIA CEASES COOPERATION WITH JEWISH AGENCY.
 
"MA'ARIV" 
--------- 
1. DISCLOSURES OF CORRUPTION IN HOUSING MINISTRY; SHARON RESPONDS:
I WILL NOT COVER FOR ANYONE.
 
2. PALESTINIANS WILLING TO DISCUSS ELECTIONS.
 
3. ASSAD NOTIFIES BUSH: SYRIAN JEWS CAN GO ABROAD.
 
"YEDIOT AHRONOT" 
---------------- 
1. MOST SEVEREST REPORT [BY STATE COMPTROLLER] EVER.
 
"HADASHOT" 
---------- 
1. IN WAKE OF STATE COMPTROLLER REPORT: POLICE ABOUT TO INVESTIGATE
SENIOR [OFFICIALS] IN HOUSING MINISTRY.
 
2. FIRST JEWS EN ROUTE TO UNITED STATES.

               Attention Israel Line Recipients

 
                   Tuesday, April 28, 1992
 
 
Peace Talks in Washington Yesterday
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports on the peace talks yesterday in
Washington. Deputy Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a briefing
yesterday that the Israeli delegation had submitted a proposal for
"pilot municipal elections in the Territories." However, he refused
to go into details of this proposal. The newspaper states that the
clear impression derived from the statements of both the Israelis
and the Palestinians is that both parties are trying to maintain
the American demand not to argue via the media, and rather to
concentrate on serious discussions. Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, spokeswoman
for the Palestinians, said that there are points in the Israeli
autonomy paper that may be the basis of discussions for closing the
gaps between the parties. The newspaper reports that no progress
was achieved in the other venues of the negotiations. The talks
with the Syrian delegation continued to focus on the arguments
regarding U.N. Security Council resolution 242. 
 
 
Arens Hopes Palestinians Don't Reject Municipal Elections Proposal
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes Defense Minister Moshe Arens who
said that the Palestinians delegates to the peace talks will be
making a mistake if they reject the Israeli proposal for municipal
elections in the Territories as a step towards autonomy
arrangements. He said he hopes the Palestinians respond positively.
Defense Minister Arens was speaking in a meeting with the Finish
Foreign Minister in Helsinki. He noted that since he became Defense
Minister two years ago, he has been trying to initiate municipal
elections in the Territories. Even then, Arens said, he understood
that the main obstacle to free elections in Judea, Samaria and the
Gaza Strip are the threats made by the terrorist organizations.
Many of the residents of the Territories, Arens added, told him
that they are afraid to become candidates because of the
terrorists.
 
 
Shamir Response to U.S. Announcement on Syrian Jews
 
Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, yesterday quoted Prime
Minister Yitzhak Shamir who responded to the U.S. announcement that
Syria was taking steps to end restrictions on the Jewish community
there. "I am satisfied with the progress made to ease restrictions
placed on our Syrian brothers and I share their joy," Said Shamir.
"I hope this process continues," he added, "and Syrian Jews are
allowed to emigrate wherever they want soon."
 
 
Invitations Issued to Three of Five Multilateral Work Groups
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that invitations to join three of the 5
work groups of the multilateral talks were delivered yesterday to
Israel. The work groups in Brussels (economic developments),
Washington (arms control) and Vienna (water issues) are scheduled
to convene between the 11th and 13th of May.
 
 
Delegation of Israeli-Arabs Meets with Jordan's Ambassador to Cairo
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that a first of its kind meeting was
conducted last week between a delegation of Israeli Arabs and the
Jordanian Ambassador to Cairo. The Israeli delegation contained
Knesset Members Abdulwahab Darawshe and Mohamad Miari, and Chairman
of the Heads of Arab Municipalities Committee, Ibrahim Nimer
Hussein. The meeting with the Jordanian Ambassador was arranged by
Dr. Usama al-Baz. According to the newspaper, the Israeli
delegation asked the Egyptians to mediate between them and the
Jordanians and Saudis in order to increase by 1,000 the number of
Moslem pilgrims allowed to go to Mecca. The Jordanian Ambassador
promised to come back with an answer after consulting with King
Hussein and the Jordanian Government. The delegation's members also
discussed the peace process with the Jordanian Ambassador. He said
that his government will continue the talks with any government
elected in Israel.
 
 
State Comptroller Issues Annual Report; Criticizes Housing Ministry
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reported yesterday on Israel's State
Comptroller's annual report submitted to the Knesset. In the
beginning of the report, State Comptroller Ms. Miriam Ben-Porat
stated that massive change is needed in the field of immigrant
absorption. The Government, states Ms. Ben-Porat, did not learn the
lessons from the Comptroller's previous report in this field. Ms.
Ben-Porat also referred to the gap in education between the Jewish
Sector and the Arab sector in Israel. She calls to improve the
education system in the Arab sector in order to narrow the gap and
improve Israel's image as a democracy. In the section which deals
with the Housing Ministry, the Comptroller determines that the
working plan of the Ministry was not coordinated with the Ministry
of Finance. It states that contracts were made with construction
companies having no experience, and that lands were allotted
without tenders. Housing Minister Ariel Sharon responded by saying
that he ordered to stop any deviated action as soon as he heard of
it. The office of the Attorney general revealed that it is handling
3 requests of the State Comptroller regarding suspicion for
criminal activity by senior officials in the Housing Ministry and
affiliated bodies.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: A Jewish resident from Dolev in the Territories was
shot this morning while driving from his home, near the city of
Ramallah. The driver, David Deutsch, was injured from flying glass,
but managed to fire back 3 shots. The radio states that he has
already returned to work.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

               Attention Israel Line Recipients

 
                  Wednesday, April 29, 1992
 
 
Progress in Peace Talks Yesterday in Washington
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Israeli and Jordanian delegates to the
bilateral peace talks began substantive discussions yesterday on
cooperation on matters regarding energy, water, and environment. 
In terms of significant progress, the Palestinians have agreed to
seriously discuss Israel's proposal for self rule. And for the
first time since the peace talks began, the Syrians agreed to
accept an Israeli working paper, outlining points of agreement and
disagreement between their two countries. Israel calmed the
Palestinian delegates and explained to them, that the proposal for
municipal elections is not meant as a replacement for general
elections. The chairman of the Israeli delegation to the talks,
Elyakim Rubinstein, explained to the Palestinians that Israel had
presented a crude proposal because it does not want to force its
proposals on the Palestinians, rather, it expects the Palestinians
to offer proposals of their own on the issue of elections.  And
indeed, yesterday, practical discussions were held on the 12 points
regarding the transferal of authority to the Palestinians within
the framework of self-rule. Today the Palestinians will present
counterproposals of their own regarding setting up a model for
self-rule.  Chairman of the Palestinian delegation, Dr. Abed El-
Shafi, optimistic upon leaving yesterday's session said that today
his delegation would respond to the Israeli proposal for municipal
elections in greater detail.  Israeli delegates said that the fact
that the Palestinians are willing to accept the Israeli working
paper as a basis for discussions should be seen as progress.
 
 
Levy and Baker Decide to Establish Joint Team to Discuss
Maintaining Israel's Qualitative Military Edge
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that a joint U.S.-Israeli team will
check all aspects related to making sure Israel maintains its
qualitative military edge in the Middle East. This was agreed on
yesterday in a meeting between Israel's Foreign Minister David Levy
and U.S. Secretary of State James Baker in Washington. During the
meeting, Levy discussed the security threats Israel faces due to
the military buildups in Iran and other countries, and the large
weapon deals planned for the near future. Baker repeated the U.S.'
commitment to maintaining Israel's qualitative edge. Levy said that
a friendly atmosphere prevailed at the meeting. Yet, he didn't hide
the fact that the disagreement between Israel and the U.S.
regarding the participation of Palestinians from outside the
Territories in the multilateral talks still stands. "I told the
Secretary that Israel won't deviate from the principles which were
agreed upon," said Levy. The two men also discussed other issue
related to the peace process. Levy said he suggested to Baker that
another round of bilateral peace talks be held before the Israeli
national elections on June 23. Levy also suggested that Israel
participate in the planned assistance to the Moslem republics in
central Asia in the fields of economic development, health services
and agriculture. The Israeli idea is that this assistance will be
funded by the fund established by the U.S. to help these republics.
"This idea was accepted in principle and appropriate instructions
have already been given," stated Levy.
 
 
Barak: No One Allowed to Deviate From Orders that Shooting to Wound
is Allowed Only in Life Threatening Situations
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR quotes Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff,
Lieutenant General Ehud Barak, who spoke yesterday before the
Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Referring to
claims that IDF soldiers have  recently shot without warning wanted
people, Barak said, "No one, in any echelon, has the authority to
let the operational forces in the field understand that they can
deviate from the orders. [The orders are that] Shooting to wound is
allowed only when there is danger to life." According to Barak, in
contrast to a life-threatening situation in which shooting to wound
is allowed, during the arrest procedure it's only allowed to shoot
in the air. "One who deviates from the instructions is brought to
trial. This despite the fact that he was sent by us to stand in the
delicate situation of conflict with people who have killed others.
Senior officers also stand trial when there is deviation,"
clarified Lieutenant General Barak.
 
 
Israeli Arabs who Killed Three Soldiers on February Sentenced to
Three Consecutive Life Terms
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that the District Court in
Nazareth today convicted four Israeli Arabs of the February 14th
murder of three Israeli soldiers. The three soldiers, two of whom
were new immigrants from the former Soviet Union, were hacked to
death with knifes and a pitchfork. The defendants had entered the
courtroom shouting, "Allahu Akbar," waving Koran books and shouting
that they committed the murders in the name of Jihad (holy
war). The Court sentenced each of the four to three consecutive
life terms.
 
 
Holocaust Day National Ceremony in Israel
 
KOL YISRAEL reports today on the observation tomorrow of Holocaust
Day. The commemoration will begin this evening in a national
ceremony at Yad Vashem, Israel's memorial to the heroes and martyrs
of the Holocaust, in Jerusalem. The ceremony will be attended by
the President and the Prime Minister. Among those present will be
the Russian Vice President, Alexander Rutskoi, who arrived in
Israel yesterday on a state visit. Also attending will be General
Vasili Paterenko, the commander of the forces which liberated the
Auschwitz death camp. This year's Holocaust Day is specially
dedicated to marking the 50 years since the beginning of the
massive extermination by the Nazis. Survivors from the death camps
Chelmno, Sobibor, Treblinka, Maidanek and Auschwitz-Birkenau are
scheduled to light the torches. Tomorrow at 10 AM, a siren will
sound throughout the country. As the siren sounds, everything in
Israel will come to a standstill. Yad Vashem will conduct a
ceremony in memory of the children of the Holocaust. The day's
events will culminate tomorrow evening in a ceremony at Kibbutz
Lochamei Ha'Ghettaot (Ghetto Fighters).
 
 
Israel and Slovinia Signed Agreement Establishing Diplomatic
Relations
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR covers the signing yesterday of an agreement
establishing diplomatic relations between Israel and Slovinia. The
Slovinian Foreign Minister was invited to Israel by the Hebrew
University in Jerusalem to lecture on the topic of different
nationalities in Yugoslavia. Dr. Yosef Guvrin, Deputy Director
General in charge of the Eastern European Department and the
Slovinian Foreign Minister signed the agreement in what was
described as a friendly atmosphere. They stressed the will of their
peoples to have friendly relations in all areas. Due to budgetary
constraints, neither country will be able to retain resident
Ambassadors in the near future.
 
 
Hungarians To Purchase Israeli Communications Satellite
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that a memorandum of understanding
by which Hungary will purchase an Israeli satellite was signed
yesterday by senior representatives of the Hungarian Broadcasting
Authority and representatives of Israel Aircraft Industries. The
Hungarians are interested in a communications satellite to extend
the television broadcasts in their country and to improve telephone
and computer communications. The price of the satellite and its
launching is estimated at $140 million.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar, Revital Lubinsky
and Robert Socolof.

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                 Thursday, April 30, 1992
 
 
Holocaust Remembrance Day
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that at the tent of Remembrance
at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem, Holocaust Memorial Day was
marked by a central ceremony this morning. This was preceded by a
reading of names of Holocaust victims, which was resumed after the
ceremony and continued for most of the day. At the site of the
Auschwitz extermination camp in Poland, the main ceremony was the
March of the Living. Five thousand youngsters from Israel and the
diaspora took part in the march. Five hundred youngsters from the
Diaspora will go to Israel at the beginning of next week to
participate in memorial ceremonies for Israel's fallen, after which
they will celebrate Independence Day. Israeli representatives
included 1,600 youngsters, including new immigrants from the former
Soviet Union and Ethiopia. From the Israeli government, Minister
David Magen and Deputy Speaker of the Knesset Gideon Gadot also
attended the ceremony.
 
 
Holocaust Ceremony at the Knesset
 
KOL YISRAEL reports that Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir took part in
the Holocaust memorial ceremony at the Knesset. The Prime Minister,
Knesset Speaker Dov Shilansky, Members of Knesset and guests read
out the names of relatives who perished in the Holocaust. This
year's ceremonies are dedicated to the children who were murdered
in the Holocaust. Children from a Junior High School in Jerusalem
read out the names of relatives who died in the concentration
camps. Joining the children was a group of adult survivors who were
children themselves during the Holocaust. One of the now grown-up
survivors described himself and those like him, as the last eye-
witnesses to the Holocaust.
 
 
Israeli Delegation to Peace Talks will Return Home Tonight
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that the Israeli delegation for
the bilateral peace talks will return to Israel tonight. This
followed an unsuccessful attempt to persuade the Arab delegations
to continue negotiations this coming Sunday and Monday. According
to KOL YISRAEL, in the negotiations yesterday, the Jordanians
submitted a draft agenda for the issues to be discussed today. The
Palestinians are looking into the Israeli proposal to transfer
management of the health services in the Territories over to the
Palestinians as a first step in an interim arrangement. The radio
states that there is no progress in the negotiations with Syria and
Lebanon. KOL YISRAEL quotes head of the Israeli delegation to peace
talks with the Syrians, Yosef Ben-Aharon, who said that the Syrians
continue to refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist. Their
apparent willingness, he said, to take positive steps is, perhaps,
derived from American pressure.
 
 
D'Amato Meets with Egyptian Ambassador to Discuss Ovich Affair 
 
KOL YISRAEL reports today that U.S. Senator Alfonse M. D'Amato (R-
NY) met last night with Egyptian Ambassador to the U.S., Abdel
Raouf Elreedy, to discuss the continued detention of an Israeli
citizen, David Ovich, in Egypt. The meeting was initiated by
members of the New York City Council and the city's Jewish
community, in an attempt to persuade the Egyptians to release
Ovich. Ambassador Elreedy promised Senator D'Amato he'll deliver
the request to Cairo.
 
 
Russian Vice President Experiences Holocaust Remembrance Day in
Israel
 
According to Israel Radio, visiting Russian Vice President
Alexander Rutskoi stood at attention for the 2-minute siren which
sounded at 10 Am in Israel. Rutskoi, who was in the northern town
of Nahariyah, said that his thoughts were of the chilling pictures
he had seen yesterday at Yad Vashem. He said his people must fight
all out against all forms of racism. Rutskoi said that his stand on
this issue is well-known in Russia and has been responsible for
difficulties he has encountered in his political life. While in
Nahariyah, the Russian Vice President visited a meat packing plant.
Rutskoi commented that he's spending a large part of his time in
Israel visiting industrial plants associated with agricultural
produce because he's anxious to see commercial contracts in these
areas signed between Israel and Russia.
 
 
Agudat Yisrael and Degel Hatorah Parties Establish a Joint List to
Run in Next Knesset Elections
 
Israel Radio reports this afternoon that leaders of the Agudat
Yisrael Party and Degel Hatorah Party agreed to the establishment
of a joint list for the upcoming elections to the Knesset. The
agreement was reached in a meeting at the house of Rabbi Eliezer
Shach. The radio reports that Degel Hatorah representatives will
receive the second and fifth slots on the joint list.
 
 
The Koor Industries Ltd. Conglomerate Declares Net Profit of 203
Million New Shekels -- The First in 6 Years
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that following five consecutive years of
loss, the Israeli Koor Industries Ltd. Conglomerate finished 1991
with net profit of 203 million New Shekels (over 88 million
Dollars). Koor suffered a loss of 117 million New Shekels in 1990
alone. According to the newspaper, 144 million Shekels (over 62.6
million Dollars) of the net profit are the results of a financial
agreement which regulated the relationships between Koor and its
creditors. At a news conference in Tel Aviv yesterday, Koor's
President and Chief Executive Officer Benjamin D. Gaon said that
the operating profit of the conglomerate last year reached 305
million New Shekels (over 132.5 million Dollars), compared with 177
million New Shekels (around 77 million Dollars) in 1990.
 
 
Showy Farewell Party to Consul General Savir
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that movie stars, top names from the
American media and well-to-do, prominent members of the Jewish
community said farewell yesterday to Israel's Consul General in New
York, Uriel Savir. The event, which was both flashy and solemn,
took place in Manhattan. The newspaper states that the affair was
described by participants as unusual in its showy character and the
friendly gestures towards the Consul General.  Savir is concluding
a 4 year term of office and will soon return to Israel. As a gift
of appreciation to Consul General Savir, a peace project at Tel
Aviv University was established in his name. The Trilateral Peace
Project will be headed by Savir, and be hosted by the newly
established Tami Steinmetz Center for Peace Research, headed by
Prof. Shimon Shamir.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: The annual report from the U.S. Department of State
containing the list of states that support terrorism was published
today in Washington. Those countries on the list include: Syria,
Iran, Libya, Sudan and North Korea. The U.S. imposes severe
limitations on trade with the states on the list.
 
 
Salute to Israel Solidarity Parade 1992
 
And now a calendar note from the Consulate General of Israel in New
York. Don't forget to stand up and be counted at this year's Salute
to Israel Solidarity Parade. The parade will start at 12 noon at
Fifth Avenue and 57th Street and proceed uptown to 79th Street.
Show your solidarity with the people of Israel in this 44th year of
Independence and 25th year of the reunification of Israel's
capitol, Jerusalem. Don't miss out on this annual gathering of
families, friends and famous people. Guests of honor will include
Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek and Uzi Narkiss, the general who
liberated Jerusalem 25 years ago. Bring a friend, bring a smile and
enjoy the Salute to Israel Solidarity Parade, this Sunday, May 3rd
at noon, on 5th Avenue and 57th Street.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

    (Ed. note: I'll be receiving the various synopses in one
    file, so I'll post it that way -- JS).
    
    

                                         Jerusalem, 4 May 1992
 
THE IDF SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCES 
(Communicated by the IDF Spokesman's Office)
 
Staff Sergeant Ya'akov Shiman, 24 of Rishon Lezion, was killed
yesterday (Sunday), 3.5.92, around midnight during activity by an
IDF force in the Far'a refugee camp in the Jenin district.  His
family has been notified.
 
The incident took place when a force, on routine activity in the
Far'a refugee camp, heard a number of shots from the roof of one of
the houses.  Soldiers of the force returned the fire and, during
their attempt to break into the house, Staff Sergeant Ya'akov
Shiman was shot and killed.
 
His funeral will take place today, (Monday), 4.5.92, at 15:00
hours, at the military cemetery in Rishon Lezion.
 
>From a preliminary investigation conducted on the site by the OC
Central Command, it transpires that:
 
1.  The house in question was the home of a mukhtar in the refugee
camp.
 
2.  The commander of the force (a reserve officer acting as company
commander) and his soldiers did not know the house of a mukhtar was
involved.
 
3.  The mukhtar claimed he thought he had been surrounded by Arab
residents intending to kill him and, therefore, he fired.
 
4.  The OC Central Command dismissed the commander of the force for
not preparing his mission properly: he was unaware of the location
of the house of the mukhtar -- as required by orders -- and, thus,
he reacted inappropriately during the incident.
 
OC Central Command also dismissed another officer serving as
platoon commander whose conduct was found to be unsuitable during
the incident.
 
The mukhtar was held for interrogation.  The IDF and the Israel
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the
incident.
 
 
                                          Jerusalem, 4 May 1992
 
SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS 
(Hebrew Press)
 
"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, suggests that the normalization
of relations between Israel and the international community is now
complete -- with the establishment of ties with mostly Moslem
Nigeria.  Those still holding out will wait for an Arab-Israeli
peace accord, but the Third World has come to the realization that
the Communist East can no longer be relied upon for support. 
Israel, for the most part, has cashed in on the popular belief that
the road to Washington goes through Jerusalem.
 
"Hatzofeh" comments that the reservations of the Chief-of-Staff, in
regard to an ITV report on IDF treatment of masked assailants,
should be viewed with seriousness.  The complaints of Lt.-General
Barak and other senior IDF personnel should give cause for
questioning; their considerations are not political and, thus,
their credible objectivity must be accepted.
 
"Yediot Ahronot" opposes moving the Friday night news program to a
Saturday night slot.  True, there were judgment errors in editing
the recent program on the undercover IDF units, but the real reason
for the change is related to the elections -- which will be long
gone by the time the scheduling shift takes place.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, believes that both Labor and the
left- wing Meretz bloc will lose from the mass defection of the
intellectual elite from the former to the latter -- with the split
leaving the Likud as the predominant faction.
 
"Davar" feels that the political tricks of the Likud and their
accusations against all administration factors unwilling to
cooperate in their re- election bid will not help them re-capture
power.  The public will not buy their goods, even if wrapped in
Menachem Begin.
 
"Hadashot" fears a dirty election campaign as the Likud kicks off
its assault.  It is clear that, despite the facade of party unity
and the limited contribution of David Levy, the Likud plans to come
out fighting.
 
"Al Hamishmar" lashes out at Ariel Sharon who is continuing to make
political appointments as though the stinging report of the State
Comptroller has never been released.
 
"Ha'aretz" notes that, although there is some sympathy for teachers
in their wage dispute, the shut-down of the education establishment
at such a crucial time will not be looked upon favorably. 
"Ma'ariv" chastises striking teachers for abandoning their students
at exam-time.  "Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, calls on the
Ministry of Education to devise alternative arrangements, in the
wake of the teachers strike.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, states that it would be
criminal for the National Insurance Institute to play with the
pensions of the elderly.
 
 
 
ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 3-MAY-1992
 
1.  POLITICAL PROCESS
 
 Syria.  The foreign minister said (in Cairo) that the Golan
Heights are part of Syria and must all be returned to it.  The UN
Security Council should stick with its resolution on the subject.
 The delegation head denied the just-ended round had achieved any
progress, the Israelis having shown no readiness to discuss
implementing Res.  242 and 338.  He added that the Israeli document
produced no points of agreement, and the Syrians have prepared a
reply with points that must be agreed to achieve progress.  Its
delivery will have to wait because of the Israeli delegation's
insistence on ending the round of talks on Apr.  30 and not staying
another week.  The delegation spokeswoman said the Israeli
delegation tried to gain time by bringing up marginal issues and
accusations instead of discussing substantive matters.  She added
that Israeli threats over South Lebanon were a regular affair in
each round of talks.
 
 Palestinians.  PLO leader Arafat was in Cairo (Apr.  30) and spoke
with Pres.  Mubarak (ME news agency, Apr.  30).  Then he went to
Yemen and met with its president.  (Qattar news agency, May 2). 
The delegation spokesman in Washington said the round of talks had
been "a waste of time" and Faisal Husseini described it as the
worst round so far.  The Israelis, he asserted, should stop
thinking about their domestic politics.  (Reuters, May 1).  The
delegation leader, Ash-Shafi, said nothing had happened in this
round.
 
 Jordan.  The foreign minister said the talks are still marking
time, and it could not be said for certain that any progress had
occurred, but this would be determined when the delegation returns
home.  The delegation spokesman said the talks had been serious on
such issues as water, but no substantive advance had been made.
 
 Lebanon.  The delegation expressed displeasure that the Israelis
had ended the round before the Arabs wanted to.  He criticized
Israel for regarding the 1949 Armistice Agreement with Lebanon as
no longer valid...  The foreign minister said "international
legitimacy" must now deal with the situation following Israel's
refusal to apply Res.  425 for withdrawal from South Lebanon.
 
 Egypt.  Pres.  Mubarak said the peace talks represent one of the
most important changes in the Middle East this year; he was sorry
about Camp David not being taken advantage of and now there are
Israeli settlements on 75 percent of the occupied territories and
they must be stopped.  (ME news agency, Apr.  30).
 
 U.S.A.  A senior State Dept.  officials said the US is pleased
with the last round of the talks, because the tone and content were
positive, the discussions were serious, and new specific ideas were
discussed.  (AFP.  May 1).  AP (May 1) reported that the State
Dept.  praised the way the Palestinians conducted the discussions
with Israel and brought serious subjects for discussion.
 
2.  MULTILATERAL CONFERENCE
 
 Bahrein.  Received an invitation to participate.  An official said
all the Gulf states would participate.
 
 Yemen.  Was invited according to ME news agency (Apr.  30).
 
3.  LIBYA.  Syria's foreign minister said at the end of the Arab
League Council meeting (Apr.  30) that positive results were
achieved; the League published a statement deeply deploring the UN
sanctions resolution...(Damascus Radio, Apr.  30).  A Syrian
parliamentary delegation went to Tripoli for an emergency meeting
of Arab parliamentarians to discuss the Libyan crisis.  In Libya,
the foreign minister told reports that the Arab League ministers
committee would meet again at the end of the week to reach a
solution and plan new action for contacts with the three Western
states involved (U.S., Britain, France).  Pres.  Mubarak of Egypt
thinks it possible to reach a just formula; there is a limit to his
contacts with the U.S., and a red line which Egypt cannot cross
since it will harm its interests.  He has not pressured Libya to
extradite the terrorism suspects.  (ME news agency, Apr.  30).
 
4.  ARAB LEAGUE ON LEBANON.  The League Council in Cairo supported
Lebanon's efforts to spread its rule over all its territory to
implement the Taif Agreement.  It condemned Israel for continuing
to hold some Lebanese territory and for her attitude to the
population there.  This was described as a violation of the Geneva
Convention.  It called on Arab States, the UN Security Council and
the international community to back international legitimacy and
work seriously and energetically to apply UN resolutions on Israeli
occupation in Lebanon, especially Res.  425, right away and
unconditionally.
 
5.  IRAQ.  The Ba'ath paper, Ath-Thawra (Apr.  30) attacked the
Syrian decision to permit Jews to leave, seeing it as cooperation
between Syria and Israel and strengthening Zionist demography in
the region.
 
6.  MOROCCO.  The King met in an unprecedented government session
with representatives of the five parties supporting the regime and
four opposition parties to resolve within 10 days a solution of the
differences over the elections law.  
 
 
                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
                       -=} (415) 550-1318 {=-

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Friday, May 1, 1992
 
 
Israelis Positive as 5th Round of Talks Conclude
 
KOL YISRAEL, Israel Radio reports that the 5th round of Bilateral
Peace Talks ended yesterday in Washington.  The Israeli delegation
reported major advancements in procedural matters while the Arab
delegations stated that there had been no progress in substantive
matters. Head of the Israeli delegation for talks with the
Jordanian/Palestinian delegation said, "The process is very
difficult, very slow, very complicated, but I feel that the time
since Madrid has not been wasted. We know much more about the
points of sensitivity and problems of our colleagues in
negotiations and they know about ours. I feel that it's necessary
to reach not only procedural arrangements, but more serious
dialogue.
 
 
Arab Reaction to 5th Round; Mixture of Progress and Stagnation
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the head of the Syrian delegation,
Muwafak Allaf, announced yesterday that at the next round of
bilateral talk, his delegation would give the Israelis a document
clarifying the Syrian interpretation of UN resolution 242.  This is
the first time the Syrians have taken the initiative by presenting
a document which is not a response to an Israeli document. 
The Jordanian Foreign Minister, Kamel Abu Jabar, said in Cairo that
the 6th round of Bilateral talks would take place in Rome during
May. The newspaper also reports on the talks with the Jordanian
delegation. Spokesmen from both sides announced that Israel and
Jordan are exchanging documents on mutual problems in the fields of
water and the environment. The Israeli delegation presented a
detailed document yesterday to the Jordanians suggesting joint
projects in water conservation. 
The Palestinian delegation rejected the Israeli proposal for
Municipal elections in the Territories and the proposal that
Palestinians be put in charge of health services.
 
 
Levy Delivers Multilateral Talks Proposal to Portuguese Foreign
Minister
 
Today's DAVAR reports that Foreign Minister David Levy presented a
proposal on the subject  of European participation in the
Multilateral talks to the Portuguese Foreign Minister, Daush
Pinero. Pinero is currently serving as head of the European
Community. Israeli agrees to the participation of European
representatives in the first stages of the Arms Control Committee
negotiations, but not at the same level as The United States and
Russia, the two co-sponsors. The Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman
announced yesterday that there is a basic understanding by the
ministers that Europe will not intervene in security matters that
are best dealt with directly by Israel and its neighbors.
 
 
Russians invite Shamir and Sharansky to Visit
 
According to today's YEDIOT AHRONOT, Russian Vice President
Alexander Rutskoi plans to invite Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir to
Russia in the very near future. Rutskoi said, "The relationship
between Russia and Israel are at a new stage; very positive. I, and
my friends in the Russian government will do everything to deepen
and improve them. I have toured the country, full of admiration for
what the people of Israel have accomplished. You turned a desert
into a very fertile area." After meeting with former Soviet
dissident Natan Sharansky, the Russian Vice President invited him
to visit Russia and also promised to send him documents clearing
his name of all espionage charges. Sharansky said that he intends
to accept the invitation.
 
 
Netanyahu Upset Over Absence of Israeli Mention in Congressional
Holocaust Day Ceremony
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports on Deputy Minister Benyamin Netanyahu's
ire over the Holocaust Remembrance day Ceremony which he attended
in the U.S. Congress in Washington. Netanyahu's anger stems from
the fact that in all of the ceremony the name of the State of
Israel was not mentioned once. He plans to lodge an official
complaint to the organizer of the event. Netanyahu's contention is
that the main lesson to be drawn from the Holocaust is the need for
a sovereign Jewish State.
 
 
And now a cultural note from the Consulate General of Israel in New
York. Bring a friend, bring a smile, to the Salute to Israel
Solidarity Parade. The celebration begins 12 o'clock-noon,this
Sunday, May 3rd. Join in the fun as we mark 44 years of Israeli
Independence and 25 years of reunification of Jerusalem, Israel's
capitol. Guests of honor will include Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek
and General Uzi Narkiss, who liberated Jerusalem 25 years ago. The
parade will start on 5th Avenue and 57th Street and go uptown to
79th Street. Remember, don't miss out! Stand up and be counted and
express your solidarity with the state and people of Israel at the
Salute to Israel Solidarity Parade.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Revital Lubinsky and Robert
Socolof.   

               Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                    Monday, May 4, 1992
 
 
Heads of Israeli Delegations to Peace Process Report to Government
on Progress
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that last week, Israel suggested to the
Arab delegations to the bilateral peace talks that negotiations
resume in Rome in two weeks. The Arabs didn't reject the proposal,
and the Prime Minister's Office hopes to receive positive responses
from them in the coming days. The heads of the three Israeli
delegations to the bilateral talks reported to the Government
yesterday on the most recent round in Washington. Most of the
reports were optimistic. Elyakim Rubinstein, head of delegation for
talks with Jordan and the Palestinians, said that substantive
issues were discussed with both groups. According to Rubinstein,
the talks with the Jordanians focused on water, environmental and
energy issues, and included lectures by experts. He also noted that
the atmosphere of the talks with the Palestinians was more relaxed
than in the past, though there were difficult moments this time as
well. Israel emphasized that the municipal elections are not meant
as a substitute for the interim arrangements. They will encourage
the creation of a better atmosphere for continuing the process and
the formation of a democratic atmosphere among the Palestinians. In
addition to proposing the transfer of all health services
administration in the Territories to Palestinian control, Israel
presented the possibility that the issues of employment and welfare
be transferred to Arab hands. In regard to human rights in the
Territories, Israel said that if there is a reduction in violence,
it'll consider the possibility of reducing the forces deployed in
the Territories. At the end of the talks with the Palestinians,
they submitted a proposed agenda for the continuation of the talks,
which will be studied by Israel in the coming days.
 
 
Ovich Release Expected
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that a high ranking Egyptian official said
yesterday that Egypt will probably release Israeli furniture
merchant David Ovich in the very near future.  Ovich has been
detained in Cairo for over 70 days. He announced that lately, there
have been inconsistencies in the testimony of Fayqa Musrati, a 17
year old girl who is also being charged with espionage. Musrati
placed heavy blame on her father, Faras, her brother, Magid, David
Ovich and 2 Egyptian Army officers. One of the officers was her
friend and the second, Fayqa claims was her fiancee. Egyptian
authorities, however, say that Fayqa and the second officer had
been married in a civil ceremony. The Court in Cairo refused to
accept her testimony against the officers and ordered their
release. Musrati accused her so-called fiancee of giving her
information about the Egyptian Army in the Sinai. According to the
newspaper, there are significant indications that Ovich will be
released, with Fayqa and her brother expected to be deported. The
father, Faras Musrati, will have to serve 3 1/2 years in Egyptian
prison for contempt of court.
 
 
General Yatom: Special Units in Territories Must Obey Standard
Regulations for Opening Fire
 
ISRAEL TELEVISION's Mabat news program reported last night on a
press conference with Commander in Charge of the IDF Central
Command, Major General Danny Yatom. At the conference, he stated
that since the beginning of 1992, security forces have captured
about 1,400 wanted individuals for interrogation. Yatom also said
that less than 1% of the detainees (13 individuals) were killed  in
clashes with soldiers and that most of them were armed with
firearms. He stressed that the special units operating in Judea and
Samaria are under the same regulations regarding opening fire as
any other IDF unit operating in the area. All the forces are
subject to the same law.
 
 
IDF Soldier Killed in Shooting Incident Near Jenin; Investigation
Indicates that the Refugee Camp's Mukhtar Shot him by Mistake
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today that IDF soldier, Staff
Sergeant Ya'akov Shiman, who was killed last night in a shooting
incident in the Far'a refugee camp in the Jenin district, will be
buried this afternoon in a military ceremony in Rishon Le'Tzion.
The incident occurred when sound of shots was reported from the
refugee camp, and soldiers went to check it out. The commander of
the force knew that the camp's Mukhtar (community leader) was
armed, but didn't know where he lived. Coming back from the search,
a soldier identified two armed people on a house' roof and thought
he heard sounds of shots. The soldiers, thinking it was a terrorist
squad, fired at the house and broke in. Staff Sergeant Shiman, who
broke the door, was shot and fatally wounded from inside the house.
Reports from a subsequent military investigation noted that the
Mukhtar of the camp shot the soldier, thinking that he was being
attacked by a camp resident coming to murder him. The radio notes
that the commander of the force and the commander of the platoon
were dismissed following the incident.
 
                       ELECTIONS 1992
 
Rabbi Peretz Will Seek Office as Head of New Independent Party
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT quotes Minister of Immigrant Absorption,
Rabbi Yitzhak Peretz, who declared that he'll run for a Knesset
seat in the next election. Peretz will run as head of his
independent MORIAH party. Yesterday, Peretz told the newspaper that
the new party will not be ethnically oriented, but rather, will
turn to the entire people of Israel.  The assumption is that Rabbi
Peretz decided  to make this move after he failed to gain the
number two nomination in the newly unified list of the Agudat
Yisrael and Degel Hatorah parties.
 
 
YEDIOT AHRONOT: A new poll conducted among Israeli Arabs shows an
increase in the number of votes given to Zionist parties running in
the next elections. According to the poll, Hadash can expect 23.1% 
of the Arab vote, with the Labor Party placing second with 21.2% of
the vote.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar, Revital Lubinsky
and Robert Socolof.

                 Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                     Tuesday, May 5, 1992
 
Israel Restores Diplomatic Relations with Nigeria After 19 Years
 
Today's DAVAR reports that Israel and Nigeria have resumed
diplomatic relations 19 years after they were broken off. The
protocol reestablishing diplomatic relations was signed by Foreign
Minister David Levy and Nigerian Foreign Minister Ike Nwachukwu
yesterday in a special ceremony in Nigeria's capital, Abuja. Before
the ceremony, Levy met with Nigeria's President Ibrahim Babangida.
At the ceremony, Levy said, "I hope this agreement will serve as a
basis for both countries in reasserting ourselves in the global
economy and the world in general." The ceremony was also attended
by senior officials from both countries, Chairman of the Nigerian
league for friendship with Israel and 25 managers of Israeli
companies currently operating in Nigeria.
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes Foreign Minister Levy upon his
return to Israel this afternoon. Referring to the wave of new and
restored diplomatic relations between Israel and many countries
across the world, Levy said, "There is a huge field for economic
activity that we need to promote. Israel's interest is not merely
in the diplomatic relations. One has to remember that we signed
economic agreements with most of the countries with which we
restored or established relations."
 
 
Arens Meets with Missing Navigator Ron Arad's Family
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Defense Minister Moshe
Arens met today with the family of Israeli Air Force Navigator Ron
Arad, who has been missing in Lebanon since October 1986. Arens
briefed them on all the details concerning the past and current
efforts made to release Ron Arad, and promised that the Government
won't spare any additional effort. Before the meeting, Ron's
mother, Batya Arad, told KOL YISRAEL that the family would ask
Minister Arens to revive the team dealing with this matter and that
the family would also ask for answers to some difficult questions.
Today is Ron Arad's 34th birthday.
 
 
Memorial Day in Israel; 17,418 Israeli Soldiers Have Fallen in
Battle Since the War of Independence
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Israel's Memorial Day for the
soldiers will begin this evening with a siren that will be heard
throughout Israel at 8:00 PM. Ceremonies in 40 military cemeteries
will begin tomorrow at 11:00 AM with the sounding of another siren.
The newspaper states that 17,418 Israeli soldiers have been killed
since the War of Independence up until today. The Defense Ministry
is helping a population of 59,180 soldiers who were injured and
remain handicapped, and 19,399 widows, orphans, and parents of
those who fell in the defense of Israel.
 
 
IDF Award to Salah Tafesh for Courage and Commitment to Mission
 
KOL YISRAEL reports today that a military award was given to Salah
Tafesh, the Druze field-medic who was killed last month in a clash
with a terrorist squad in South Lebanon. The award was presented to
his father by the Commander in Charge of the Northern Command,
Major General Yitzhak Mordechai. The Major General said that Salah
Tafesh showed courage and commitment to the mission, when he took
care of the injured at the risk of his own life. He didn't listen
to the requests of his officers to find cover, but instead,
continued to take care of those who were injured until he was
killed by a bullet. In his actions, said Major General Mordechai,
he serves as a model for the values with which IDF soldiers and
commanders must be taught. The ceremony was also attended by a
Lieutenant Colonel who was saved by Tafesh' efforts in the clash.
 
 
IDF and SLA Artillery Shell Terrorist Targets Beyond Security Zone
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that IDF and South Lebanese Army artillery
shelled terrorist targets beyond the Security Zone in South Lebanon
over the past 24 hours. Several shells fell in Shiite villages
causing casualties and damage. According to the newspaper, the
shelling was in response to several clashes with Hizbullah
terrorists. In one of these terrorist attacks, an IDF post was hit
by Katyusha rockets and mortar shells. Although the post was
damaged, no injuries were reported.
 
 
Iranian Leader Restate Support for "Destruction of the Israeli
State"
 
Today's DAVAR quotes Arab reporters in the Iranian capital who said
that  Ali Haminai, Iran's spiritual leader, met yesterday with
Hassan Nazrallah, the Hizbullah leader currently visiting Tehran.
In the meeting, Haminai strongly supported the terrorist activities
conducted by the Hizbullah against Israel and even called for
escalation of the attacks, in order to bring about "the destruction
of the Israeli state."  Haminai promised Nazrallah that Iran would
not support any military or political action against Hizbullah
positions in Lebanon.
 
 
World-Wide Jewish Community Reaches 12.8 Million
 
KOL YISRAEL quotes a Hebrew University survey which states that the
world-wide Jewish population has now reached 12.8 million. The
largest Jewish community lives in the United States and consists of
5.5 million people. Israel is second largest with 4.175 million.
One million Jews reside the former Soviet Union and the smallest
Jewish communities are those located in Afghanistan, the Union of
Myanmar (Burma), Indonesia and China.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

                                      JERUSALEM, 5 MAY 1992
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING REMEMBRANCE DAY FOR ISRAEL'S FALLEN
------------------------------------------------------------
(COMMUNICATED BY THE DEFENSE MINISTRY SPOKESMAN)
 
THE DEFENSE MINISTRY SPOKESMAN REPORTS:
 
1.  THE NUMBER OF IDF AND DEFENSE ESTABLISHMENT CASUALTIES FROM THE 
    WAR OF INDEPENDENCE UNTIL TODAY: 17,418.
 
2.  BEREAVED FAMILIES, WIDOWS, ORPHANS, SINGLE PARENTS AND PARENTS 
    OF FALLEN NUMBER 19,399.
 
3.  NUMBER OF IDF HANDICAPPED: 59,180.
 
4.  TOTAL NUMBER OF POPULATION DEALT WITH IN REHABILITATION       
    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MINISTRY: 78,579.
 
 
 
                                            Jerusalem, 5 May 1992
 
DEFENSE MINISTRY RESPONSE TO AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT
---------------------------------------------------------
(Communicated by the Defense Ministry spokesman)
 
In reaction to the recent report by Amnesty International entitled:
"Israel/South Lebanon, the Khiam detainees: torture and
ill-treatment" (May 1992), official sources in Israel stated:
 
1.  The Al-Khiam detention facility, located in southern Lebanon,
is controlled and operated by the SLA, which is responsible for all
activities there.  No Israeli personnel are stationed at this
facility.
 
2.  Inquiries and queries regarding the Al-Khiam facility should be
addressed to those responsible for its operation.
 
3.  Israel -- which maintains good relations with the SLA -- has,
over the years, been endeavoring to encourage, on an ongoing basis,
the establishment of adequate conditions and humanitarian standards
for the detainees at Al-Khiam.
 
 Israel is, however, not in a position to dictate to the SLA how to
deal with threats and dangers prevailing in this turbulent region
of Lebanon.
 
4.  To the best of our understanding, those detained at Al-Khiam
are not innocent persons who have been arbitrarily arrested.  As
Amnesty International is aware, all of them have been involved, in
one way or another, in acts of violence or terror.
 
5.  To the best of our knowledge, the conditions in the Al-Khiam
facility are at least as good as, or better than, those prevailing
in other Lebanese detention facilities.
 
 Israeli official sources stated, off the record, that they assume
that Amnesty International is making similar efforts to investigate
conditions in other prisons controlled by the various militias in
Lebanon, including those where IDF and SLA prisoners and missing
soldiers are incarcerated.
 
 
                                              Jerusalem, 5 May 1992
 
SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
------------------------------------------- 
(Hebrew Press)
 
"Hatzofeh" asserts that the movement in the Syrian position,
attested to by their Israeli interlocutors, is very slight indeed. 
In fact, the actual stance of Syria is greatly obscured -- between
their public statements and their actions.  Even their alleged
change in emigration policy is still unsubstantiated.  In the final
analysis, it will be reality that tests the Syrian shift -- if
Assad wills it, so it will be.
 
"Hadashot" comments that the incident in the Far'a refugee camp can
be viewed as an accident, but it is more indicative of the lack of
clarity prevalent in the territories.  It is difficult to
comprehend a situation in which undercover units, armed mukhtars
and other such elements operate.  The tragedy which cost Ya'akov
Sheiman his life is the sort of reality to be expected when the
person to draw first is the survivor.
 
"Ha'aretz" opposes moving the Friday news magazine to a Saturday
night slot -- a ploy intended to divert prime time attention from
government failures.
 
"Ma'ariv" calls on the media to preserve its supposed
non-partisanship during the election campaign.  The editors
criticize left-wing journalists who seek to infiltrate their
prejudice into reportage -- it is they who are the greatest threat
to a free press.
 
"Yediot Ahronot" remarks that the Likud has given the first
indicator that the election campaign will be brutal in its personal
attacks, which are apparently void of any treatment of the issues. 
The paper expresses surprise that attacks on individuals are
permitted, but the public is still not allowed to vote on such a
basis.
 
"Ma'ariv" scores another point for the Likud in the election "dirt"
contest.  Not including Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres on the
Memorial Day speakers list -- in favor of such people as
non-Zionist Rabbi Peretz -- is inappropriate.  "Yediot Ahronot", in
its third editorial, suggests that the reason for the above is that
Rabin has a competitive party, while Peretz has none.
 
"Davar" supports the teachers in their strike, but cautions that
they should not impair the student examination process.  "Al
Hamishmar" calls on the government to increase the education budget
-- the only way in which the ills of the school system can be
cured.
 
"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, approves of the court decision
to convict a person charged with operating an escort service.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, proposes that the tax
paid by employers be researched.  No compromise is necessary -- it
should remain if positive, but it must otherwise be cast out the
window.
 
"Ma'ariv" , in its second editorial, takes note of the verdict in
the Los Angeles trial of four policemen and claims that this is
evidence of the shortcomings of the trial-by-jury system.
 
 
 
ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 4-MAY-1992
 
1.  THE POLITICAL PROCESS
 
Syria.  The delegation chief said on May 3 on Radio Tunis that
Israel's stand is still one of shirking and wasting time without
permitting progress in the peace process or practical steps to
implement UN Security Council Res.  242 and 338.  There won't be
positive Israeli stands before that country's elections, or even
after them...  As for the US elections, he said Congress had proved
its seriousness over the peace process and will handle substantive
issues in the negotiations which will bear fruit in time.  On
Syrian Jewry, he said the decision to permit them to leave was not
connected with the bilateral talks with Israel..  He told the BBC
(May 3) Syria has been imposing the discussions at the bilateral
talks as far as substance is concerned..."We must ensure that
Israel, even in principle, is sincere in wanting peace.  But
regrettably, it is not clear till now from any of the rounds in the
talks."
 
Palestinians.  Palestinian sources said a meeting will be held in
Tunis this week between PLO faction heads to discuss relations
between them, and for a democratic report, as well as to discuss
the peace process and Palestinian participation in the multilateral
talks.  This will precede the May 6 Central Council session. 
(Qattar news agency, May 3).  PLO Radio said Israel is trying to
exploit the peace process for electoral purposes, and there is
really no progress in the talks.  The Palestinians should
re-examine their approach to deny Israel any benefit in her
elections.  A team member, Elias Freij, said it would be a mistake
to have another round of talks before the Israeli election
("Al-Quds" May 3).
 
Saudia.  The Saudi paper "Al-Balad" (May 3) said that, in contrast
to statements by Arab delegates to the Washington talks, that no
progress had been achieved, American spokesmen are saying Israel's
proposals show movement and they constitute progress compared to
the declarations by Prime Minister Shamir at Madrid.  The paper
calls on the Arabs to be patient and act wisely in the light of
Israel's habit of gaining time and setting up obstacles to move the
opposing side to reduce its demands to a minimum.  (Saudi news
service, May 3).
 
2.  LIBYA
 
The Russian Embassy in Tripoli said in a few days an airlift will
occur, with UN permission, to evacuate from Libya 1,400 experts
from former Soviet republics and 350 of their family members. 
(Reuters, May 3).  The Arab parliamentary gathering in Tripoli has
ended (May 3).  It expressed solidarity with Libya.  There were
harsh exchanges between delegates from Iraq and Kuwait.  The West
was blamed for plotting against Libya.  An Arab summit was called
for urgently to work for the people of Libya.  Qaddaffi received
the delegates.  (Agencies, Libyan news service, May 3).  The Syrian
parliamentary speaker and the Arab Parliamentary Congress chairman
called for Arab solidarity, praised Libya's "balanced stand" and
its initiatives to solve the crisis peacefully according to
international law.  (Damascus Radio, May 2).
 
3.  INTER-ARAB GATHERINGS
 
The Kuwaiti defense minister is visiting Egypt and signed a deal
for Egyptian military equipment to be supplied to Kuwait.  He said
the Gulf States' armies must form the nucleus of a defensive
system, and the manpower shortage would be made up by other Arab
states.  (ME news agency, May 3).  The deputy premier of Iraq
reached Rabat (May 3) with a note from Saddam for King Hassan.  (ME
news agency, May 3).
 
4.  AFGHANISTAN
 
Pakistan, Iran, Libya, Algeria, China and Saudia have received the
new regime so far.  A Saudi delegation has arrived in Kabul, headed
by the director of military intelligence.  Britain and EC
representatives have welcomed the new regime, and Russia has
offered aid in rehabilitating the country, but has not recognized
the regime.  (Agencies, May 1).
 
 
                                              Jerusalem, 4 May 1992
 
DAILY PRESS SURVEY 
(Hebrew press)
 
IN TODAY'S SURVEY: No change in Syrian policy of emigration of
Jews; Statistics on IDF activities in territories in 1992; U.S. 
does not invite Israel to strategic talks on establishing defense
systems against medium range missiles.
 
 "HA'ARETZ" (p.  1) -- Shlomo Shamir and Ron Kaufman report that
diplomats in the Syrian embassy of a major Western capital said at
the end of the week that they do not know of any change in policy
on Syrian Jewish emigration.  The task forces for Syrian Jews in
the U.S.  and Canada also report that a week after the publication
of the news that Jews will be allowed to depart from Syria, there
is still no apparent practical possibility for their departure. 
(...)
 
According to Jody Pallad-Karr, [chairwoman of the Canadian task
force], no permit has been given Jews to leave on visits.  The
Syrian secret police (the "Mokhabarat") summarily rejects all
appeals, and those who do leave pay large sums as bribes for a
Syrian passport with a one time exit visa good for only one
country, the U.S.  or Canada.  "Publications of families that have
left are total lies.  Those who have arrived are ill, and their
arrival was organized a long time ago.  Last night a cancer patient
was due to arrive for treatment in New York, and I fear that
simpletons will see in this a symbol of emigration and the good
will of the [Syrian] administration authorities."
 
At the same time senior American administration officials who met
recently with Jewish activists in New York, expressed much
displeasure at the Jewish reactions to the reports from Damascus,
by which Jews who appeal for exit permits are refused them by the
secret police.  The current view in the administration is that
criticism of Syria by Jewish activists is too early and unjustified
at this stage.
 
A major New York Jewish activist, involved in pro-Syrian Jewry, was
told on Friday that the administration does not see criticism of
Damascus favorably, and he was asked to desist expressing his views
publicly on the matter.
 
In a briefing to Israeli and Arab correspondents in Washington, a
senior administration official clarified that the U.S.  expects the
full implementation of the Syrian decision.  According to the
official, Syria must be given a period of a few weeks to set up for
the implementation of the process of issuing exit visas to the
Jews.  "Let's give the Syrians some time", said the official.
 
However, within the Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn the feeling
is growing that the authorities in Damascus do not plan at this
stage to implement the decision, and at best a weeks will pass,
perhaps two months, until the organizations who deal with it will
be given instructions to ease the emigration of Jews.
 
A Brooklyn Jew whose married sister left Syria three years ago for
medical treatment, related yesterday that his brother-in-law, who
remained in Syria, attempted last week to submit a request for an
exit visa to the secret police in Damascus, but was told he should
return in a number of months.
 
The assessment in the community yesterday was that Damascus is
hoodwinking the American administration.  Many were also critical
of the "New York Times" which two days ago published a lead
article, from which it transpires that Syria has already
implemented the decision regarding the issuing of exit visas to
Jews.
 
Activists in Brooklyn complained that Syria is enjoying favorable
coverage in the media and is collecting points in American public
opinion, whereas there are no signs on the ground for a change in
emigration policy.  They believe that Syria wants to extort money
in exchange for granting exit visas and is also hoping for
political compensation.
 
Seymour Reich, head of the task force for Syrian Jews in the U.S.,
published a special press release two days ago, in which he
demanded utmost caution regarding the publications that Syria is
permitting the departure of Jews.  "This is not the appropriate
time to hand the cruel regime of Hafez el-Assad the propaganda
victory he is seeking", noted Reich.  "Only after a significant
number of Jews indeed be allowed to leave with their families, will
we be able to feel relieved", he added.
 
"MA'ARIV" (p.  7) -- Hanan Shalin reports that approximately 1400
wanted suspects and persons wanted for questioning have been
arrested since the beginning of the year [by the authorities in
Judea, Samaria and Gaza].  About 200 of them are directly connected
to the execution of hostile terrorist acts.
 
These statistics were related yesterday by Danny Yatom, OC Central
Command, in a discussion he conducted with a group of
correspondents covering the territories during a tour of Bethlehem. 
Major General Yatom added that in recent days 11 residents of the
village of Qabatiya in the Jenin area who belonged to an armed gang
which carried out shootings and grenade attacks against Israeli
targets, were arrested.  He revealed that in the same period the
defense forces captured many weapons, including 16 pistols, 27
improvised pistols, 11 rifles, 6 improvised rifles, a 0.5 machine
gun, twenty grenades, 16 improvised bombs, and an Uzi sub-machine
gun.  A great deal of ammunition was found as well.
 
Major General Yatom noted that since the beginning of March a new
unprecedented phenomenon has appeared: suspects turning themselves
in.  He emphasized: There has recently been a decrease in the
number of men wanted in Judea and Samaria.  During the arrest of
the wanted men 13 were killed, most after they drew weapons, and 13
others were wounded.  In the same period, 44 soldiers and 82
Israeli citizens were injured, most in stone throwing incidents.
 
The OC related that in the last four months there has been a 30%
decrease in disturbances and hostile terrorist activity compared to
the last few months of 1991.  He ascribes this to a number of
factors.  Among them: improved intelligence and operations, which
have led to the capture of more terrorists and wanted men.
 
Regarding the Elimelech couple's charge in the Kfar Dura incident,
the OC criticized the journalists, who did not bother, he said, to
check the reliability of the plaintive.  According to the OC, "in
light of his lies concerning his past, his reliability is not
especially strong." According to him, two masked assailants were
shot in Dura, following a threatening motion of one of them at the
soldiers, who had a thick iron chain in his hand.
 
"MA'ARIV" (p.  7) -- Oded Shorer reports that Republican
representative John Kale, a member of the House Armed Services
Committee accused the American administration that it has again
ignored Israel and has abstained from inviting it to international
strategic talks on establishing defense systems against medium
range missiles to which the majority of U.S.  allies have been
invited.
 
 Kale, the Republican assistant whip in the House of
Representatives, complained to Secretary of State James Baker on
this matter.
 
"It has come to my attention that President Bush has invited NATO
members, Australia, Japan, and South Korea to participate in
professional discussions in order to create an international
strategic system of defense against medium range missiles.
 
Israel has not been invited.  I understand that the U.S.  is still
deliberating Israel's participation in the discussions, but I do
not understand why Israel was not invited forthwith, as it is the
only democratic ally of the U.S.  that has withstood a murderous
missile attack, and the threat upon them from this quarter is
bigger than on any other state in the world."
 
 
                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
                       -=} (415) 550-1318 {=-

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                  Wednesday, May 6, 1992
 
 
Ovich-Musrati Affair Resolved; All 4 Detainees Returned to Israel
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports on the release last night of 4
Israelis from prison in Cairo, Egypt. David Ovich and the three
members of the Musrati family, the father, Fares Musrati and his
children, Fayqa and Magid returned to Israel on a regularly
scheduled El-Al flight from Egypt. Upon arriving at Ben Gurion
airport in Israel, David Ovich said that the conditions of his
detention were unbearable. Most of the time, he was in solitary
confinement and felt like a hostage. Nevertheless, he said, he was
treated civilly and his interrogation was only superficial.  Fares
Musrati said that he was beaten in jail and that he had to be
treated for his injuries there. His daughter denied the Egyptian
accusations of her being an agent for the Mossad (Israeli
Intelligence). Fayqa said when she was in jail, she was shown
documents with her forged signature. The director general of the
Foreign Ministry Dr. Yosef Hadass welcomed the four released
Israelis upon their arrival in Israel.
 
 
Reactions to Ovich-Musrati Affair
 
KOL YISRAEL also reports on reactions around Israel to the detainee
incident. Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir said that he welcomes the
release of David Ovich and the Musrati family and that he doesn't
think there will be any permanent damage to Egyptian-Israeli
relations. Asked whether Israeli tourists need to take precautions
against false arrests in Egypt, Shamir replied that they should
always be cautious. MK Amnon Rubinstein from the MERETZ political
party strongly criticized the Egyptian government's behavior in the
matter, saying that the affair shows that Egypt harshly violates
human rights and is far from being a lawful state. He called on the
Israeli government to demand that Egypt compensate Ovich and the
Musrati's for their suffering in arbitrary detention and the
inhuman conditions under which they were kept. 
 
 
Israel Commemorates Memorial Day; Barak: Thanks to the Fallen
Israel is Developing and Facing the Future
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports on the opening last night of events
commemorating Memorial Day for those who fell in the defense of
Israel. Last night's central ceremony took place in front of the
Western Wall in Jerusalem. Participating in the ceremony were
Israel's President Chaim Herzog and Israel Defense Forces Chief of
Staff Ehud Barak. The President lit a memorial torch using a fire
given to him by Jacqueline Dowek, widow of Corporal Eli Dowek, a
soldier of the tank corps who fell 20 years ago on the northern
border. The Chief of Staff issued an Order of the Day for Memorial
day which stated, "The sacrifice of the fallen wasn't in vain.
Thanks to them, the State of Israel is marching, developing and
facing the future. The pain and scars make this march difficult,
but the memory of the fallen is, for us, a source of strength for
continuing further on."
 
 
Shamir: This Day We are All One Family
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that in a ceremony near the Yad Lebanim
(Hand for the Sons) statue in Jerusalem last night, Prime Minister
Yitzhak Shamir expressed hope that, "the day is not far off when
additional Arab countries, beside Egypt, will distance themselves
from the path of war and take the path of peace. Our power and
firmness guarantee the yearned-for peace and bring it closer."
Israel Radio reports that Prime Minister Shamir today told bereaved
families in a ceremony on Mont Herzl in Jerusalem that, "The memory
of your beloved who fell in Israel's campaigns escort you every day
of the year, every year. But on this day, we are all one family.
The entire house of Israel has adopted you today into its heart."
 
 
Joint Miliary Maneuvers by IDF and US Army
 
Today's HA'ARETZ quotes an Israel Defense Forces source who stated
that joint military maneuvers were successfully conducted in April
by the IDF and the US Army. The source referred to what American
Ambassador to Israel William Harrop said two days ago about such
big joint maneuvers. The Ambassador stressed the US obligation to
help Israel maintain its qualitative military edge. 
 
 
Israel's Population Reaches 5.090 Million; 418,661 Immigrants Since
End of 1989
 
Today's DAVAR reports that on the eve of Israel's 44th Independence
Day, the population of the State has been estimated at 5.090
million -- approximately 4.175 million of which are Jews (82% of
the population), 700,000 Moslems (13.8%), 130,000 Christians
(2.5%), and 85,000 Druze (1.7%).  Since last Independence Day, the
population has increased by approximately 4.3%, marking an addition
of about 210,000 people.  Almost two-thirds of the increase in the
44th year of the State was derived from the immigration balance,
particularly the immigration of about 153,000 people since last
Independence Day. The newspaper also quotes Chairman of the Jewish
Agency, Simcha Dinitz, who said that 2,228,444 immigrants have
arrived in Israel since its establishment. Since the start of the
large immigration from the Soviet Union at the end of 1989, 418,661
new immigrants have come to Israel from all around the world.
 
 
HADASHOT: Major General Yitzhak Mordechai said in an interview
that, "If the Syrians and Lebanese won't prevent the consolidation
of Hizbullah forces in South Lebanon, we'll have to act against the
Hizbullah in an extreme manner."
 
 
YEDIOT AHRONOT: The events marking Israel's 44th Independence Day
will open tonight at the traditional ceremony of lighting the
torches on Mont Herzl in Jerusalem. The 12 people who will light
the torches represent the central theme of this year's Independence
Day -- 500 years since the expulsion of Jews from Spain.
 
 
Due to the Independence Day Holiday, the next Israel Line will be
available on Friday, May 8th. We wish you all happy Independence
Day.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar, Revital Lubinsky
and Robert Socolof.

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                    Friday, May 8, 1992
 
 
Six Iranians and One Italian Arrested in Ecuador In Connection with
Explosion in Israel's Embassy in Buenos Aires
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that 6 Iranians and one Italian
were arrested in the capital of Ecuador, Quito, on suspicion of
bombing the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires. The U.S. stated
yesterday that it has evidence that Iranian diplomats assisted in
placing the bomb, and that the direct responsibility for the attack
lies with the Islamic Jihad organization. An official investigative
report in Argentina determined that the car-bombing was not
conducted by a suicidal attacker, but by a remote control explosive
devise put in a van near the Embassy.
 
 
Baker Sends Message to Levy in an Attempt to Change Israel's
Decision Not to Attend Work Groups in Brussels and Ottawa
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the U.S. does not view the
participation of Palestinian representative from outside the
Territories in the Refugee and Economic Development work groups of
the multilateral talks as recognition of the Palestinian right of
return. This message from U.S. Secretary of State James Baker was
relayed to Foreign Minister David Levy by U.S. Ambassador in Israel
William Harrop. The message was relayed in an attempt to persuade
Israel to change its position and participate in these work groups.
The work group on Economic Development will open this Monday in
Brussels and is scheduled to close on Tuesday. The work group on
the Refugees problem will open next Wednesday in Ottawa and is
scheduled to close on Friday. Palestinians from outside the
Territories are expected to attend both work groups. Director
General of the Foreign Ministry, Dr. Yosef Hadass, said last night
that the Foreign Ministry has not yet received any instructions
from the Government changing Israel's decision not to participate
in the sessions of these two work groups. Hadass said that the two
Israeli delegations which were scheduled to leave on Sunday will
stay in Israel, unless the Government decides differently in its
meeting on Sunday. He doubted that the Government would change its
decision and said he does not view the Baker message as anything
that will bring about a change. The newspaper reports that the
Prime Minister's Office responded saying that Israel has not
changed its mind. Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir decided to postpone
sending the message regarding Israel's intended absence from the
two work group to U.S. President George Bush until after the
Government meeting on Sunday. This, to allow the U.S. to find a
solution to the situation.
 
 
Fares and Faika Musrati Speak of Physical Torture in Egyptian
Prison
 
Today's HADASHOT reports that in contrast to David Ovich who 
suffered no physical torture during his detention in Egypt, Fares
and Faika Musrati say they did. The father, Fares, told the
newspaper, "I broke and signed everything they gave me -- 260
documents." Seventeen year-old Faika said, "My face was exploding
from electric shocks in the mouth. At the end, I gave false
testimony that I'm a spy, and so is Ovich."
 
 
All High Schools, Junior-High Schools and Seminaries on Strike
Today in Israel
 
KOL YISRAEL reports that the teachers in the post-elementary system
in Israel have declared a strike for today and on Sunday. In the
Arab sector, the strike will be in effect today and tomorrow. No
classes will be held in high schools, junior-high schools or
seminaries. Minister of Education and Culture, Zvulun Hammer, will
meet today with representatives of the Post-Elementary Teachers'
Union in an attempt to persuade them not to sabotage the Bagrut
final examinations, scheduled to begin on Sunday. According to the
newspaper, the minister will also ask them to agree to having a
judge review the depreciation in their wages. Hammer is committed
to accepting the judge's recommendation and will persuade the
Government to adopt them.
 
 
Baker Directly Involved in Efforts to Release Ovich
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that U.S. Secretary of State James Baker
became directly involved with Egyptian authorities in regard to the
release of David Ovich. Baker's activity came following requests of
Congressmen and other public figures in the U.S. These requests
were coordinated by New York City Council member, Noah Dear. This
information was confirmed by senior Egyptian diplomats in the U.S.
The newspaper reports that on Wednesday, Ovich called Noah Dear,
saying, "I owe you [plural] my life." Ovich also asked to relay his
gratitude to Baker, Dennis Ross and Senator Alfonse M. D'Amato.
 
 
Israel to Encourage Palestinian Exports Via the Jordan Bridges
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that a paper prepared by the Civil
Administration in the Territories and the Office of the
Government's Coordinator of Activities in the Territories proposes
to grant extensive benefits to Palestinian exporters from the
Territories.  Based on the preparation work for the paper, 
security authorities have already lowered the tolls on exports via
the Jordanian bridges substantially. On agricultural produce, for
example, the toll was lowered from 130 New Shekels (about 57
dollars) to only 30 New Shekels (13 dollars) per track. Industrial
products will be tolled at 130 New Shekels per track instead of 388
New Shekels (approximately 147 dollars). The basis for this
approach is the assumption of the security authorities that the
future of export from the Territories is in the east, meaning
Jordan and the Gulf countries. In the same tendency to increase
exports eastward, the security authorities plan to establish a fund
encouraging export, and offer assistance in the field of
advertising in the Arab states. According to the newspaper,
additional steps planned for the future include partial exemption
from income tax to exporters shipping via the Jordan bridges.
 
 
Independence Day Celebration in the Bedouin Village of Bir El-
Maksur
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports on the first of its kind assembly in
the Arab sector to mark Israel's Independence Day yesterday in the
Bedouin village of Bir El-Maksur. Attending the assembly were
Foreign Minister David Levy, Interior Minister Aryeh Deri and
Commander in Charge of the IDF's Northern Command, Major General
Yitzhak Mordechai. The Major General reviewed a guard of Bedouin
soldiers from the Desert Patrol Platoon of the Giv'ati Brigade.
Foreign Minister Levy noted that it was a splendid event in which
Jews and non-Jews expressed the joy of Independence Day.
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.
 

                                          Jerusalem, 10 May 1992
 
SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS   
(Hebrew press)
 
"Ha'aretz" states that it is possible to understand the Israeli
position on the upcoming multi-lateral talks; it is not difficult
to assume that the Palestinians -- whether from abroad or not --
will raise the "right of return" in the discussions on refugee
affairs, which will not elate the sponsors either.  Still, it is
hard to deny the role of Palestinians from abroad in such talks. 
In fact, Israel may unite therewith in search of international
support for rehabilitation efforts.  The editors call on the
government to send representatives to the two committees it has
threatened to boycott.
 
"Yediot Ahronot" notes that the absence of Israeli delegates from
multi- lateral committees in refugees and economic development is
grounded in the participation of Palestinian from abroad thereon. 
Despite the assurance of Secretary Baker that their inclusion does
not symbolize any recognition of a Palestinian right of return, the
Israeli government will never concede this point -- during an
election year.  Still, it is not to be expected that Israel will
succeed in persuading world public opinion of the justice of our
position and, thus, Israel may lose out.
 
"Hatzofeh" feels that Secretary Baker,in his letter to David Levy,
is trying to pressure Israel into participating in the
multi-lateral talks -- the latter having objected owing to the
inclusion of Palestinians from abroad on two committees, contrary
to American promises.  Now, Israel is defending its interests and
objecting to a substantive negotiating point -- refusing to allow
a propaganda platform for Palestinians living abroad to demand a
right of return.  Indeed, in this event, the paper anticipates that
Israeli positions will be besieged.  Regardless, indications that
the United States will counter-act certain previous commitments is
worrisome and may ultimately complicate the peace process.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its third editorial, is disappointed that the
Egyptian media never did heed its call to verify its sources
regarding the supposed Israeli spies.  The editors further wonder
whether the authorities in Cairo will compensate David Ovitz and
the Musratis for their ordeal.
 
"Davar" is worried about the racist connotations of Israeli support
for the plight of David Ovitz, as opposed to the Arab Musratis. 
Yet, the editors believe that an non-malicious error was effected
and that similar circumstances could recur in Israel.  At the same
time, the Ron Arad affair has highlighted the difficulties in
dealing with organizations and not governments, as well as the
problems inherent in prisoner swaps.  The editorial further hopes
that such an exchange was not ruled out -- for political reasons --
when Arad was first captured, and when the climate was far more
conducive to a settlement.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, comments that arguments in
support of awarding the Israel Prize to Emil Habibi -- as well as
those opposed thereto -- are legitimate.  However, the editors
reject the manner in which Yuval Ne'eman chose to return his award.
 
Instead of staging a ploy to garner electoral gains, he should have
filed his protest with the president on a separate occasion. 
Meanwhile, the paper wonders whether ITV avoided "extended"
coverage of the Shamir-Habibi handshake to help Habibi save face. 
Or maybe Shamir?
 
"Al Hamishmar" suggests that the awarding of the Israel Prize to
Emil Habibi may herald a new attitude toward the Arab citizens of
Israel, who existence is linked to that of Israeli Jews. 
Demonstrations such as that of Yuval Ne'eman point to racist
sentiments which indicate a non-acceptance of the shared
Jewish-Arab experience.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its fourth editorial, remarks that the German
intelligentsia has never forgiven Marlene Dietrich for
demonstrating that there was an alternative to collaboration with
the Nazis.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, asserts that the voting public
is most concerned about the tendency of the Labor party to pump
funds into failing companies.  Although Rabin is not interested in
this particular aspect of the game, he should not assume that the
electorate is not paying attention.
 
"Hadashot" wants clear-headed Likud politicians to send out a clear
signal that ITV is not a hostile element trying to "frame" the
ruling coalition -- a charge being touted in an effort to shake
criticisms of the government.  The paper also expects the Education
Minister to act appropriately and not move the Friday news
magazine.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, warns the Education
Minister that he will be committing a grave error if he supports
moving the Friday night news program to the following evening -- a
clearly political act.
 
"Ma'ariv" deplores the decision of teachers to strike, after the
Minister of Education essentially accepted their terms.  The paper
hopes that, after the elections, the government in power passes
legislation restricting the ability of public sector employees to
walk out.
 
 
EXCERPTS FROM AL-HASSAN INTERVIEW 
--------------------------------- 
"Al-Hayyat", April 26, 1992
 
In an interview conducted against the backdrop of the last round of
talks in Washington, Khaled al-Hassan -- a member of the PLO
Central Committee and one mentioned as a potential successor to
Yasser Arafat -- repeated traditional Palestinian claims in favor
of the right of return for Palestinians: return to Haifa and
Jerusalem, United Nations resolution 194 and the like.
 
The following are excerpts from an interview granted by Khaled
al-Hassan, on 26.4.92, to "Al-Hayyat", published in London:
 
"...  I want to say that I hope that the case of the Palestinian
problem will remain open as long as the Palestinian problem is not
discussed.
 
That is to say that the discussion of the Palestinian refugee
problem will not end with them not returning to Palestine, since
Palestinians -- like myself -- who left their country after the
Israeli aggression in 1948 and after the Zionist plunder do not
distinguish between cities in Palestine.  For me, the status of
Haifa is akin to that of Jerusalem.
 
Our commitment to Haifa is not less than our commitment to
Jerusalem -- despite the sanctity of Jerusalem, which derives from
Islamic tradition and faith in Allah.  If we lose our hope to
return to the land in which we grew up and from which we were
expelled it will not be possible to achieve peace.  I want to
clarify something: If I live long enough, the first thing I will do
when this phase is completed will be to establish a political
movement or party that will demand the implementation of United
Nations Resolution 194.  This party will have to include the
residents of the territories conquered in 1948, the refugees of
1948 and all Palestinians who want to join.  This, because nobody
can suppress our hopes to realize the right of return..."
 
"The character of the current phase may require that activity [in
support] of the right of return be separated from activity toward
the establishment of the [Palestinian] state.  This, because we
will not agree to commit ourselves to sign any agreement if it
includes a concession of the right of return, while other elements
are committed to such an agreement..."
 
 
 
ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 6-MAY-1992
 
1.  POLITICAL PROCESS
 
  Syria.   The information minister said Syria continues to improve
its army so it can "defend its territory and confront any enemy
that tries to seize part of it." He said Israel's propaganda
campaign against the Syrian army is a technical and psychological
prelude to a military operation  against Syria..."which Israel will
not hesitate to carry out if she sees that the political process is
close to success." While the U.S.  wants the process to advance,
this has no effect it if is not ready to carry it out.  (ME news
agency, May 5).
 
  Jordan.   The foreign minister met in Amman with members of the
Jordanian and Palestinian delegations to the multilateral
committees.
 
  PLO  Farouk Kaddoumi met in Lisbon with the Portuguese foreign
minister (chairman of the EC) and told him economic pressure by it
against Israel could force Israel to agree to the Palestinian
demands to end the occupation and accelerate the peace process.
 
2.  LIBYA
 
  The ruler Qaddaffi spoke at the opening session of the People's
Assembly and said the Western leaders and Libya have mutual respect
and Arab leaders say it is the best U.S.  administration so far. 
He again refused to extradite the two terrorism suspects in the Pan
Am Lockerbie case, and claimed the whole world had lost confidence
in American justice.  He was ready for a UN inspection committee to
see there are no chemical or nuclear weapons or terrorist training
camps in Libya...(Agencies, May6).
 
3.  LEBANON
 
  According to Radio Monte Carlo (May 6) there will be some changes
in the Lebanese government -- with Syria's consent.  This is due to
the economic difficulties there and the drop in the value of the
Lebanese pound.
 
4.  EGYPT
 
  The interior minister told parliament that in the village where
Moslem extremists had killed Copts, quiet now prevails and 15
extremists have been arrested, with hundreds of security personnel
sent to the village.
 
5.  U.S.A.  - LEBANON
 
  A source in the State Dept.  confirmed that the U.S.  has begun
talks with Lebanon on transferring American military equipment to
that country, following a pause of eight years.
 
6.  ALGERIA
 
  With the opening of the second trial of men accused of terrorism
(May 5) clashes and violence continue in the cities, with an
exchange of firing in the capital on May 4.  Cases of arson at
universities and shops are reported.  (Agencies, May 5).
 
 
DOMESTIC GEMS Thu.  May 7
 
CHERNOBYL CHILDREN ARRIVE IN ISRAEL ("Jerusalem Post")
 
An additional group of 24 children from Ukraine, who had been
exposed to radiation in the Chrnobyl nuclear reactor disaster there
six years ago, arrived in Israel this week for diagnosis and
treatment.  They came on a direct Aeroflot flight from Moscow, and
will be treated in the Oncology Department of the Children's
Hospital in Petah Tikva.  Dozens of other survivors of the disaster
were previously treated there, and have meanwhile returned home.
 
MALE FERTILITY DIAGNOSIS NOW POSSIBLE WITHOUT TESTICLE SURGERY
("Ma'ariv")
 
At Jerusalem's Sha'arei Tzedek Hospital, a system has been devised
to check weak sperm production without surgery on testicles, by the
department on male fertility.  A method of examining cell counts
through small biopsy penetrations has been discovered, using a fine
needle which removes cells instead of a piece of tissue.  No
hospitalization is required.  In addition, ultra-sound testing is
applied in checking weak sperm production in some cases.
 
SOFTWARE PROTECTION IMPROVED IN NEW ISRAELI DEVELOPMENT ("Ma'ariv")
 
An improved method of protecting computer software against viruses
and piracy has been devised by the Israeli Aladdin Co.  by which a
special card can be used with personal computers to introduce
protective mechanism within the machine, in a onetime installation
saving repeated applications of defensive procedures.  
 
 
                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
                       -=} (415) 550-1318 {=-

            Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                 Monday, May 11, 1992
 
 
Two Working Groups of Multilateral Talks Convene Today
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that two working groups of the
multilateral talks will begin their sessions today.  The working
group on arms control in the Middle East is scheduled to meet today
in Washington with participants from 22 countries. Israel's
delegation to the working group in Washington is headed by Director
General of the Ministry of Defense, David Ivry. KOL YISRAEL also
reports that the Israeli representatives to the talks met this
morning in Washington with Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for
Politico-Military Affairs, Richard A. Clarke. The radio further
reports that the working group for economic development in the
Middle East is convening today in Brussels. Israel is absent from
the session due to the inclusion of Palestinians from outside the
Territories.
 
 
Levy Leaves to Meet with Foreign Ministers of European Community
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Foreign Minister David Levy
left this morning for Brussels to participate in the annual meeting
of the Council for Cooperation between Israel and the European
Community. Foreign Minister Levy will meet with the 12 Foreign
Ministers of the EEC to discuss political issues and topics of
mutual interest. Upon leaving this morning, Levy told KOL YISRAEL
that there is no crisis in Israel's relations with the European
Community, though there is some tension regarding Europe's
participation in the multilateral talks on arms control in
Washington. The Foreign Minister said that Europe's status in those
talks is higher than other bodies, though certainly not equal to
the U.S.  Levy said that during his meetings in Brussels he'll try
to bring about an understanding and an open dialogue, "...We'll
clarify our stands, and maintain the ties and friendship with
Europe."
 
 
Chances are Slim for Holding Next Round of Bilateral Talks Before
Israeli Elections
 
Today's DAVAR reports that political sources in Jerusalem yesterday
assessed the chances of holding the next round of bilateral talks
in Rome before the elections in Israel as slim.  Sources involved
in the bilateral talks in Washington said that Jerusalem has not
yet received any response from the Arabs to its proposal that
another round be carried out in May. According to the newspaper,
Jerusalem knows that the Arabs have not consulted among themselves
on this question, and it appears that they're waiting for the
results of the elections in Israel, on June 23.
 
 
Arens: Substantial Progress in Territories on Road to Returning
Life to Normal Course
 
Today's HA'ARETZ quotes Defense Minister Moshe Arens who said
yesterday, "In recent months, substantial progress occurred on the
road to returning life in Judea and Samaria to a normal course."
Arens was speaking at a ceremony where he received honorary
citizenship to the Beit Arieh settlement. Minister Arens added
that, "In the past year, there has been an apparent change -- all
schools, colleges and universities of the Arab population in Judea
and Samaria have been open. The mass disturbances are a thing of
the past, and elections in many bodies took place. If four years
ago, Yasser Arafat said that the Palestinian state is within a
stone's throw, no one dares to repeat it today. No one dares to say
that the Palestinian state is even within the range of a missile's
launch."
 
 
State Attorney's Office Opposes Trial for Palestinian Leaders Seri
Nusseiba and Raduan Abu Iash
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that the State Attorney's Office continues
to oppose putting  Palestinian leaders Seri Nusseiba and Raduan
Abu-Iash on criminal trial for offenses related to the Uprising.
The State Attorney's Office submitted its response yesterday to a
plea submitted by Knesset Member Elyakim Haetzni which demands 
bringing Iash and Nusseiba to trial.  Among the considerations of
the State Attorney's Office is the security authorities' contention
that the absence of Seri Nusseiba from Israel is preferable to
having him stay in Israel to stand trial. Nusseiba has recently
asked to be allowed to go to England for a sabbatical with his
family.
 
 
Terrorist Sentenced to Life Escapes from Police car
 
Israel Radio this evening quotes Police Commissioner Ya'acov Terner
who said that there will be a sharp response to the escape of the
terrorist Bal Jamil Ismail. Terner said that the situation cannot
be allowed wherein a murderous terrorist sentenced to life in
prison manages to escape from the police. All vacations for the
police forces in the Southern District have been canceled. Hundreds
of policemen have been called in on the search for Ismail, who
escaped on the road from Be'er Sheva to Ashkelon from a police van
used for transferring prisoners. The two policemen who were in the
van, a driver and a guard, were armed, but the guard was sitting in
the front of the van instead of in back, with the prisoner.  The
guard later claimed that he hadn't been feeling well, and was
hospitalized after complaining of chest pains. It is not yet clear
how Ismail escaped without drawing the attention of the two
policemen. Ismail was sentenced to life in prison for murder and
attempted murders. Last year near Nitzanim, Ismail ran down IDF
soldiers, killing one of them and injuring several.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.



                                        Jerusalem, 11 May 1992
 
SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS  
(Hebrew press)
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, believes that the
absence of Israeli delegates at some multi-lateral discussions will
not be severely damaging.  These talks were only designed to
accompany the direct peace negotiations -- which the Arabs have
suspended until after the Israeli elections.  Ultimately, this will
permit Shamir to claim that he initiated the process and was,
indeed, never compelled to relinquish territory.
 
"Ma'ariv" notes that Israel is now about to recompense the
Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese for the diplomatic coup they
awarded Israel by not appearing at the Moscow conference.  No
international element has yet accepted the Israeli reservation to
its participation in the Ottawa and Brussels talks.  Indeed, Israel
-- built by Jewish refugees -- cannot ignore the reality of
Palestinian refugees.
 
"Davar" writes that Israeli excuses for avoiding multi-lateral
committees are ridiculous -- since, in reality, Israel is already
talking to Yasser Arafat.  Further, the editors take note of the
progress made by the United States and the former Soviet Union
toward an arms control regime and comment that Israel is far behind
in studying this concept.  Ultimately, all parties to the regional
conflict will have to learn to compromise in order to achieve
mutual security.
 
"Al Hamishmar" remarks that the refusal of Israel to attend the
sessions of two multi-lateral committees will leave an important
platform to the PLO and other Arab elements -- without any
representation of Israeli interests.  While the position of the
government may have been comprehensible if the committees were not
to convene in its absence, it is self-defeating for Israel not to
participate in talks on refugees and economic cooperation -- issues
which are core to Middle Eastern peace.  The editors state that
peace negotiations are, be definition, held with enemies and not
friends.
 
"Ha'aretz" asserts that the release of David Ovitz and the Musratis
does not answer all the unresolved questions related to the
"espionage" affair.  First, it is still unclear whether the
Musratis fingered Ovitz as a Mossad operative of their own
initiative, or whether the Egyptians forced a "confession" out of
them.  The paper also questions whether Israelis can be safely
visit Egypt -- especially if Egyptian officialdom is just as
threatening a factor as extremist elements.
 
"Ma'ariv" feels that the IDF must remain a humane army which
listens to its ranks and acts mercifully -- but it must not allow
anarchy to reign, such as is at risk in the case of the rebellious
band of Paratroopers.
 
"Hadashot" calls on the Chairman of the Knesset Public Audit
Committee to maintain the integrity of the body -- even if it
should entail the restraint of his Labor party comrades.  The work
of the commission is far too important to allow political squabbles
its impartiality being compromised, even if the recent report of
the State Comptroller almost begs for criticism of the Likud.
 
"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, criticizes those who believe
that moving the Friday news magazine to the following night is
undemocratic.  In a democratic society, the majority is required to
reach a decision -- no matter what it should decide.
 
"Yediot Ahronot" discusses the current wave of public sector
strikes and its impact on the election campaign.  The paper
suggests that proposed wage increases would meet with greater
success if brought forth after the voting takes place; concessions
will be more forthcoming once the next government is composed.
 
"Hatzofeh" commends hopes that teachers will resolve their wage
dispute and that they will agree to allow a judge to arbitrate the
matter.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, deals with aspects of the
Eurovision song contest.
 
 
 
PRESS CONFERENCE WITH OC CENTRAL COMMAND, MAJ.  GEN.  DANI YATOM
 
During a press conference with foreign journalists on May 6, 1992,
OC Central Command Maj.  Gen.  Dani Yatom discussed IDF operations
in Judea and Samaria:
 
The Desire for Normality in Judea and Samaria
--------------------------------------------- 
We have recently witnessed a growing tendency among the
Palestinians in Judea and Samaria of a desire to return, as much as
possible, to normalcy.  Most of the public do not take part in
violence, and with to live in peace.  Following are several
examples:
 
* The Muslim holiday, Id el-Fitr, was celebrated fully in Judea and
Samaria, for the first time since the beginning of the intifada,
including mass celebrations in the streets.
 
* Shops are staying open longer hours.  Moreover, there is a
considerable erosion in the response to orders by the intifada
leadership to strike, and many shop owners are keeping open despite
such declared strikes.
 
* About 70,000 Palestinians living in Judea and Samaria work daily
in Israel.
 
* The schools in Judea and Samaria, which during the past three
years were used by students as centers for incitement to violence,
are now returning to normal.  Today, all of the 1,200 schools,
colleges and universities are open.
 
IDF Operations 
-------------- 
During the first four months of 1992, there was a decline in
violence and terror in Judea and Samaria compared to the last four
months of 1991.  Stone-throwing incidents have declined by 25-30%
compared to the previous four months.  There has also been a
decline in the use of firearms.  The main reason for this trend is
the high rate of success achieved by the IDF in the apprehension of
armed and terrorist squads and suspects.  It should be noted that
the IDF operates against the hardcore of the intifada and not
against the local population, which for the most part is seeking to
reduce the level of violence.  This is reflected in the smaller
number of curfews imposed by the IDF in Judea and Samaria.  IDF
intelligence has greatly improved in the course of time,
facilitating the apprehension of dangerous terrorist cells.  There
has also been an improvement in the IDF's operational capabilities,
allowing for the capture of suspects with minimal casualties on
both sides.
 
Open-Fire Regulations 
--------------------- 
In light of the sharp increase in firearm attacks by terrorist
squads in Judea and Samaria in late 1991 directed against Israeli
soldiers and civilians as well as Palestinians, the IDF modified
the regulations for opening fire to conform with the new situation. 
According to the current orders, a soldier may open fire only in
the following two situations:
 
1.  In a life-threatening situation, when a soldier may shoot to
kill.
 
2.  In the course of the arrest of a suspect, when a soldier may
open fire as a last resort in order to apprehend a suspect -- first
by firing warning shots in the air and, should the suspect still
fail to comply with the call to halt, by firing at his legs.
 
Since the beginning of 1992, of the 1,400 suspects and armed
terrorists apprehended by IDF soldiers, only 13 were killed (most
of whom were armed) and 13 others were wounded.  During the same
period of time, 44 IDF soldiers were wounded in action, 82
civilians were injured by stone-throwing, and 25 Palestinians were
murdered by fellow Palestinians in Judea and Samaria.
 
Every death of a Palestinian is thoroughly investigated by the
Military Police, and the investigation results are reviewed by a
military advocate.  In a number of cases, soldiers who failed to
comply with IDF orders were court-martialled.
 
Recently, more and more suspects have chosen to surrender to IDF
forces.  IDF authorities take this into positive consideration when
the suspects are brought to trial.
 
 
 
ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 10-MAY-1992
 
1.  MULTILATERAL COMMITTEES
 
 Palestinians.  Hanan Ashrawi went from Amman to Brussels to
prepare the way for Palestinian participation in the multilateral
conference committee on economic development, which will meet
there.  (PLO Radio from Algiers, May 6).  The Palestinian
delegation is bringing a document with proposals on economic
affairs.  (Amman Radio, May 9).  It said it would participate
whether Israel is there or not.  (Reuters, May 7).
 
 Jordan.  The delegation to Brussels has left.  (May 9).  The
document it is taking will refer to economic imbalance in the
region, and will make a link between the bilateral peace talks and
the multilateral conference negotiations.  Jordan has also prepared
working papers for the other committees (regional security, water,
refugees, environment).  The papers claim the solution to regional
problems is for Israel to "restore the rights she stole and repair
the damage according to UN resolutions..."(Qattar news agency, May
8).
 
 Egypt.  The foreign minister said economic cooperation in the
region is a hypothetical matter; real cooperation rests on
respecting international legitimacy, Israeli withdrawal from the
Territories, and recognition of the rights of the Palestinian
people to self-determination and recognition by the Arab side of
Israel's right to live in peace within secure and recognized
boundaries in accordance with UN Res.  242.  He said the discussion
on reduction of armaments must be based on "parity" and the time
had come for Israel to show herself simply as a state among Middle
Eastern states.  Security is for all regional states, not just for
Israel...Egypt will fully support the Palestinian delegation in the
committee on refugees.  It is not certain Egypt will participate in
the committee on water resources.  Israel's absence from some
committees will have no influence on their work at this stage, like
Syria's absence at Moscow had no effect there.  (ME news agency,
May 8).
 
 Saudia.  Saudi papers commented on the Israeli boycott of two
committees, with "Al-Madina" (May 8) calling it "unprecedented
insolence...  and twisted logic."
 
2.  PEACE PROCESS
 
 Syria.  The foreign minister blamed Israel (Reuters, May 8) for
using both the U.S.  and her own elections to harm the peace
process.  The U.S.  election will undoubtedly weaken the role of
Washington in the negotiations, but the commitment remains, as
Pres.  Bush told Pres.  Assad in a recent note on Syrian
independence day.
 
 Jordan.  The delegation head said the last round of bilateral
talks showed an Israeli attempt to create an optimistic atmosphere
about the future of peace, but the experiment ended with a decision
by the Israelis to end the round a few days after it began.  The
next round will be in Rome and the discussions will be
ongoing...There is no connection between them and the Israeli
election because both the Likud and Labor support the peace talks. 
(ME news agency, and AFP, May 7).
 
3.  LEBANON
 
 The president returned from Damascus (May 9) after meeting with
Pres.  Assad about a new government in Beirut following the
resignation of Premier Karameh last week due to the sharp economic
crisis.  (Ash-Sharq Radio, May 10).  The premier must be, according
to the constitution, a Sunni Moslem.  Karameh, appointed in
December 1990, said his departure was meant to save the country. 
Free Lebanon Radio said (May 8) that Salim al-Hoss would be named
the next premier and the cabinet would have 16 members, 11 of them
from the outgoing administration.  Meanwhile, the national labor
federation ended its four-day strike on May 6, to allow the
president time to form a new cabinet.
 
4.  PLO CENTRAL COUNCIL
 
 The council began meetings, chaired by Arafat, in Tunis on May 7. 
Faisal el-Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi, Zahira Kamal and Ghassan
el-Khatib spoke at the first session.  The PLO Exec.  Committee
approved the agenda, in which the main items are assessing the
peace talks, supporting the intifada, and strengthening the PLO's
internal structure.  (Qattar news agency, ME news agency, May 6;
Monte Carlo Radio, May 7; and Reuters, May 9).  Farouk Kaddoumi,
head of the PLO's political department, submitted a political
report on the peace process, and Abbas Zaki reported on the
intifada.  Palestinian sources said the main purpose of the
discussions is to have continued Palestinian participation in the
negotiations which "have brought important political achievements."
A source said Arafat's supporters succeeded in blocking a proposal
for a collective leadership; instead, there will be a draft clause
for the leadership to be anchored in legal terms, so no individual
ca retain it illegally.  (BBC, May 7).
 
5.  ALGERIA
 
 More violent incidents are reported from Tlemsen and elsewhere,
with injuries and arrests in the past week, while the trials
proceeded of two groups of Islamic extremists.  (AP and Reuters,
May (9).  The Algerian ambassador in Paris protested to France
against the minister of aid's interview in the weekly "Jeune
Afrique" in which he supported "humanitarian intervention" in the
Algerian detention camps (Reuters, May (9).
 
6.  LIBYA
 
 The People's Assembly began discussions on Saturday, debating
changes in the government and the fate of the terrorist suspects in
the Pan Am Lockerbie case.  (AP, May 8).  Qaddaffi told the London
Sunday Times the jury verdict of acquittal in the Los Angeles
police brutality case convinced him not to extradite the two
suspects since they would not get a fair trial in the U.S. 
(Reuters, May 10).  British Foreign Secretary Hurd repeated his
insistence on the extradition of the two suspects.  A UN envoy is
on his way to Tripoli for talks with Qaddaffi.  (AP., May 8).  In
Amman, a demonstration was held outside the UN office, with more
than 250 people participating, to protest against UN sanctions on
Libya.
 
7.  SUDAN - SYRIA
 
 The Sudanese leader, Bashir, visited Syria and praised its
activities for Arab brotherhood.  He said it played a positive role
in mediating between Sudan and Egypt.  He said the enemies of the
Arab world glory in the deep split within it...He felt a new
imperialist attack was imminent, by Israel, and by its guide [the
U.S.], planning the New World Order.  He said not only Libya is a
target, but all the Arabs.  (Syrian Arab news agency, May 7).
 
8.  SYRIA - IRAQ
 
 The Syrian ambassador to Kuwait said his country supports the
opposition in Iraq because of its wish to carry out the desires of
the Iraqi people to choose a leadership capable of guaranteeing its
interests and laying bridges to the other Arab countries.  (ME news
agencies, May 8).  In Damascus, the visiting Sudanese leader,
Bashir, said his country is trying to bridge the gap between Syria
and Iraq.  (Reuters, May 8).
 
9.  GULF STATES.
 
 The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries
met in an extraordinary meeting on May 9 in Kuwait.  They prepared
for talks with the European Community in Kuwait on May 16.  (Qattar
news agency, May 9).
 
10.  IRAN [ELECTIONS]
 
 The second round of Majlis parliamentary balloting was held on May
8 for 133 seats out of 270; and published results for 87 seats show
only nine members of the previous House, dominated by the radicals,
were re-elected.
 
11.  IRAN - TURKEY
 
 A congress of heads of government of the Central Asian Islamic
countries began on May 9 in Ashahabbad, capital of Turkmenistan,
attended by the presidents of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan
and Uzbekistan.  The president of Iran and prime ministers of
Turkey and Afghanistan are also taking part to discuss regional and
economic cooperation.  (Teheran Radio, and AP, May 9).
 
12.  IRAN - U.S.A.
 
 A Foreign Ministry spokesman denied American accusations of an
Iranian connection in the explosion of the Israeli Embassy in
Argentina.  He said they were without foundation "and a gross lie."
(AP., May 9).  A State Dept.  official had said the U.S.  had found
signs that Iranian diplomats helped plan the blowing up of the
mission, and Iranian diplomatic missions around the world are
collecting information on additional targets, -- Israeli, Jewish
and American.  He said the U.S.  did not have foolproof evidence of
the accusation but information gathered in the investigation
supported the view that Islamic Jihad had carried out the attack,
and it had a close link with Iran.  (Reuters, AP, May 8, 9).  At
the Hague, the International Court of Justice ruled that Iran is
entitled to get compensation from the U.S.  for assets frozen at
the time of the Iranian Revolution in 1979.  Iran is demanding
$4-billion for 200 such asset items.  The court will decide the
exact sum.  (AP, May 8).  The Iranian spiritual leader, Ayatollah
Ali Khamenhei, said U.S.  support for the "Zionist regime" meant a
violation of human rights.  He said the Iranian people is the enemy
of the American administration and as long as the U.S.  commits so
many crimes in the world and supports Israel, then Iran is not
ready to change the relationship...(Teheran Radio, May 6).  
 
 
                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
                       -=} (415) 550-1318 {=-

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                  Tuesday, May 12, 1992
 
 
Japan Demands that Syria, Jordan and Lebanon Open Borders with
Israel for International Tourism
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Japan yesterday surprised other
participants in the economic development working group meeting in
Brussels when it demanded that Syria, Jordan and Lebanon open their
borders for mutual international tourism with Israel. Japan is
considered to be one of the most important participants in the
working group meeting on economic development as part of the
multilateral talks on the Middle East. The Japanese representative
said that the Arab countries have to take this step without
connecting it to political progress in the bilateral peace talks.
"Opening the borders for international tourism will ease bringing
down the psychological barrier between Israel and the Arabs," he
added.
 
 
Levy to Europeans: Security Arrangements in the Middle East have
Existential Meaning and will be Discussed only by Parties Involved
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Europe wants to be much
more deeply involved in the discussion going in the arms control
working group meeting in Washington, D.C.  In a meeting yesterday
in Lisbon with the Foreign Ministers of the EEC, Foreign Minister
David Levy was told by the Portuguese Foreign Minister, "Our
security is tied to your security. There would be no security in
Europe without security arrangements in the Middle East." According
to the radio, Levy clarified to his counterparts that Israel won't
sacrifice its vital interests, even if that means not being allowed
to join the European Economic Space. HA'ARETZ notes that in Levy's
last meeting with the European Troika, it was suggested that Israel
joins the European Economic Space. However, during yesterday's
meeting, the Foreign Ministers seemed to refrain from developing
this idea because of Israel's reservations about Europe's
participation in the arms control discussions. KOL YISRAEL reports
that Levy told the Foreign Ministers of the EEC that Israel won't
agree to European involvement in the substance of security
arrangements in the Middle East. These arrangements have
existential meaning, said Levy, and they will be discussed,
crystallized and agreed to directly by the parties [involved].
Minister Levy reminded the Foreign Ministers of the EEC that in the
past, Israel had been very interested in the discussions between
Western European countries and Eastern European countries on
security arrangements in Europe. Nevertheless, continued Levy, "it
didn't even cross our minds that this geographical proximity gave
us the right to interfere in the process." The atmosphere of the
meeting of the Foreign Ministers in Brussels was described later on
by Foreign Minister Levy as good and friendly.
 
 
UNRWA Teacher Murdered by Masked Palestinians in Front of his
Pupils
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that a teacher in an UNRWA school in the
village of Dir El-Balah in the Gaza Strip was murdered yesterday by
four masked Palestinians. According to a report from Palestinian
sources, when classes ended yesterday, four masked men entered the
school armed with knifes and axes and began stabbing the teacher in
front of his students. Forty year-old Mu'ati El-Bahti was
critically injured and died en route to the hospital. According to
the Palestinian sources, El-Bahti was murdered for cooperating with
the authorities. Israel Defense Force sources denied this claim.
Following the murder, UNRWA, in an unprecedented step, ordered the
closing of all schools in the Dir El-Balah area.
 
 
Last Obstacle to Free Trade Agreement with EFTA Countries Removed
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the last obstacle to the signing of
a free trade agreement between Israel and the EFTA countries
(Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland) was
removed this week when the Israeli Agriculture Ministry agreed to
abolish quotas for importing fish from these countries. Sources in
the Industry and Trade Ministry expect the treaty to be signed in
the upcoming weeks.  The treaty will immediately cancel all customs
on trade between Israel and the EFTA countries and will go into
effect not later than January 1st, 1993. According to the
newspaper, the European Community has recently tried to torpedo the
agreement, fearing an Israeli attempt to use it in indirectly
entering the European Economic Space (the economic union of the EEC
and EFTA). Despite this, the EFTA countries are determined to sign
the agreement in order to improve their stand in the Israeli
market.
 
 
Giandomenico Picco Left to Teheran to Meet with Commander of
Revolutionary Guard in Regard to POW's and MIA's Affair
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that for the first time, Iran notified the
U.N. Secretary General that it is ready to set up a meeting between
the Secretary General's special envoy dealing with the POW's and
MIA's affair and the commander of the Revolutionary Guard
organization. According to the newspaper, this information was
relayed by sources in the U.N. The meeting is supposed to take
place as early as this week. The U.N. Secretary General's special
envoy, Giandomenico Picco, has already taken off for Teheran.
 
 
Shamir Reports to Knesset Committee on Rise in Anti-Semitism in
Confederation of Independent States
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports on Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir's recent
disclosure of an increase in the severity of anti-Semitic incidents
in the Confederation of Independent States. Appearing before the
Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, the Prime Minister
noted that around Passover, a Jew in Kirghizia was killed in a case
of blood libel. In the city of Rostov in Russia, a petrol bomb was
thrown at a synagogue and the abduction of Jews were reported in
Caucasia.  In addition to these incidents, Shamir said that tens of
anti-semitic publications have recently appeared in the press
throughout the Confederation. Shamir also reported that between
January and April, only 20,000 immigrants came to Israel; 4,700 of
which arrived in April from the Confederation of Independent
States.
 
 
Russian Vice President Says Delay in the Advancement of Peace Stems
from Arab Refusal to Recognize Israel's Right to Exist
 
Today's MA'ARIV quotes Russian Vice President Alexander Rutskoy's
words to Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak: "The delay in the
advancement of peace and cooperation in the Middle East stems from
the refusal of the Arabs to recognize Israel's right to exist as an
independent Jewish state."  MA'ARIV's source for the quote was a
classified telegram from Israel's ambassador to Moscow Arie Levin,
who heard this first hand from Vice President Rutskoy.  The Russian
vice president made these remarks to Levin in the presence of
ambassadors from other countries at a party held at the Israeli
embassy in Moscow.  Rutskoy embraced Levine enthusiastically and
said: "Those who slow down the rate of progress in the negotiations
are in error. The Arabs are not approaching the issue of regional
cooperation with quick, courageous steps."  The Russian vice
president also said that Mubarak responded by saying that Israel is
controlling the Territories and must return them, to which Rutskoy
responded: "All who claim this, need to visit Israel, to see the
geographical-military position of Israel and to be made aware, who
threatens whom."  According to the report, Rutskoy also rejected,
assertions he had heard accusing Israel of supposedly oppressing
the Palestinians.  "I told the Egyptians that I was there and that
they were not.  If you visit the Territories you will see who
oppresses whom and how the Arabs live there, in contrast to the
Arabs in Arab states."
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
    
 
                   Friday, May 15, 1992
 
 
Agreement with MK Gur Promising Him 30th Slot in Likud List for
Next Elections is Approved in Likud's Central Committee 
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that last night, 74.4% of the
members of the Likud Party's Central Committee supported giving
Deputy Minister Ephraim Gur the 30th slot in the Likud's list for
the upcoming elections. [The 30th slot was promised to MK Gur in an
agreement after he resigned from Labor and joined Likud during the
current term of the Knesset.] Following the voting, MK Gur was
surrounded by his family and dozens of supporters who sprayed
champagne in all directions. MK Gur himself said he is satisfied
with the results of the voting. The legal advisor of the Likud
stated before that for validating the agreement, a 75% majority is
needed. However, the newspaper states that the assessment last
night was that Shamir will not reject the Central Committee's
decision because of the slight difference in the percentage of
voting. Shamir spoke before the Central Committee last night
describing Gur as the ideal Knesset Member. He said, "Two years
ago, when we were in a difficult position in the Knesset and there
was a terrible danger that the rudder of government would slip away
from us, a Knesset Member has joined us who has strengthened our
status. He fulfilled his role with extreme loyalty and discipline."
 
 
Following Voting on Agreement with MK Gur, Abuhatzeira Demands
Slots Reserved for Tami Movement
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that following the approval of the
agreement with MK Ephraim Gur, Knesset Member Aharon Abuhatzeira
demanded that the Likud party fulfill the agreement with the Tami
Movement, Abuhatzeira's former party. According to this agreement,
two slots are reserved to Tami members in Likud's list, the 12th
slot and the 45th slot. Abuhatzeira said he'll even turn to court
to make Likud fulfill this agreement.
 
 
Agreement in Principle Regarding Information Exchange was Reached
in Working Group Meeting on Water Issue in Vienna
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that an agreement in principle on
information exchange and establishment of databases regarding water
resources in the Middle East was reached yesterday evening in the
working group meeting on the water issue in Vienna, which is part
of the multilateral talks. The decision also refers to information
exchange aimed at "serving as a basis for work in the next
meeting." It was agreed that the next working group meeting will be
held during the summer or fall in Washington. The newspaper adds
that Israel is the only country to submit a crystallized proposal
at the conference. Israel's Water Commissioner proposed
establishing a center for information on water in the Middle East,
to be located in Egypt. However, the Jordanian and Palestinian
representatives rejected that idea.
 
 
Egyptian Accused of Spying will Stand Trial in Israel 
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that an alleged Egyptian spy who was
operating under instructions from Egyptian Intelligence was caught
several months ago north of Eilat. The 45-year-old resident of the
Sinai is accused of taking pictures of military facilities in
southern Israel and directing other agents. The man was caught last
September, but only yesterday did the District Court in Be'er Sheva
allow the affair to be published. People from the Egyptian
Consulate in Eilat came to visit him in prison several times since
he was caught. The Egyptians have asked to be present in court
during his trial. The newspaper quotes a response by Egypt's
Ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Abdel Aziz Bassiouny, who said, "From
our point of view, he's not a spy, and I can say that absolutely."
 
 
Policemen Escorting Escaped Terrorist to be Dismissed; Other
Officers Removed from Current Positions
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports on Police Commissioner Ya'akov
Terner's acceptance of the conclusions made by an investigation
team that checked the circumstances surrounding the escape of a
terrorist, Jamil Ismail Baz, this week. Among the conclusions
accepted is the dismissal of the two policemen who escorted the
terrorist. Other officers, including the head of Police in the
Lachish area, will be removed from current positions. Charges will
be brought against several police officers in the Police
Disciplinary Court.
 
 
Chief Rabbi Justifies Woman's Defense of Terrorist After He Stabbed
a Boy in Jerusalem
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that in a religious ruling (Psak
Hallacha) given by Chief Rabbi Avraham Shapira, the rabbi justified
the behavior of Bella Froind who yesterday defended a terrorist
from a crowd's rage. The terrorist had stabbed a boy in Jerusalem
yesterday. The rabbi wrote that against an armed man, when there is
a fear that he will hurt people, under the "Law of Pursuer" (Third
Party Defense) it is permitted to take any action under the
principle of preemptive self defense. However, says Chief Rabbi
Avraham Shapira, after the armed man is caught, as was the case
with the terrorist, and it is evident that he cannot harm people
anymore, even if he hurt people before that... it is forbidden to
harm him without due process of law.
 
 
GALEI ZAHAL: The April Consumer Price Index rose 1.8%. According to
the radio, the rise estimated before the official data was released
today, was around 1.3 percent.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Randy Hayman.

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                    Monday, May 18, 1992
 
 
Israeli Cattle Merchant Murdered by Hamas Terrorists in the Gaza
Strip
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports on the terrorist murder yesterday of an
Israeli cattle merchant in the Gaza Strip. Sixty-four year-old
David Cohen of Moshav Ta'ashur in the Negev arrived at a slaughter
house at Jabalia, north of the City of Gaza, where he sold several
sheep to a local trader. After concluding his business there, Cohen
headed towards Beit Lahia Junction on his way out of the Gaza
Strip. Near the junction, he was ambushed and shot by what is
thought to have been 3 terrorists. Cohen suffered a shot to the
head and almost immediately died. In slogans written on walls in
the City of Rafiah, the Hamas organization claimed responsibility
for the murder.
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports this morning on the continuing
search for the terrorist squad which murdered David Cohen. Fifteen
suspects were detained yesterday during the search and a curfew was
imposed on the area surrounding the site of the ambush. Military
sources told KOL YISRAEL of signs at the entrance to Beit Lahia
which clearly state that no one should enter the area without
coordinating with the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF Commander in
the Gaza Strip called on Israelis not to enter these areas. Israel
Radio reports that Hamas graffiti in the town of Rafiah states that
the military arm of that organization murdered Cohen in answer to
the detention of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, head of the Hamas in the Gaza
Strip, 3 years ago.
 
 
Levy to Attend Conference of Foreign Ministers in Portugal;
Possible Meeting with Secretary of State Baker Regarding "Right of
Return" Affair
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports on preparations being made in Jerusalem
for Foreign Minister David Levy's upcoming trip to Portugal, where
a conference of Foreign Ministers will open this Saturday on the
issue of aid for the Confederation of Independent States. U.S.
Secretary of State, James Baker, will also attend the conference.
HA'ARETZ states that it is expected that Levy and Baker will meet
sometime during the conference.  Levy will state Israel's
reservation about U.S. 
State Department spokeswoman Margaret Tutwiler's statements on the
"right of return" for Palestinian refugees, and demand
clarifications in regard to the U.S. position on this matter.
Yesterday, the Government discussed this affair during its weekly
meeting. Levy and Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir showed single
mindedness regarding the need to take care of the "right of return"
affair without creating a crisis in U.S.-Israeli relations.
Nevertheless, even after the meeting yesterday, Israel delivered a
message to the U.S. via diplomatic channels expressing its
dissatisfaction with the vague phrasing meant to straighten things
up in this matter.
 
 
On Eve of Working Group Meeting on Environmental Issues, Japanese
Announce 650 Million Dollar Fund for Promoting Environment in
Middle East
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that a 650 million dollar fund will be
established to aid activities aimed at promoting environmental
issues in the Middle East. This was announced in Tokyo on the eve
of the working group meeting on environmental issues which is part
of the multilateral talks. The Japanese prepared a report on the
environment throughout the mideast region before the gathering of
the participants in the multilateral talks. The report, prepared by
a Japanese delegation that visited the area, deals mainly with
water quality, problems of sewage and garbage, sea pollution and
preservation of flora and fauna. The Chairman of the Israeli
delegation, Director General of the Ministry for the Environment,
Dr. Uri Marinov referred to this report saying, "This is a high
quality, professional report which would serve as a good jumping
off point for beginning the discussions." The Israeli team also
includes Deputy Director General of the Foreign Ministry Moshe
Raviv. The newspaper reports that the Israeli team has already met
with the Japanese coordinators of the working group meeting, as
well as the Deputy Director General of the Japanese Foreign
Ministry for Middle Eastern and African Affairs.
 
 
Clear Economic Recovery in Israel Over Recent Months
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports on a strong recovery in Israel's economic
activity over recent months. This was announced by an official in
the Central Bureau of Statistics. In a press conference yesterday,
it was published that Israel's Gross National Product for 1991 rose
by 6%, a percentage resembling the increase in population. This
rate of increase in the GNP is greater than any other industrial
country in the world.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: Israel and Greece signed an agreement for cooperation
in many fields, including economy and technology. The agreement was
signed by Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir and his Greek counterpart,
now visiting Israel.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: An agreement establishing diplomatic relations between
Israel and Angola was signed this morning. The agreement was signed
by Foreign Minister David Levy and his counterpart from Angola who
came to Israel for the event.
 
 
E l e c t i o n s   1 9 9 2
 
 
Lists Running for Knesset to Submit Slates Today and Tomorrow to
Central Elections Committee
 
Israel Radio reports that the lists of candidates for the 13th
Knesset are to be submitted today and tomorrow. Every party is
expected to enclose a check for 23,200 New Israeli Shekels (about
9,600 Dollars) with the papers submitted to the Central Elections
Committee. Only lists which pass the "blocking percentage" (the
1.5% of the total votes needed in order to enter the Knesset) will
receive their check back. The money from all other lists will be
transferred to the state's treasury. KOL YISRAEL notes that from
the moment the papers are submitted, no changes can be made in the
order of candidates on the slate. So far, 74 representatives of
lists submitted registration papers to the Central Elections
Committee.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

                                         Jerusalem, 18 May 1992

SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
-------------------------------------------
(Hebrew press)

"Hatzofeh" is puzzled as to what could motivate the United States
to provoke a further deterioration in its relations with the State
of Israel -- by warning the latter not to renew its request for
loan guarantees.  The editors are skeptical about any the existence
of any potential electoral gains for George Bush in jeopardizing
vital Israeli interests.

"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, suggests that Police
Inspector-General Terner may appear to have done an injustice to
the officers punished in the recent escape of a terrorist -- but,
in so doing, Terner signalled that the blunders were
institutionalized.  Now, senior officers will surely pay greater
attention to ensure that rules are implemented.

"Ha'aretz" understands the harshness of the Terner approach to the
Al-Baz escape, given the fact that more than an isolated incident
is involved.  The editors emphasize their disappointment with the
secrecy surrounding the police investigation -- there should be no
remaining doubts; in such episodes, the public has a right to know
the score.

"Yediot Ahronot" ushers in the 40-hour countdown until the
submission of candidate lists for the 23 June elections.  This
highly charged period should not be misconstrued as symptomatic of
a thriving democracy -- indeed, it points to the lack of success
experienced by the major parties in persuading the electorate that
they have the required answers to national problems.  This
predicament has given rise to mass Israeli indifference vis-a-vis
the process.

"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, approves of the
criticism expressed by the chairman of the Central Elections
Committee regarding campaign-related violence -- but the editors
expect him to indicate that he will aggressively combat the
reprehensible phenomenon.

"Davar" attacks Ambassador Zalman Shoval for involving himself in
partisan election politics, by telling American journalists that
the settlement policies of Likud and Labor do not differ.  The
paper calls for Foreign Minister Levy to reprimand Shoval and
advises that, in the future, narrow political considerations not
play a role in the appointment of diplomats.

"Ma'ariv" asks when the Likud and Labor are going to get involved
in substantive election issues.  It is quite obvious to voters that
all the candidates favor peace, immigrant absorption and employment
-- the question is how each actually intends to drive toward these
goals.

"Al Hamishmar" cautions Prime Minister Shamir against using
military transport to make election appearances -- thereby
involving the apolitical IDF in the campaign.

"Hadashot" claims that no secular person stands any chance of
understanding the ultra-Orthodox political posturing.  The saving
grace is that the above political parties -- who so often send the
Knesset into a panic -- are now treating themselves to a dose of
their own medicine.

"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, hopes that the public sector
wage agreement will prevent the anticipated shocks to the economy.
"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, wonders whether the above
compromise will effect other disgruntled sectors.

"Ma'ariv", in its fourth editorial, praises a Tel Aviv art exhibit.



 ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 17-MAY-1992

1.  MULTILATERAL TALKS

 Refugees.  The Palestinian delegation was satisfied by the
understanding shown by other participants towards the Palestinian
demand for the "right of return." (AFP.  May 15).  The PLO
representative in North America, Hassan Abd-er-Rahman, said the
atmosphere in the discussions was most positive and the
Palestinians made a great achievement when they succeeded in
restoring the refugee problem as a basic factor in the peace
process and a central condition for an accommodation.  (Ash-Sharq
Radio, May 15).  The Palestinian delegation said the "right of
return" could not be separated from the refugee issue and Res.  194
defined it precisely -- i.e.  the refugees must determine whether
they want to return or be compensated.  (BBC Radio, May 15).  The
Kuwaiti delegate said the refugee problem was an essential part of
the peace process and 194 is the basis for handling the problem.

 Economic development.  The Palestinians said the talks were
positive and succeeded in getting general agreement on their stand
that no economic cooperation will ensue without a just peace.

 Water.  The Jordanian delegation said the talks were successful
and constructive; an international water-information center would
be discussed at the next session to seek ways to increase water
sources, administration and cooperation.  (Reuters, May 14).

 Environment.  The Jordanian delegate, before leaving for Tokyo,
said the solution of environmental problems would advance the peace
process, and any peace accommodation must be just and rely on Res.
242 and 338...(Jordanian news agency, May 14).

 Arms Control.  The Egyptian delegate said the talks represented a
useful start enabling an understanding of the parties' positions to
pave the way to future agreements -- but there would be no solution
without peace in the region.  (BBC, May 16).  He said there was
understanding that no country should be allowed to achieve military
superiority over another nor to be outside regional arrangements or
have a preferred status over other countries.  (ME news agency, May
17).

2.  THE PEACE PROCESS

 King Hussein, now visiting Holland, met the premier (May 14) and
discussed the peace talks and Jordan's relationship to the European
Community.  He was optimistic about Jewish-Arab coexistence despite
the slow progress in the peace negotiations...and thought the
status of Jerusalem and the argument over water rights could be
solved as part of a wider agreement.  (Reuters, May 14).  The
Syrian foreign minister (in Indonesia for a Non-aligned Countries
conference) called on the conference countries to disclose that
Israel is the main obstacle to peace while the Arab side had done
everything it could to make peace a concrete reality.

3.  LEBANON.

 A new cabinet has been established by Premier Al-Salah, with 24
ministers, half Moslem, half Christian, under the Taif Agreement.
Sixteen of them were previously cabinet ministers.  The premier
said his first worry is to tackle the economic crisis.  Lebanese
Forces commander Samir Jea'jea', a minister without portfolio,
resigned from the government because it resembles the previous
cabinet and cannot handle the economic crisis.  The Druze leader,
Walid Jumblatt, also has reservations about the new government,
saying (on Mount Lebanon Radio, May 17) he will not take part in a
government like the former one and he thinks the Taif Agreement has
come to an end.  The Hizbullah leader, Hassan Nasrullah, not
represented in the government, which the movement regards as a
corrupt sectarian administration, reacted by saying that changes of
personnel are only changes in form and cosmetics..(Nur Radio, May
16).

4.  LIBYA

 The authorities declared Libya accepts UN Security Council Res.
731 and is ready to carry it out "in connection with negating
terrorism energetically." It said it was cutting off relations with
all organizations involved in terrorism, and no training camps of
terrorists remain on its territory, and it invites a UN committee
to verify this.  Libya will reply to British demands over its
connections with the IRA and calls for talks between the two
countries, and will expel all against whom it is proven they took
part in terrorism, and agrees to full, effective implementation of
731 "regarding the elimination of terror." (Libyan news agency, May
14).  The Libyan foreign minister (now in Indonesia) said, however,
that Libyan law forbids extraditing suspects.  (Reuters, May 14).
In Washington, the State Dept.  rejected (May 14) the Libyan
statement..

5.  IRAQ

 Elections in Kurdistan in northern Iraq, planned for May 17, are
being put off by two days for technical reasons; they will choose
a new 100-member parliament and a "single leader" for the Iraqi
Kurds.  The Patriotic Union of Kurds, thought to be the second
largest Kurdish party, claimed ballotting would be affected because
the special ink for making thumbprints of voters could be wiped
off.  The Iraqi national council said the elections are illegal in
the "Autonomous Region" (Baghdad Radio, May 14).  Kurdish leaders
say the government has threatened to bomb Kurdish villages if they
try to participate in the elections.  (Voice of the Iraqi People,
May 14).

ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 18-MAY-1992

1.  EGYPT & PALESTINIAN REFUGEES

 The Egyptian chief delegate to the Multilateral committee on
refugees said his country is ready to discuss a defined program to
ease the daily suffering of the Palestinian refugees, until a
comprehensive solution is reached based on the right of the
Palestinians to return to their land.  (Egyptian TV, May 17).

2.  PEACE PROCESS

 Syria.  In the newspaper "Tishrin" (May 17) an article that the
multilateral talks which from the beginning were meant to satisfy
Israel created more damage than benefit; apart from increasing
Israel's aggression and obstinacy, nothing was achieved.  (Damascus
Radio, May 17).  "Al-Thawra" regretted that Israel's acceptance in
the UN was not conditioned on the implementation of Res.  194, and
called for a re-examination of the legitimacy of Israel's
membership in the UN.  (Damascus Radio, May 17).

 Jordan.  "Al-Destour" (May 17) saw a victory for the Arabs in the
statement of the refugee committee, saying Israel's absence from
the discussion helped that victory.  The commentator called on the
Arabs who boycotted the discussions to learn the lesson since, if
their stand had been the determining one, the results would not
have been achieved.  Satisfaction was expressed over the decision
to promote family reunions and make professional preparations to
preserve the health of the Palestinians.

3.  INTER-ARAB CONTACTS

 A Russian parliamentary delegation is visiting the region.  It met
on May 17 with the Syrian vice president, Haddam, to discuss
bilateral and regional questions.  (Syrian news agency, May 18).
Another Russian delegation, from the Supreme Soviet, went to Amman
for a four-day visit to develop bilateral relations.  (Amman Radio,
May 17).  A PLO religious delegation left Amman to visit some
Central Asian Islamic states in advance of Arafat's tour of those
countries.  (ME news agency, May 17).  Jordan will open an embassy
in Kazakhstan.  Jordan has decided to recognize the independence of
Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.  (Amman Radio, May 16).

4.  LIBYA

 The secretary general of parliament said discussions would begin
on May 18 on the dispute with the West over the terrorist attacks
on the two planes (Pan Am over Lockerbie, and UTA of France).  The
ruler Qaddaffi told an Italian reporter he did not object to the
two Libyan suspects being tried but would not force them to give
themselves up.  (AP, May 17).

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                 Tuesday, May 19, 1992
 
 
Israel Expresses Satisfaction Over Yesterday's U.S. Announcement
Clarifying Its Position on UN Resolution 194
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today that Israel expressed
satisfaction over yesterday's U.S. announcement that UN resolution
194, regarding "right of return" for Palestinians, is not part of
the peace process. Earlier radio reports quoted U.S. State
Department Spokeswoman Margaret Tutwiler who said yesterday, "The
agreed terms of reference specifically name only two resolutions:
242 and 338. It is these resolutions, not the many, many other
resolutions passed by the United Nations over the years, that
constitute the agreed terms of reference for the peace process."
Today's HA'ARETZ quotes Foreign Minister David Levy's response to
Ms. Tutwiler's statement yesterday. Levy said, "The State
Department announcement regarding resolution 194 of the United
Nations removed an obstacle which might have blocked the peace
process. The clarifications Israel made with the U.S. bore fruit by
way of reaching an understanding and coordination between the two
countries. "With this," said Levy, "an end was put to the attempt
by Arab elements and others to present a resolution which is
completely out of date as a component of the peace process. Israel 
views in a positive light the firmness with which the U.S. position
was expressed regarding the duty of all parties to strictly
maintain the framework of principles agreed upon with Secretary of
State James Baker before the Madrid Conference. The unequivocal
American announcement is directed at preventing attempts to distort
and perverse its position, and also serves as a signal to all other
elements to abstain from attempts to bring in alien components to
the agreed framework of the political process."
 
 
Arens Proposes Municipal Elections in Hebron Stating Management of
City's Affairs Should be Carried Our by Elected Officials
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that Defense Minister Moshe Arens is
proposing that municipal elections be held in the City of Hebron in
the West Bank. In a meeting yesterday between Arens and the
Association of Academicians of the Arabs of Hebron, Arens said, "It
is not natural that the management of the city's affairs not be in
the hands of those elected by the residents. If there are
difficulties in conducting the elections at this stage, we are
ready to appoint a temporary municipal committee which would manage
Hebron and set up the elections."
 
 
Saudi Arabia Offered Palestinians in Territories Money on Condition
that They Sever Contacts with PLO
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that Saudi Arabia offered to give
Palestinians in the Territories the money originally designated for
the Palestine Liberation Organization's annual budget. The Saudis
made the offer on the condition that the Palestinians of the
Territories sever contact with the PLO. The annual allotment at
stake is estimated to be in the dozens of millions of dollars. The
money has not been given to the PLO since the Gulf War, [edt: when
the PLO sided with Iraq, which was at war with Saudi Arabia] and
only small amounts have been transferred in order not to harm the
peace process. Palestinian sources in the Territories told AL
HAMISHMAR that in recent months, the Saudis have contacted
prominent figures in the Territories regarding the issue, and that
just last month, King Fahed met secretly with members of the
Palestinian delegation. The Palestinian figures who met with King
Fahed later reported to PLO Chief Yasser Arafat about their meeting
and their refusal to accept the Saudi proposal.
 
 
Nomination Committee of Foreign Ministry Names Uri Oren as Next
Consul General in LA; Uri Savir Returns to Israel to Serve as
Deputy Director General, Head of Western Europe Department
 
Israel Radio reports that the Nomination Committee of the Foreign
Ministry today approved the nomination of several senior officials
for new positions. Foreign Minister David Levy's Advisor, Uri Oren,
will be sent to serve as Israel's Consul General in Los Angeles.
Dror Zeigerman, former Knesset Member, will be Israel's Consul
General in Toronto. The committee also approved the nomination of
Uri Savir, Consul General in New York, for the office of Deputy
Director General, Head of Western Europe Department, Amos Ganor for
the position of special Deputy Director General for the Peace
Process, Oded Eran as Deputy Director General, head of Economic
Department, and Colette Avital, currently Ambassador in Portugal,
as Deputy Director General for Special Assignments.
 
 
HA'ARETZ: A terrorist received severe injuries and 6 children were
lightly injured when an explosive device blew up in a cemetery in
Gaza. A preliminary investigation by the security forces found that
the terrorist and the children were trying to prepare a makeshift
explosive device to later throw at an Israel Defense Forces'
patrol.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: Moslem pilgrims who ask to leave for the traditional
Haj in the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia won't suffer due to the
workers' strike in Israel's Interior Ministry. According to a
special agreement reached this morning by Prime Minister Yitzhak
Shamir and Finance Minister Yitzhak Modai, the pilgrims will be
able to leave for the Haj without the special certificates from the
Interior Ministry. The problem of the Moslem pilgrims was raised
yesterday by Israel's President Chaim Herzog.
 
 
E l e c t i o n s   1 9 9 2 
 
 
Discussions on a Joint Religious List for Upcoming Elections
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that representatives of the
religious parties Agudat Israel and Degel Hatorah met last night
with Immigrant Absorption Minister Yitzhak Peretz to discuss the
possibility of establishing a joint list for running in the next
elections. It is speculated that Avraham Shapira will head the
list, followed by Yitzhak Peretz, Menachem Porush, Shemuel Halpert
and Avraham Verdiger. It was agreed that should Yitzhak Peretz be
appointed as a government minister, he'd resign from the Knesset.
The radio adds that representatives of the Degel Hatorah party and
Minister Peretz are scheduled to meet this morning at the house of
Rabbi Eliezer Shach, before convening again with representatives of
Agudat Israel.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

                                          Jerusalem, 20 May 1992

EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
(Hebrew press)

"Yediot Ahronot" finds no justification of the Sharon
politically-motivated disclosure of government efforts to effect
the release of Yemeni Jews.  "Ma'ariv" notes that Sharon seems to
have been inflicted with the "blabber- mouth" disease, as were
Peres, Dayan and Ze'evi in the past.  What is tragic is that the
Sharon incident has the potential to endanger helpless Jews in
Yemen.

"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, does not doubt the fact
that the latest Tutwiler statement/clarification was conceived by
her superiors -- just as her "Palestinian right of return" remarks.
Indeed, the re-phrased version of the State Department would seem
to be the accomplishment of the Israeli government and press -- who
refused to let American support for United Nations resolution 194
stand on the record.  As to France, no retraction of their
anti-Israeli position should be expected.  "Hatzofeh" adds that the
State Department disclaimer was not unequivocal and that the
original statement in favor of 194 -- which has encouraged the
Palestinians -- was not accidental, in timing or language.

"Yediot Ahronot", in its third editorial, worries that election
violence will spread to the general public -- and expresses concern
that the call for restraint issued by President Herzog will not be
heeded.

"Ha'aretz" submits that the leaders of political parties can
distance themselves from their riotous activists -- but they cannot
shirk their moral responsibility to keep the youths in line.

"Al Hamishmar" perceives massive fragmentation in the right-wing,
ultra- Orthodox and minority camps, but expects the ultimate
contest to be waged between the ideological blocs -- Meretz, Labor,
Likud and the ultra- Orthodox.

"Hadashot" is disgusted by below-the-belt Likud tactics to besmirch
Rabin.

"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, suggests that ultra-Orthodox
politicians were true to themselves yesterday -- in not pretending
that holy interests were at stake during their intensive
in-fighting toward the composition of a slate for the Knesset
elections.

"Davar" relates to political appointments, against the backdrop of
senior Foreign Ministry postings assigned yesterday.

"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, ridicules the condition that led
to the strike by university lecturers -- where all market salaries
are linked.



 ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 19-MAY-1992 ==

1.  MULTILATERAL CONFERENCE

 Environment Committee (Tokyo).
 Palestinians.  The chief delegate, Iss-hak, said he spoke for
Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, and the
Diaspora and his participation was decided on by the Palestine
National Council and the PLO central council.  He attacked Israeli
activity in the Territories, under the guise of protecting the
environment, and mentioned the settlements, use of water, the
sewage system, Israel's nuclear activity, harm to agriculture and
plants, use of tear gas, etc.  He said the Palestinians were living
in difficult environmental conditions "because of the Israeli
occupation." The international community should act right away to
prevent a deterioration in the situation in these areas, by ending
the occupation.  He demanded the right of self-determination for
the Palestinians and national sovereignty and objected to
discussions in working groups or subcommittees.

 Jordan.  The delegation will speak of ecological problems it faces
and their implications over the past 45 years.  A Jordanian
delegation member told "Al-Hayat" the peace process was positive
and negotiations had made progress and he did not rule out some
agreements with Israel by the end of 1992.

 Refugee Committee (Ottawa)
 Jordan.  The delegate reported on returning to Jordan (May 18)
that it was decided that UN Res.  194 would be the framework for
explaining the committee's work; and the source of authority for
returning the 1967 refugees would be Res.  237.  Two members of the
committee felt the political debate should take place in bilateral
talks.  Jordan would ask that Jewish emigration from Russia and the
ending of settlements should be included in the committee
discussions "because of their direct impact" on the Palestinian
right of return and other rights.  (Jordanian news agency, May 18).

2.  SYRIA

 Pres.  Assad told "Sawt el Kuwait" (May 18) Israel is to blame for
not telling the U.S.  a single word in the direction of real peace
and giving no promise to implement Res.  242 or the principle of
Territories for Peace.  He said he knew the U.S.  is pressing
Israel, but these pressures are connected to certain people who may
be changed through elections or other means.  Israel may be
gambling on this and therefore delaying the process, hoping the
situation would change.  Israel represents a threat to all the
Arabs "because of the Torah and the Talmud which tell the Jews that
the area between the Nile and the Euphrates belongs to them.  No
one should believe there is anyone in Israel with an open mind, as
is hinted with regard to the Labor Party.  During history, the
Moslems renewed themselves and sought reasonable solutions, but
Jewish and Zionist fundamentalists altogether closed all the
roads." Assad also blamed Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait for
giving Israel services she had never dreamed of ...and "we in Syria
lost much because of that crime of Saddam's." (AP, May 18).
Damascus Radio broadcast part of the interview, but not the part
referring to Jews and Zionists.  As for Lebanon, Assad told
reporters that Syria's present purpose in Lebanon is to prevent its
conversion into a nation of small religious sects struggling
against each other.  Syria is not guided by commercial
considerations which are not worth the life of a single Syrian
soldier.  (AP.  May 18).

3.  LEBANON

 The cabinet had its first meeting; six ministers were absent.  If
they stay away for the next week or two, replacements will be
named.  The U.S.  ambassador met with the foreign minister and in
a joint news conference (May 15) said he did not promise American
military aid.

4.  LIBYA

 The ruler Qaddaffi told the "Financial Times" that the fact that
Libya accepted UN Res.  731 means it has broken off connections
with terrorist organizations and he called for UN observers to
prove there are no terrorist training camps in Libya.  He said the
embargo is harming Libya,.  (ME news agency, May 18).

5.  SAUDIA

 The information minister said Saudia's initiative in repairing the
Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is not meant for political or
propaganda value but to please God.  Arafat sent a cable of thanks
to King Fahd.

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    (Ed. note: Postings of Israel Line and other news will be
    irregular over the next number of weeks due to vacations
    and travel. Sorry for the inconvenience, as well as the
    following monolithic note - Jem).
    
                                       Jerusalem, 25 May 1992

ISRAELI MOSLEMS LEAVE ON HAJ
(Communicated by the Civil Administration spokeswoman)

A ceremony will be held, tomorrow (Tuesday), 25.5.92, at 09:00
hours, celebrating the departure of about 3,700 Israeli Moslems to
participate in the traditional "Haj" pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi
Arabia.

Interior Minister Arye Der'i, as well as representatives of the
Defense Ministry and the advisor on Arab affairs to the prime
minister, will be present at the ceremony.

Approximately, 1,770 Arabs are expected to leave on the Haj
tomorrow.


                                     Jerusalem, 25 May 1992

SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
(Hebrew press)

"Yediot Ahronot" comments that the events of yesterday will force
politicians to -- at last -- deal with substantive issues, instead
of personal attacks.  Indeed, the tabled proposal of Police
Minister Milo to completely close off Gaza workers from Israel
would appear to be such a political volley and its merits must be
debated.  Further, the paper is highly critical of the mob-scene in
Bat Yam which took the law into its own hands.  The Gaza operation,
however, was a great success, despite the death of Sobelman -- the
wanted terrorists were eliminated, without civilian casualties.  In
fact, this second incident should serve as an argument against the
closure of Gaza, and in favor of remaining and fighting terror.

"Hatzofeh" relates that the past few days have proven that our
peace overtures have gone unheeded and that Arab terrorist elements
are uninterested in harmony.  Efforts must be made to thwart
terrorism at its roots; although complicated, it is far simpler
than restricting Arab entry into Israel.

"Ma'ariv" suggests that both Eiran Sobelman and Helena Rapp were
murdered yesterday in response to the "occupation." Nevertheless,
the cases should not mistakenly be viewed as identical.  While, the
former -- a Border Policeman -- was engaged in the just battle
against armed terrorism, the latter was an innocent bystander.  The
Arab who killed Rapp was not a proud Palestinian or religious
zealot, but only a blood-thirsty animal.  This being the reality
the editors understand the riotous behavior of local Jewish
residents, albeit they do not condone it.  Finally, the paper
wonders how the Left expects to talk peace with such people.

"Hadashot" chastises Israeli leaders -- across the spectrum -- for
not having actively condemned rioting residents of Bat Yam, thereby
missing an opportunity to prove their sanity.

"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, is disappointed that the Likud
government has threatened the continuation of building in Judea,
Samaria and Gaza -- contrary to its fundamentals.  The editors hope
that Prime Minister Shamir will have a change of heart.

"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, calls the election propaganda
laws absurd.  Instead of insisting on journalistic integrity,
legislators have thrown out the "baby with the bath-water" -- by
prohibiting any coverage at a time when the public most urgently
needs the facts.

"Davar" disputes the Likud claim of responsibility for "Operation
Solomon" and feels that, contrary to Likud propaganda, Jews the
world over cannot rely on them -- evidenced by their maltreatment
of its own backyard.

"Al Hamishmar" also expects the major parties to begin addressing
real electoral concerns and to refrain from individualized
offensives.

"Ha'aretz" states that the State of Israel has a right to ensure
that its leaders have "clean hands" and demands that the
investigation of Interior Minister Der'i proceed.

"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, commends the courts for
permitting an Alzheimer patient to refuse being connected to a
respirator, especially if political considerations will not allow
legislation on the matter to materialize.

                                                      May 25, 1992

       BRUTALITY, TREACHERY, AND A DESIRE TO KILL

    THE COMMON DENOMINATORS OF PALESTINIAN TERRORISM

 In the past week and a half, four murderous terrorist attacks were
carried out by Palestinians against Israelis.  Although the attacks
may appear to be unrelated, they all have the following in common:

 * All four attacks were unprovoked and indiscriminate.

 * All four attacks were carried out against unarmed civilians.

 * All four attacks were directed against "weak" victims, such as
school children and the elderly.

 * All four were savage, surprise attacks from behind.

 * All four attacks were carried out by Palestinian Arabs whose
sole motive was to kill Jews.

Since the launching of Arab-Israeli peace talks in Madrid (October
1991), 18 Israeli civilians have been killed in Arab terrorist
attacks in Israel and abroad, and over 150 have been wounded.

 The following is a short description of the four recent attacks:

1) On May 13, Yaniv Shachar, a 13 year old student, was knifed from
behind by a Palestinian from Dehaishe.  Yaniv was on his way home
with a group of classmates after attending a school function at a
down-town Jerusalem theater.  The attacker, screaming "Allahu
Akbar" (Allah is great), stabbed the boy repeatedly with a
foot-long kitchen knife.  The terrorist was stopped in the middle
of the attack, and miraculously, the boy escaped serious injury.

2) On May 17, David Cohen was shot in the back of the head at close
range by three Arab gunmen.  David Cohen, a 69 year-old farmer, was
making a delivery of livestock in the Gaza district when he was
ambushed and killed.  The Palestinian terrorist organization HAMAS
claimed responsibility for the killing.

3) On May 22, Yosef Gruman, a 15 year-old yeshiva student, was
stabbed in the back while returning from afternoon prayers at the
Western Wall in Jerusalem's old city.  The attacker succeeded in
escaping, while the wounded boy managed to make his way to the
nearest street, before he collapsed.  Yosef was rushed to hospital
in stable condition, suffering from a punctured lung.

4) In the latest attack (May 24), Helena Rapp, a 15 year-old girl
was stabbed to death by an Arab terrorist in the Tel-Aviv suburb of
Bat-Yam while on her way to school.  Eyewitnesses stated that
Helena was standing with a group of classmates waiting for a school
bus when an Arab got out of a car, drew a butcher knife, and
attacked the group of schoolgirls.  Some of the girls managed to
run away, but Helena froze in her place, petrified by fear.  The
attacker set upon her, striking her, kicking her and repeatedly
stabbing her in the back.  She fell wounded, and died at the scene
a few minutes later.

  The terrorist then tried to force his way onto a nearby bus full
of passengers.  The bus driver quickly closed the doors, preventing
him from gaining entry.  The attacker then proceeded to grab
another girl, who, after a struggle, was able to break free
unharmed.  The Arab was apprehended and taken into police custody,
where he confessed to the killing.



                                            Jerusalem, 24 May 1992

SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
(Hebrew press)

"Davar" suggests that escalating tensions in southern Lebanon are
the direct result of the convergence of various forces -- including
the governments of Israel, Syria, Lebanon and the United States, as
well as the military forces of Hizballah, the SLA and the IDF -- in
that theater.  Meanwhile, Israeli-Syrian negotiations continue with
President Assad consciously refraining from allowing Shamir to
register a peace dividend before the 23 June elections.  The
editors claim that the current circumstances require political
captains -- unlike the current ones -- who can balance defensive
and offensive strategies.

"Al Hamishmar" asserts that Hizballah is primarily responsible for
the deterioration in southern Lebanon, with the implication of the
Beirut administration which has allowed this condition to persist.
The paper believes that an exclusively military solution to the
dilemma will be unsuccessful -- although the present Israeli regime
has not demonstrated its capability to conduct fruitful
discussions.  Diplomacy is the preferable option, but the editors
fear a politically-motivated shift in the southern Lebanese status
quo.

"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, notes that the Israeli
response to Hizballah violence, and its implied warning to Syria,
were entirely appropriate -- but the editors are concerned that
politics could enter into the question.  The government must
declare its disinterest in an escalation of violence, and enlist
the assistance of the United States and Russia in persuading
Damascus to restrain Hizballah activity.

"Hatzofeh" condemns the disproportionate reaction of the
International Red Cross to Israeli practices in Judea, Samaria and
Gaza.  Instead of launching public attacks on Israel, it would be
far more respectable and professional for the former to employ more
subtle means of criticism, which would be received more favorably
and, thereby, serve their goal better.

"Ha'aretz" proposes that the Likud respond to the issues raised by
the Labor party, and refrain from personal attacks on Yitzhak
Rabin.  "Hadashot" reminds the Likud that, despite their apparent
distaste for Yitzhak Rabin, the experience of their relationship
therewith has been relatively positive.  "Ma'ariv" wonders whether
the major parties have resorted to personal accusations because
they have nothing to offer in a policy vein.  "Yediot Ahronot"
asserts that the public is repulsed by the dirty election campaigns
being waged in the public domain and they are liable to "punish"
those viewed as responsible.

"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, accuses international elements
of being partially at fault for the exacerbation of the Yugoslavia
situation.

"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, wants to know why the
investigation of Interior Minister Der'i is still dragging along.


              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Tuesday, May 26, 1992
 
 
Israel Attacks Hizbullah Targets in Jabel Safi
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that planes belonging to the
Israel Air Force attacked terrorist targets today in Jabel Safi,
north of the Security Zone in South Lebanon. Israel Radio cites an
IDF Spokesman announcement which states that, "The targets were hit
and all planes returned safely to base." The announcement also
notes that those targets hit, "were used by the Hizbullah
organization as strongholds, organizing bases and launching pads
for attacks." KOL YISRAEL also quotes a French News Agency report
from Ba'albeck in the Lebanese Bakaa Valley. The report states that
Syrian anti-aircraft batteries fired at Israeli jet fighters as
they flew over the town, but missed. The radio also quotes reports
of radio stations in Lebanon which state that IDF artillery had
shelled terrorist targets in the Tufah District.
 
 
Christian Community Leaders in South Lebanon Blame Syria for
Encouraging Hizbullah Attacks
 
KOL YISRAEL reports this morning that Christian community leaders
in South Lebanon are blaming the Syrians for encouraging Hizbullah
actions against Israel. Israel security sources said that Israel
has no intention to worsen the tension with Syria, and see no
reason for further deterioration of the situation. The security
sources said they expect that Syria, as partner to the peace talks,
will help stop the Hizbullah activity, and thus bring quiet to
South Lebanon.
 
 
Thousands Attend Funeral of 15 Year-Old Helena Rap Who Was Murdered
by Terrorists Sunday
 
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that several thousand people attended the
funeral yesterday of Helena Rap who was murdered by terrorists
Sunday morning in the City of Bat Yam. The 15 year old girl was
attacked while waiting for a bus to take her to school. The funeral
was conducted with almost no disturbances, though large forces of
Police and Border Police were present. Israel Radio today reports
that the detention of Abdel Hadi Amrin, who is suspected in
murdering Helena Rap, was extended by an order of a court in Tel
Aviv. A Police representative said that Amrin admitted to murdering
Rap. The court also extended the detention of another suspect who
is said to have participated in the attack.
 
 
Disturbances in Bat Yam following Murder of Helena Rap; Arab from
Nazareth Attacked by Youths
 
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that disturbances, rallies and
demonstrations last night in Bat Yam continued until 2:00 AM in the
morning. Hundreds of youths marched the City's main streets
shouting, "Death to the Terrorists."  During a clash at the
intersection of Balfur and Yoseftal streets, the windows of a
police car were smashed, resulting in the arrest of 3
demonstrators. The radio adds that since the beginning of the
disturbances following Helena Rap's murder, the Police have
arrested 50 demonstrators, 25 of whom are still being detained. The
radio also reports that the condition of 30 year-old Talal Mjasma
from Nazareth who was beaten yesterday near Rishon LeTsion is
described as serious but stable. Mjasma was attacked by eight  to
ten people using sticks and pipes. An IDF officer who was passing
by drove the attackers away. The daily DAVAR writes that the
attackers were youths who came by car from Bat Yam. An afternoon
edition of the news on KOL YISRAEL today states that a court
extended the detention of Border Policeman Eli Malca on suspicion
that he participated in the attack on Mjasma last night.
 
 
Israel's President Visits Poland
 
Israel Radio reported yesterday on the arrival of Israel's
President Chaim Herzog in Poland for a five day visit. Herzog will
meet with Polish leaders and visit Holocaust memorial sites.
President Herzog was asked by a Polish reporter if he'll respond  
to the Polish President's request for the forgiveness of the Jewish
people with the words "we've forgiven". Herzog replied saying,
"There is no one in the world except those murdered who can say
'we've forgiven' -- and they do not say anything."
 
 
YEDIOT AHRONOT: Israel will renew its diplomatic relations with
Austria, following the election of its new president. Among the
first messages of congratulations to the newly elected president
was one from Israel, removing a diplomatic boycott on Austria which
was enacted after the election of Kurt Waldheim to the presidency
in 1986.
 
 
DAVAR: Israel and Belarus will establish diplomatic relations today
in a ceremony in Jerusalem. Diplomatic relations with Sierra Leone
will be renewed tomorrow, 19 years after they were severed. The
agreement on the renewal of relations will be signed by Sierra
Leone's Foreign Minister, now visiting Jerusalem.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
 
Responses to Likud Campaign Against Labor Chairman Yitzhak Rabin
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT quotes Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir who
said in response to the personal attacks by the Likud Party against
Labor Chairman Yitzhak Rabin, "I oppose all the defamations and
personal offenses. There is no need for that, I don't feel good
about that. I am not a partner to any personal attacks, it has no
place [here]." The daily AL HAMISHMAR quotes Foreign Minister David
Levy who attacked yesterday the tactics of personal defamation
adopted by his party in the elections campaign. AL HAMISHMAR also
quotes Chairman of the Election Headquarters of the Labor party, MK
Micha Harish, who said that it was clear that the Likud defamation
campaign against Rabin will come back to them like a boomerang.
"The sharp responses of MK Porat, mayors Bar [Ramat Gan] and Lahat
[Tel Aviv] and the rage of tens of thousands of citizens caused the
de-legitimization of the defamation campaign," said Harish.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: Chairmen of Likud and Labor elections headquarters
have agreed to instruct the parties' activists to refrain from
violently disturbing election rallies attended by either heads of
parties.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.



                                            Jerusalem, 27 May 1992
 
SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
------------------------------------------- 
(Hebrew press)
 
"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, warns that attacks on Hizballah
strongholds in Syrian-controlled territory could lead to an
unwanted escalation of the conflict.  Just because a Syrian strike
is currently inconceivable, this too may change.  Further, in this
period of election fervor, Israel must strive to "stay cool."
 
"Yediot Ahronot" wonders about the confidence of Defense Minister
Arens and Foreign Minister Levy that Syria will not consider
warfare given the situation in southern Lebanon.  Whereas the IDF
has isolated its strikes against Hizballah -- who initiated the
current round of attacks -- the timing of the retaliation is
questionable.
 
"Ma'ariv" suggests that Israel remains in Gaza because of inertia
-- or paralysis of the brain.  The Gaza Strip holds no strategic or
historical significance and, thus, Israel should depart the area.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, condemns the murder of
Helena Rapp of Bat-Yam -- but asserts that the above does not
justify the rampant rioting.  The editors also want to know why the
police has not acted against the handful of agitators behind the
riots.  Still, the actions of the police are understandable at a
time when Israeli leaders have not publicly criticized those
responsible for the continued unrest.
 
"Davar" remarks that the Helena Rapp affair may be remembered as
the parallel to the Rodney King episode in Los Angeles.  However,
Israel -- as a country governed by law and order -- cannot allow
its minorities to be treated differently.  Consequently, the
authorities must quell the riots decisively, and stop their
indirect encouragement of attacks on Arabs.  The editors also write
that another factor in the lawlessness being experienced is the
desperation characteristic of the on-going election campaign.
 
"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, comments that the violence
following the stabbing in Bat-Yam should not be viewed as rioting. 
Although, citizens should not take the law into their own hands,
their pain must be recognized.  The paper proposes that words and
closures are insufficient; confidence in the security services
might best be restored if the death penalty were instituted as a
deterrent to terrorists.
 
"Hadashot" notes that Israel has already established diplomatic
relations with every influential country in the world, except for
those of the Moslem and Black Africa blocs -- although, even there,
some cracks the armor are apparent (Egypt and Nigeria).  This
phenomenon is primarily due to the collapse of the Soviet Union and
to the peace process.  Still, the paper adds, this should not be
misconstrued --during the election campaign -- and portrayed as
foreign satisfaction with Israeli policy.
 
"Hatzofeh" feels that, despite the anti-Semitic elements who voiced
their sentiments during the visit of President Herzog to Warsaw,
not all Poles should be judged on this account.  Still, this
anti-Semitic atmosphere must be noted in the constellation of
diplomatic relations with Poland.
 
"Al Hamishmar" indicates that Police Minister Milo has called for
an end to election violence because the riotous, Likud-initiated
campaign did to achieve its desired goal.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its third editorial, suggests that says Israel
should follow the example of France -- where a Cabinet minister was
forced to resign upon becoming the subject of a police
investigation
 
"Ha'aretz" suggests that environmental issues know no borders and
that, in the next Knesset, the Ministry of the Environment must be
empowered to deal with Israeli resources and concerns -- primarily:
drinking water, pollution, garbage disposal and land use.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, states that submission to the
demands of the professional unions could destroy the economy.
 
 
 
SHAMIR MEETS WITH PRIME MINISTER OF BELARUS
------------------------------------------- 
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's media adviser)
 
Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, today (Tuesday), 26.5.92, received
Prime Minister Vyacheslav F.  Kebich of Belarus, in an official
ceremony at the Prime Minister's Office.  In a working meeting with
the participation of the Foreign Minister of Belarus, Prime
Minister Shamir noted the historical significance of the visit --
during whose course diplomatic relations will be established
between the two countries.  Prime Minister Shamir recalled that
Belarus supported the partition plan of 1947 and that, afterward,
Belarus also voted in favor of Israeli membership in the United
Nations.  Thus, it is only natural that Israel was among the first
to recognize the independence of Belarus in December 1991.
 
Prime Minister Kebich expressed the hope of his government that
immediate relations would be cultivated in the areas of
agriculture, medicine, culture and aviation.  Shamir affirmed that
these matters are indeed included in the memorandum of
understanding to be signed by the two countries, and that Israel
will act toward sharing its knowledge and experience in the
technology-industry field.
 
 
 
DOMESTIC GEMS 26-MAY-1992
 
ANCIENT GOLD MINE FOUND IN NEGEV NEAR EYLAT ("Ha'aretz")
 
 An extinct gold mine, in use during the Islamic Umayyad period,
the 8th to 10th centuries of the Common Era, has been found through
joint exploration by the Antiquities Authority and the National
Geological Institute, in the Negev southern desert.  It is the only
gold mine known to have existed in Israel.
 
BIBLE RECORDED ON COMPUTER DISK ("Yediot Aharonot")
 
 The Five Books of Moses have been put on a computer disk for quick
reference to text or commentary, including Gemara, Maimonides, and
the Agada, by scholars at Bar Ilan University.  The Babylonian and
Jerusalem Talmuds are now also on disks.  Halachic (Jewish Law)
questions find quick answers; for instance, is life insurance
against Torah teachings, etc.
 
SIBERIAN CHILDREN COME TO ISRAEL FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT ("Yediot
Aharonot")
 
 Ten children from a Siberian village have arrived in Israel for
treatment of allergies at the Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba in central
Israel.  They have severe breathing difficulties because of
environmental pollution in their area, and the authorities there
appealed to Israel to help.
 
ISRAELI COMPUTER SYSTEM INSTALLED AT MUNICH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
("Ha'aretz")
 
 A computer-communications system, developed by Len-Optic of
Israel, in Migdal Ha'Emek, has been installed at the international
airport of the German city of Munich; it is one of the largest such
systems in Europe, and will have thousands of users...
 
HILTON HOTEL CHAIN IN U.S.  ORDERS ISRAELI ANTI-VIRUS FOR SOFTWARE
("Yediot Aharonot")
 
 After testing dozens of computer software programs, the Hilton
Hotel chain in the U.S.  selected an Israeli program for its PC
computers from the Haifa companies El-Yasim Micro-Computers and
Virus-Safe.
 
NEW RED SEA COAST HOTEL AT EYLAT ("Yediot Aharonot")
 
 The 500-room Princess Hotel is about to be completed at Eylat,
right next to the Egyptian border at Taba, with every room and
suite having a view of the Red Sea, while the building is
surrounded on three sides by the Eylat hills.  It will have
international cuisine restaurants and a health center, and is
considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
 
SATELLITE CONTACT WITH PASSENGER BUSES IN ISRAEL ("Yediot
Aharonot")
 
 The Motorola Co.  of Israel has installed in 300 passenger buses,
so far, of the Dan and Egged national bus-companies a sophisticated
new electronic communications system, using satellite channels. 
This enables traffic controllers and security forces to keep track
of all buses at all times.  The system can be switched on secretly
in a bus, in case of attack, and drivers can reach their base
stations within 30 seconds...
 
 ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 26-MAY-1992
 
1.  SOUTH LEBANON
 
 Lebanon's premier said (May 25) that in addition to the complaint
to the UN Security Council, Lebanon told its envoy there to
approach the UN secretary-general to intervene urgently to end
Israeli attacks.  (Voice of the Homeland Radio, May 25).  But it is
not calling for a Council meeting.  He said it is forbidden to fire
rockets from anywhere in Lebanon, especially in areas where the
Lebanese Army is deployed.  ("Al-Nahar" May 25).  The Shi'ite Amal
leader, Nabih Berri, said Israel's purpose is to tear Lebanon away
from coordination with Syria and drag it into a separate treaty. 
He called on the international community to intervene to stop
Israeli activity.  ("Al-Hayat" May 25).  The Syrian prime minister
told reporters, as well as the BBC Arabic Service (May 25) his
country adheres to the peace process and is not seeking
confrontation or war, but "if Israel imposes a war, Syria will meet
it head on." (AFP,.  May 25).  He supported what he called the
"Lebanese resistance" [i.e.  Hizbullah] and blamed Israel for
wanting to murder the peace process at the cost of innocent blood
in Lebanon.  He said Israel had a "Nazi concept" of security. 
Syrian sources said Israel at the end of last week sent a message
to Syria through the Russian foreign minister saying Damascus could
be hurt if it does not neutralize the terrorists under its
influence in Lebanon.  The Iranian spiritual leader, Khamenhei,
told the Hizbullah he supported and justified its stands and
actions against Israel.  (Iranian TV, May 25).
 
 Jordan.  "Al-Destour" warned of serious Israeli escalation which
could cause the situation to deteriorate to a new regional war; it
said it was meant to help the Likud get out of the crisis it is in
during the election campaign.  (Amman Radio, May 260.
 
2.  MULTILATERAL CONFERENCE [LISBON]
 
 The Jordanian delegation left Amman, saying the steering committee
will discuss the reports of the five working groups and decide on
future steps.
 
3.  FOUR-WAY ARAB MEETING IN AMMAN
 
 Representatives of Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the PLO will meet in
Amman between June 3 and 6 to discuss participation in multilateral
talks, since the Syrian and Lebanese boycott "have achieved their
purpose." ("Al-Nahar" May 25).
 
4.  PALESTINIANS
 
 The PLO Exec.  Committee member Nabil Sha'ath, and Hanan Ashrawi,
went to Holland to meet with the Dutch foreign minister, and said
the European Community should join the U.S.  and Russia in
sponsoring the peace process, and play a more significant role than
at present.  Sha'ath said he was "pleased" at the "unofficial" PLO
participation in the negotiations and it was clear to everyone,
including the U.S.  that the PLO is the representative of the
Palestinians.  Hanan Ashrawi and other Palestinian delegates have
daily contact with the PLO, he said.
 
5.  LIBYA
 
 The National Assembly ended its discussions but its decisions were
not published.  Agencies said it objected to extraditing the two
Libyan terrorist suspects, except to a neutral country, with proper
guarantees.
 
6.  YEMEN'S JEWS
 
 The Yemeni president denied at a news conference (May 24) that
Yemen's Jews are being transferred to Israel; he said they had
rights and duties and the freedom to travel anywhere except Israel. 
(Tanjug agency, quoted by Qattar news agency, May 25).
 
7.  IRAN
 
 Mujaheddin-based and radical group reports say there were protest
meetings against the government over economic problems.  (Earlier
reports spoke of similar protests last month).
 
 
 



                                            Jerusalem, 27 May 1992
 
SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
------------------------------------------- 
(Hebrew press)
 
"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, warns that attacks on Hizballah
strongholds in Syrian-controlled territory could lead to an
unwanted escalation of the conflict.  Just because a Syrian strike
is currently inconceivable, this too may change.  Further, in this
period of election fervor, Israel must strive to "stay cool."
 
"Yediot Ahronot" wonders about the confidence of Defense Minister
Arens and Foreign Minister Levy that Syria will not consider
warfare given the situation in southern Lebanon.  Whereas the IDF
has isolated its strikes against Hizballah -- who initiated the
current round of attacks -- the timing of the retaliation is
questionable.
 
"Ma'ariv" suggests that Israel remains in Gaza because of inertia
-- or paralysis of the brain.  The Gaza Strip holds no strategic or
historical significance and, thus, Israel should depart the area.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, condemns the murder of
Helena Rapp of Bat-Yam -- but asserts that the above does not
justify the rampant rioting.  The editors also want to know why the
police has not acted against the handful of agitators behind the
riots.  Still, the actions of the police are understandable at a
time when Israeli leaders have not publicly criticized those
responsible for the continued unrest.
 
"Davar" remarks that the Helena Rapp affair may be remembered as
the parallel to the Rodney King episode in Los Angeles.  However,
Israel -- as a country governed by law and order -- cannot allow
its minorities to be treated differently.  Consequently, the
authorities must quell the riots decisively, and stop their
indirect encouragement of attacks on Arabs.  The editors also write
that another factor in the lawlessness being experienced is the
desperation characteristic of the on-going election campaign.
 
"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, comments that the violence
following the stabbing in Bat-Yam should not be viewed as rioting. 
Although, citizens should not take the law into their own hands,
their pain must be recognized.  The paper proposes that words and
closures are insufficient; confidence in the security services
might best be restored if the death penalty were instituted as a
deterrent to terrorists.
 
"Hadashot" notes that Israel has already established diplomatic
relations with every influential country in the world, except for
those of the Moslem and Black Africa blocs -- although, even there,
some cracks the armor are apparent (Egypt and Nigeria).  This
phenomenon is primarily due to the collapse of the Soviet Union and
to the peace process.  Still, the paper adds, this should not be
misconstrued --during the election campaign -- and portrayed as
foreign satisfaction with Israeli policy.
 
"Hatzofeh" feels that, despite the anti-Semitic elements who voiced
their sentiments during the visit of President Herzog to Warsaw,
not all Poles should be judged on this account.  Still, this
anti-Semitic atmosphere must be noted in the constellation of
diplomatic relations with Poland.
 
"Al Hamishmar" indicates that Police Minister Milo has called for
an end to election violence because the riotous, Likud-initiated
campaign did to achieve its desired goal.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its third editorial, suggests that says Israel
should follow the example of France -- where a Cabinet minister was
forced to resign upon becoming the subject of a police
investigation
 
"Ha'aretz" suggests that environmental issues know no borders and
that, in the next Knesset, the Ministry of the Environment must be
empowered to deal with Israeli resources and concerns -- primarily:
drinking water, pollution, garbage disposal and land use.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, states that submission to the
demands of the professional unions could destroy the economy.
 
 
 
SHAMIR MEETS WITH PRIME MINISTER OF BELARUS
------------------------------------------- 
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's media adviser)
 
Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, today (Tuesday), 26.5.92, received
Prime Minister Vyacheslav F.  Kebich of Belarus, in an official
ceremony at the Prime Minister's Office.  In a working meeting with
the participation of the Foreign Minister of Belarus, Prime
Minister Shamir noted the historical significance of the visit --
during whose course diplomatic relations will be established
between the two countries.  Prime Minister Shamir recalled that
Belarus supported the partition plan of 1947 and that, afterward,
Belarus also voted in favor of Israeli membership in the United
Nations.  Thus, it is only natural that Israel was among the first
to recognize the independence of Belarus in December 1991.
 
Prime Minister Kebich expressed the hope of his government that
immediate relations would be cultivated in the areas of
agriculture, medicine, culture and aviation.  Shamir affirmed that
these matters are indeed included in the memorandum of
understanding to be signed by the two countries, and that Israel
will act toward sharing its knowledge and experience in the
technology-industry field.
 
 
 
DOMESTIC GEMS 26-MAY-1992
 
ANCIENT GOLD MINE FOUND IN NEGEV NEAR EYLAT ("Ha'aretz")
 
 An extinct gold mine, in use during the Islamic Umayyad period,
the 8th to 10th centuries of the Common Era, has been found through
joint exploration by the Antiquities Authority and the National
Geological Institute, in the Negev southern desert.  It is the only
gold mine known to have existed in Israel.
 
BIBLE RECORDED ON COMPUTER DISK ("Yediot Aharonot")
 
 The Five Books of Moses have been put on a computer disk for quick
reference to text or commentary, including Gemara, Maimonides, and
the Agada, by scholars at Bar Ilan University.  The Babylonian and
Jerusalem Talmuds are now also on disks.  Halachic (Jewish Law)
questions find quick answers; for instance, is life insurance
against Torah teachings, etc.
 
SIBERIAN CHILDREN COME TO ISRAEL FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT ("Yediot
Aharonot")
 
 Ten children from a Siberian village have arrived in Israel for
treatment of allergies at the Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba in central
Israel.  They have severe breathing difficulties because of
environmental pollution in their area, and the authorities there
appealed to Israel to help.
 
ISRAELI COMPUTER SYSTEM INSTALLED AT MUNICH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
("Ha'aretz")
 
 A computer-communications system, developed by Len-Optic of
Israel, in Migdal Ha'Emek, has been installed at the international
airport of the German city of Munich; it is one of the largest such
systems in Europe, and will have thousands of users...
 
HILTON HOTEL CHAIN IN U.S.  ORDERS ISRAELI ANTI-VIRUS FOR SOFTWARE
("Yediot Aharonot")
 
 After testing dozens of computer software programs, the Hilton
Hotel chain in the U.S.  selected an Israeli program for its PC
computers from the Haifa companies El-Yasim Micro-Computers and
Virus-Safe.
 
NEW RED SEA COAST HOTEL AT EYLAT ("Yediot Aharonot")
 
 The 500-room Princess Hotel is about to be completed at Eylat,
right next to the Egyptian border at Taba, with every room and
suite having a view of the Red Sea, while the building is
surrounded on three sides by the Eylat hills.  It will have
international cuisine restaurants and a health center, and is
considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
 
SATELLITE CONTACT WITH PASSENGER BUSES IN ISRAEL ("Yediot
Aharonot")
 
 The Motorola Co.  of Israel has installed in 300 passenger buses,
so far, of the Dan and Egged national bus-companies a sophisticated
new electronic communications system, using satellite channels. 
This enables traffic controllers and security forces to keep track
of all buses at all times.  The system can be switched on secretly
in a bus, in case of attack, and drivers can reach their base
stations within 30 seconds...
 
 ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 26-MAY-1992
 
1.  SOUTH LEBANON
 
 Lebanon's premier said (May 25) that in addition to the complaint
to the UN Security Council, Lebanon told its envoy there to
approach the UN secretary-general to intervene urgently to end
Israeli attacks.  (Voice of the Homeland Radio, May 25).  But it is
not calling for a Council meeting.  He said it is forbidden to fire
rockets from anywhere in Lebanon, especially in areas where the
Lebanese Army is deployed.  ("Al-Nahar" May 25).  The Shi'ite Amal
leader, Nabih Berri, said Israel's purpose is to tear Lebanon away
from coordination with Syria and drag it into a separate treaty. 
He called on the international community to intervene to stop
Israeli activity.  ("Al-Hayat" May 25).  The Syrian prime minister
told reporters, as well as the BBC Arabic Service (May 25) his
country adheres to the peace process and is not seeking
confrontation or war, but "if Israel imposes a war, Syria will meet
it head on." (AFP,.  May 25).  He supported what he called the
"Lebanese resistance" [i.e.  Hizbullah] and blamed Israel for
wanting to murder the peace process at the cost of innocent blood
in Lebanon.  He said Israel had a "Nazi concept" of security. 
Syrian sources said Israel at the end of last week sent a message
to Syria through the Russian foreign minister saying Damascus could
be hurt if it does not neutralize the terrorists under its
influence in Lebanon.  The Iranian spiritual leader, Khamenhei,
told the Hizbullah he supported and justified its stands and
actions against Israel.  (Iranian TV, May 25).
 
 Jordan.  "Al-Destour" warned of serious Israeli escalation which
could cause the situation to deteriorate to a new regional war; it
said it was meant to help the Likud get out of the crisis it is in
during the election campaign.  (Amman Radio, May 260.
 
2.  MULTILATERAL CONFERENCE [LISBON]
 
 The Jordanian delegation left Amman, saying the steering committee
will discuss the reports of the five working groups and decide on
future steps.
 
3.  FOUR-WAY ARAB MEETING IN AMMAN
 
 Representatives of Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the PLO will meet in
Amman between June 3 and 6 to discuss participation in multilateral
talks, since the Syrian and Lebanese boycott "have achieved their
purpose." ("Al-Nahar" May 25).
 
4.  PALESTINIANS
 
 The PLO Exec.  Committee member Nabil Sha'ath, and Hanan Ashrawi,
went to Holland to meet with the Dutch foreign minister, and said
the European Community should join the U.S.  and Russia in
sponsoring the peace process, and play a more significant role than
at present.  Sha'ath said he was "pleased" at the "unofficial" PLO
participation in the negotiations and it was clear to everyone,
including the U.S.  that the PLO is the representative of the
Palestinians.  Hanan Ashrawi and other Palestinian delegates have
daily contact with the PLO, he said.
 
5.  LIBYA
 
 The National Assembly ended its discussions but its decisions were
not published.  Agencies said it objected to extraditing the two
Libyan terrorist suspects, except to a neutral country, with proper
guarantees.
 
6.  YEMEN'S JEWS
 
 The Yemeni president denied at a news conference (May 24) that
Yemen's Jews are being transferred to Israel; he said they had
rights and duties and the freedom to travel anywhere except Israel. 
(Tanjug agency, quoted by Qattar news agency, May 25).
 
7.  IRAN
 
 Mujaheddin-based and radical group reports say there were protest
meetings against the government over economic problems.  (Earlier
reports spoke of similar protests last month).
 
 


              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                  Wednesday, May 27, 1992
 
 
Rabbi Biran of Kfar Darom Murdered by a Terrorist this Morning
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Rabbi Shimon Biran of
Kfar Darom in the Gaza Strip was murdered near his home town by a
terrorist this morning. Thirty two year-old Biran was stabbed in
the heart. All attempts to save him failed. The terrorist who
stabbed him was an Arab resident of Dir El-Balah refugee camp.
The terrorist was shot and severely wounded by soldiers and other
residents of Kfar Darom. Large army forces are continuing their
search for those who assisted the terrorist in the attack. Rabbi
Biran's funeral will take place this afternoon at 4:30 PM. He is
survived by a wife and 4 children.
 
 
Police Commander Warns that Police Will Act Most Firmly Should
Disturbances in Bat Yam Continues
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes the Commander of the Tel Aviv
Police District, Yigal Marcus, who said that if the disturbances
in Bat Yam continue, the police will act in the most firm manner.
According to Marcus, many criminals and inciters are operating in
the city and causing residents to riot. The disturbances began
following the murder of 15 year-old Helena Rap by terrorists on
Sunday. KOL YISRAEL reports that more than a 100 people were
arrested in the disturbances in Bat Yam last night with 4 people
injured including 2 policemen. The police rushed in
reinforcements to disperse rioters.
 
 
Justice Minister Condemns Disturbances Saying People Should Not
be Drawn in by Inciters
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT quotes Justice Minister Dan Meridor in
what the newspaper defines as the first governmental condemnation
of the wave of disturbances in Bat Yam. Minister Meridor said
yesterday that people should abstain from harming the innocents,
from being drawn in by inciters and all should stop themselves
from going down to the moral level of "our enemies". Minister
Meridor continued saying, "Especially in time of rage and pain,
one should exercise restraint and allow the security forces to
bring those guilty to trial."
 
 
Quiet Tension in South Lebanon; Arens: Israel Doesn't Pour Forces
Into South Lebanon
 
Israel Radio reports on quiet tension which prevailed last night
on Israel's northern border, with no special incidents reported.
The U.S. expressed its concern last night over events in South
Lebanon saying that it's maintaining contacts with the Israeli,
Syrian and Lebanese governments. The U.S. Administration repeated
its call to the Lebanese Government to disarm Hizbullah
personnel. The radio quotes Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens
who said that Israel has no intentions of attacking Syria, and
does not pour forces into South Lebanon. Nevertheless, he
emphasized that if Hizbullah attempts to attack continue, Israel
will have to take steps.
 
 
Former Lebanese President Criticizes Syrian Government for
Tension in Lebanon's Border with Israel
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that former Lebanese President, Amin
Gemayel, yesterday criticized the Syrian Government for its
activities in Lebanon. Gemayel claimed that these actions bring
about "the fermentation of the border between Israel and
Lebanon." Gemayel was interviewed on Radio France. He stated that
it's difficult for him to understand Syria's massive involvement
in the happenings in Lebanon and the fermentation of the
atmosphere it causes there, while it takes care to keep its
direct border with Israel, the Golan Heights, quiet. The former
Lebanese President also said that it should be demanded that
Syria calm the border between Israel and Lebanon, the same way it
did with its own border with Israel.
 
 
Steering Committee of the Multilateral Talks Convenes Today in
Lisbon
 
Today's DAVAR reports that the Steering Committee of the
multilateral talks in Lisbon will convene today. The group is
expected to decide on the formation of an additional working
group, the sixth, which will be devoted to regional health
issues. The newspaper states that Israel, the U.S. and Russia are
in support of the formation of this working group. However,
according to the newspaper, Israel and the U.S. oppose the Arabs'
demand to establish working groups devoted to the issues of
Jerusalem and Human rights. Heading the Israeli delegation are
Director General of the Prime Minister's Office, Yossef Ben-
Aharon, Director General of the Foreign Ministry, Yosef Hadass,
and Defense Minister Moshe Arens' Advisor, Sallai Meridor.
Participating in the Steering Committee meeting will be Israel,
the U.S. and Russia, as well as Canada, Belgium, Japan and
Austria which hosted the talks, Saudi Arabia as representative of
the Gulf countries, Tunis as the representative of the Magreb
countries, an Egyptian delegation and a Jordanian-Palestinian
delegation.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
 
Poll Shows 41% of Public Supports Inclusion of David Levy as
Foreign Minister in a Rabin Government
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT publishes a poll carried out by the
Teleseker company which shows that 41% of the public supports 
including David Levy as Foreign Minister in a government headed
by Labor leader Yitzhak Rabin. The poll included the following
question: "When the Likud rose to power in 1977, Begin offered
Moshe Dayan the position of Foreign Minister in his government.
Dayan agreed. What do you think of the possibility that David
Levy will do the same and serve as a Foreign Minister in a Rabin
government?" Forty one per cent of the public supported such an
act, noting that it'll serve the interests of the State of
Israel. Thirty per cent opposed such an act with 29% refusing to
take a stand. Asked whether such an act would contribute to the
peace process, 80% responded positively with 14% responding
negatively. The newspaper reports that "no comment" was the Labor
Party response last night to the poll's results.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.


              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                  Wednesday, May 27, 1992
 
 
Rabbi Biran of Kfar Darom Murdered by a Terrorist this Morning
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Rabbi Shimon Biran of
Kfar Darom in the Gaza Strip was murdered near his home town by a
terrorist this morning. Thirty two year-old Biran was stabbed in
the heart. All attempts to save him failed. The terrorist who
stabbed him was an Arab resident of Dir El-Balah refugee camp.
The terrorist was shot and severely wounded by soldiers and other
residents of Kfar Darom. Large army forces are continuing their
search for those who assisted the terrorist in the attack. Rabbi
Biran's funeral will take place this afternoon at 4:30 PM. He is
survived by a wife and 4 children.
 
 
Police Commander Warns that Police Will Act Most Firmly Should
Disturbances in Bat Yam Continues
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes the Commander of the Tel Aviv
Police District, Yigal Marcus, who said that if the disturbances
in Bat Yam continue, the police will act in the most firm manner.
According to Marcus, many criminals and inciters are operating in
the city and causing residents to riot. The disturbances began
following the murder of 15 year-old Helena Rap by terrorists on
Sunday. KOL YISRAEL reports that more than a 100 people were
arrested in the disturbances in Bat Yam last night with 4 people
injured including 2 policemen. The police rushed in
reinforcements to disperse rioters.
 
 
Justice Minister Condemns Disturbances Saying People Should Not
be Drawn in by Inciters
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT quotes Justice Minister Dan Meridor in
what the newspaper defines as the first governmental condemnation
of the wave of disturbances in Bat Yam. Minister Meridor said
yesterday that people should abstain from harming the innocents,
from being drawn in by inciters and all should stop themselves
from going down to the moral level of "our enemies". Minister
Meridor continued saying, "Especially in time of rage and pain,
one should exercise restraint and allow the security forces to
bring those guilty to trial."
 
 
Quiet Tension in South Lebanon; Arens: Israel Doesn't Pour Forces
Into South Lebanon
 
Israel Radio reports on quiet tension which prevailed last night
on Israel's northern border, with no special incidents reported.
The U.S. expressed its concern last night over events in South
Lebanon saying that it's maintaining contacts with the Israeli,
Syrian and Lebanese governments. The U.S. Administration repeated
its call to the Lebanese Government to disarm Hizbullah
personnel. The radio quotes Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens
who said that Israel has no intentions of attacking Syria, and
does not pour forces into South Lebanon. Nevertheless, he
emphasized that if Hizbullah attempts to attack continue, Israel
will have to take steps.
 
 
Former Lebanese President Criticizes Syrian Government for
Tension in Lebanon's Border with Israel
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that former Lebanese President, Amin
Gemayel, yesterday criticized the Syrian Government for its
activities in Lebanon. Gemayel claimed that these actions bring
about "the fermentation of the border between Israel and
Lebanon." Gemayel was interviewed on Radio France. He stated that
it's difficult for him to understand Syria's massive involvement
in the happenings in Lebanon and the fermentation of the
atmosphere it causes there, while it takes care to keep its
direct border with Israel, the Golan Heights, quiet. The former
Lebanese President also said that it should be demanded that
Syria calm the border between Israel and Lebanon, the same way it
did with its own border with Israel.
 
 
Steering Committee of the Multilateral Talks Convenes Today in
Lisbon
 
Today's DAVAR reports that the Steering Committee of the
multilateral talks in Lisbon will convene today. The group is
expected to decide on the formation of an additional working
group, the sixth, which will be devoted to regional health
issues. The newspaper states that Israel, the U.S. and Russia are
in support of the formation of this working group. However,
according to the newspaper, Israel and the U.S. oppose the Arabs'
demand to establish working groups devoted to the issues of
Jerusalem and Human rights. Heading the Israeli delegation are
Director General of the Prime Minister's Office, Yossef Ben-
Aharon, Director General of the Foreign Ministry, Yosef Hadass,
and Defense Minister Moshe Arens' Advisor, Sallai Meridor.
Participating in the Steering Committee meeting will be Israel,
the U.S. and Russia, as well as Canada, Belgium, Japan and
Austria which hosted the talks, Saudi Arabia as representative of
the Gulf countries, Tunis as the representative of the Magreb
countries, an Egyptian delegation and a Jordanian-Palestinian
delegation.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
 
Poll Shows 41% of Public Supports Inclusion of David Levy as
Foreign Minister in a Rabin Government
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT publishes a poll carried out by the
Teleseker company which shows that 41% of the public supports 
including David Levy as Foreign Minister in a government headed
by Labor leader Yitzhak Rabin. The poll included the following
question: "When the Likud rose to power in 1977, Begin offered
Moshe Dayan the position of Foreign Minister in his government.
Dayan agreed. What do you think of the possibility that David
Levy will do the same and serve as a Foreign Minister in a Rabin
government?" Forty one per cent of the public supported such an
act, noting that it'll serve the interests of the State of
Israel. Thirty per cent opposed such an act with 29% refusing to
take a stand. Asked whether such an act would contribute to the
peace process, 80% responded positively with 14% responding
negatively. The newspaper reports that "no comment" was the Labor
Party response last night to the poll's results.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.



              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Thursday, May 28, 1992
 
 
IDF Administrative Convoy Attacked in Security Zone; One IDF
Soldier Killed, Two Injured
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that an Israel Defense Forces' soldier, 21
year-old Staff Sergeant Yisrael Ma'atuf, was killed yesterday
afternoon when terrorists attacked an IDF convoy in the Security
Zone in South Lebanon. The terrorists used RPGs and light weapons
in ambushing the administrative convoy which was en route to the
post at the Beaufort Castle. Two other IDF soldiers were injured in
the attack and brought to Rambam Hospital in Haifa. The injured, 37
year-old Chaim Mines and Corporal Tamir Mazri, are said to be in
moderate to severe condition. Following a battle with IDF forces,
three terrorists were killed.
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Staff Sergeant Ma'atuf's
funeral will be held this afternoon in the military section of the
cemetery in Moshav Bareket near the city of Lod.
 
 
Syrian National Socialist Party Claims Responsibility for Attack on
IDF Convoy
 
Israel Radio today quotes the Spokesman for the Lebanese Resistance
Front who announced that yesterday's attack on the IDF convoy was
carried out by terrorists belonging to the Syrian National
Socialist Party, an organization identified with the Popular Front
for the Liberation of Palestine, headed by George Habash. Israeli
military sources said that this organization has been inactive for
a long time in Lebanon, and that the attack was another attempt to
inflame this area. They emphasized that the terrorists are
operating under the inspiration of forces outside Lebanon.
 
 
Bush, Meeting with Kollek, Says Effort Will be Made to Settle Issue
of Immigrant Absorption Loan Guaranties Following Elections in
Israel
 
Today's DAVAR reports on yesterday's meeting between U.S. President
George Bush and Jerusalem's Mayor Teddy Kollek in Washington.
According to the newspaper, President Bush told Kollek that
following the elections in Israel, the U.S. will try to settle the
issue of immigrant absorption loan guarantees. Israeli sources are
quoted as saying that in the meeting, Bush said that the U.S. "had
problems" with the Israeli government. However, Bush said,
following the elections, another attempt will be made to reach an
understanding -- with no regard to the identity of the party that
wins the elections. Kollek complained to Bush that the U.S.
considers the Jewish presence in eastern Jerusalem as a part of the
settlements in the Territories. Kollek supported his statement with
a State Department report submitted to the Congress recently which
did not distinguish between Jerusalem and the other territories.
Bush replied that the U.S. has no interest in emphasizing the issue
of Jerusalem, being a difficult point of disagreement between
Israel and the Arabs. President Bush repeated the U.S. policy in
support of not redividing Jerusalem and the right of Jews to live
everywhere in the city.
 
 
Helena Rap's Father to Organize a Rally Today; 150 People Arrested
in Disturbances Last Night in Bat Yam
 
KOL YISRAEL reports that father of the 15 year-old girl who was
murdered by terrorists Sunday in Bat Yam is holding a rally today
in his town. The Police gave permission to Ze'ev Rap's request and
stated it'll lend him whatever assistance is needed. He will lead
a march from the site where Helena Rap was murdered to the City's
amphitheater, where he will speak to the gathering. The radio also
reports that 150 people were arrested last night in Bat Yam
following disturbances there. Among the detainees are those 
described as inciters. KOL YISRAEL states that it was found that
some of the inciters are wanted criminals. Seven people were
brought to the local hospital and treated for injuries received
during clashes with the police. About 3,000 people participated in
the disturbances last night at central junctions in Bat Yam.
 
 
DAVAR: France is reducing the risk premium on investments in Israel
by 40% (from 5.2% to 3.2%). Once this is done, Israel will be
upgraded from a "Level 3" country to "Level 2" countries in terms
of the credit given by the French bank which finances French
exporters and importers. This was announced yesterday by the French
Minister for Industry and Trade in a press conference with his
Israeli counterpart at the end of the first day of his visit in
Israel.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
 
Central Elections Committee to Decide This Evening Whether to Allow
Kach, Kahane Chai and Moledet Lists to Run in Next Elections
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that this evening, the Central
Elections Committee will decide whether to invalidate the lists of
Kach (headed by Baruch Merzel) and Kahane Chai, (headed by Binyamin
Kahane), from running in the next elections. The request to
invalidate the Kahane lists was submitted by the Meretz, Hadash and
Lapid (for promoting lessons of the Holocaust) movements. In
addition, Hadash Party requested to invalidate the Moledet list
from running as well. According to the newspaper, the common belief
is that a majority of the 41 members of the extended committee,
will favor invalidating the two Kahane lists -- but the request to
invalidate Moledet will be rejected. The invalidation requests are
based on the instructions of article 7(a) of the "Basic Law:
Knesset," which determines that candidate lists cannot participate
in Knesset elections if, among their goals or actions, explicitly
or implicitly, there are the negation of the existence of the State
of Israel as the state of the Jewish people, the negation of the
democratic character of the state, or incitement for racism. The
discussion of the invalidation requests will begin at 4:00 PM
(Israel time) and is to be conducted in an open court fashion --
and not behind closed doors. After the discussion, a vote will take
place.  Any decision of the Committee can be appealed to Israel's
Supreme Court.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.


                                            Jerusalem, 28 May 1992
 
 
DAILY PRESS SURVEY 
(Hebrew Press)
 
IN TODAY'S SURVEY: Arens decides to extend closure of Gaza;
Background: Israelis killed in Gaza since beginning of intifada;
Analysis: waves of terrorism against Israel; Kahane lists to
Knesset estimated to be disqualified today.
 
"YEDIOT AHRONOT" (p.7) -- Danny Sadeh reports that Defense Minister
Moshe Arens decided yesterday to extend the closure of the Gaza
Strip by three days. The closure, which was supposed to end today,
will therefore continue until the beginning of next week.
 
In recent days, Arens has held consultations with Chief-of-Staff
Ehud Barak, OC Southern Command Matan Vilnai, Coordinator of
activities in territories Major-General Danny Rothschild, heads of
the GSS and Police Inspector-General Ya'akov Terner. In
coordination therewith, it was decided that -- in view of the
continuing agitation in Israel, in the wake of the murder of the
young Helena Rapp in Bat-Yam earlier this week -- the closure of
the Gaza Strip should be extended, thereby preventing the arrival
of workers from Gaza into Israel.
 
The decision of the minister had already come prior to the murder
of Shimon Biran, yesterday in Kfar Darom.
 
In light of recent murderous acts, senior security elements said
yesterday that the IDF had no "hocus-pocus" solutions -- according
to them -- to the acts of individuals, who take knives or pistols
and injure Israeli civilians.
 
"There are those who think that each of these events constitutes a
security blunder by the army and the other security forces
operating in the territories or inside the State of Israel.
However, such is not the case, and the public must understand this.
After every such incident, we have specific means of punishment,
but there is no possibility -- over time -- to implement means of
punishment with regard to an entire population that depends on the
State of Israel, primarily from an economic point of view, and
Israel is responsibile to take care of this population, as the
state which governs [said] population," a senior security figure
said.
 
"Within the defense establishment," the senior official added,
"discussions are held all the time on how to reduce the chance of
an attack on Israeli civilians in Israel or against the Jewish
population in the territories. We are refining methods, changing
patterns of activity, working hard on intelligence -- and we have
succeeded, to some extent, in the capture of wanted [criminals].
But when a single man -- who is not known as an activist and is not
wanted [by the authorities] -- receives a permit to work in Israel,
as occurred in the Bat-Yam [case], and then takes a knife and
independently goes to kill people in the street -- there is no way
to anticipate the act. Unfortunately, we just have to learn to live
with this, although it is a fact that is difficult for the public
to accept." (...)
 
"HA'ARETZ", (p.3) -- Nadav Shragai reports that, since the start of
the intifada, eight Israeli civilians and soldiers have been
murdered in the Gaza Strip -- three of them were settlers in Gush
Katif.
 
06.12.87 -- Shlomo Sekel, a Bat-Yam resident and an agent of Keter
Plastics, arrives in Gaza to unload merchandise. He parks his
Subaru vehicle near Omar al-Mukhtar Street in Palestine Square.
Near Bank Ha'Poalim, a youth wedges a knife in his neck. Locals
evacuate Sekel to a hospital, but efforts to save him are
unsuccessful and he dies within the hour.
 
13.11.89 -- Two reserve soldiers -- Yisrael Trachtenbroit of Afula
and Ze'ev Traum, a resident of Yodfat -- are returning from an
escort mission on the road circumventing Gaza. They traverse the
road leading to the city and, a few dozen meters later, are fired
upon from an ambush. The two are seriously wounded and die of their
wounds a while later.
 
30.11.89 -- Avigdor Dahari, a resident of Katif, stands at his
concession near the entrance to the community. Also nearby is
reserve soldier Chezi Avraham. Mahmud Ahmad Hussein, a resident of
the Nuseirat refugee camp, wildly steers toward them in a Peugeot
automobile -- intentionally trampling the two. Avigdor Dahari dies
of his wounds. Chezi Avraham is seriously wounded.
 
18.11.90 -- Tzvia Gewirtz is murdered -- stabbed with a knife by an
Arab, in an orchard north of the [Gaza] Strip.
 
11.03.91 -- Soldiers Guy Chico and Shachar Ginosar are
intentionally trampled to death by a vehicle in the Beit-Hanun
area.
 
01.01.92 -- Doron Shorshan, a resident of Kfar Darom, is murdered
by gunshots from an ambush at the Dir al-Balah junction.
 
17.05.92 -- Merchant David Cohen (64) from Moshav Ta'ashur in the
Negev arrives in the [Gaza] Strip in order to sell sheep to a local
merchant at the slaughter-house in Jabalya. On his return route,
near the Beit Lahiya junction, he was caught in the gunfire of an
ambush, and killed on the spot.
 
27.05.92 -- Rabbi Shimon Biran, rabbi of the Kfar Darom community,
is murdered -- stabbed with a knife -- near the community.
 
"YEDIOT AHRONOT" (p.7) -- Analysis by Ron Ben-Yishai -- Terrorism
against Israel usually comes in waves of highs and lows.
 
There is also a reciprocity between the arenas and different types
of terror. For instance, individual stabbers from the territories
-- who usually act in accordance with an internal stimulus -- are
influenced when affairs in the Lebanese sector heat up. As is the
reverse. Hizballah, for example, increased its attacks in the wake
of the Temple Mount events a few years ago.
 
The present wave of terror was caused following the opposition of
extremist elements in the Arab world to the peace process; IDF
successes in operating against armed terrorism in the territories;
the new arrangement in Lebanon led by the Syrians, and; the
election campaign in Israel.
 
Experience has demonstrated that the best way to put an end to such
a wave of terrorism is to frustrate its activists. Whether via
consistent and localized pressure -- which will bequeath them
painful failures -- or via the creation of conflicts of interest
and animosity between the terrorists and the local population. And
that is exactly what those responsible for security in the State of
Israel are trying to do, in Lebanon and in the territories. 
Several broad-scope military activities in Lebanon, mass expulsions
of families of terrorists from the territories, or the imposing of
the death sentence will only bring about a further stirrring-up of
passions and to a loss of control of the situation -- and maybe
even to a military fix so large that it will be difficult to
escape. 
 
"YEDIOT AHRONOT", (p.8) -- Chaim Shivi and Doron Meiri report that
the Jerusalem Police is prepared for the possibility of
disturbances by Kahane supporters if, this evening, the Central
Elections Committee decides to invalidate the lists of Kach (headed
by Baruch Merzel) and Kahane Chai, headed by Binyamin Kahane. (...)
 
The request to invalidate the Kahane lists was submitted by the
Meretz, Hadash and Lapid (for the promotion of the lessons of the
Holocaust) factions. As well, the Hadash request to invalidate the
Moledet organization will be discussed. The assessment is that,
among the 41 members of the extended committee, there will be a
majority in favor of invalidating the Kahane lists -- but the
request to invalidate Moledet will be rejected.
 
The invalidation requests are based on the instructions of article
7(a) of the Basic Law: Knesset, which determines that candidate
lists cannot participate in Knesset elections if, among its goals
or actions, there exists -- explicitly or implicitly -- one of the
following [factors]: the negation of the existence of the State of
Israel as the state of the Jewish people; the negation of the
democratic character of the state; incitement toward racism.
 
The discussion of the invalidation requests will begin at 16:00
hours and, according to the decision of the chairman of the Central
Elections Committee, retired judge Avraham Halima, it will be
conducted in an open court fashion -- and not behind closed doors.
After the discussion, a vote will take place. Regarding every
decision, there is the possibility of an appeal to the Supreme
Court. (...)
 
                                          Jerusalem, 28 May 1992
 
SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS 
(Hebrew press)
 
"Yediot Ahronot" laments the fact that Israel continues to pay --
in blood -- for its existence. Indeed, both men who were murdered
yesterday (in Kfar Darom and in Lebanon) were victimized just
because of their identity as Jews. Moreover, as regards the death
of the IDF soldier, the paper wonders why Syria does not intervene
and restrain Hizballah activity if the former does not actually
desire a war.
 
"Ma'ariv" is frightened by the violent reactions, in the wake of
the recent murders of Jews in Bat-Yam and Kfar Darom. The paper
feels that, while it is difficult to criticize mourners, it must be
realized that the victory of the terrorists is not in the
cemeteries -- which only house our pain. Rather, it is when we lose
our humanity that we concede defeat.
 
"Ha'aretz" believes that statements by Prime Minister Shamir are
partly to blame for the unruly conduct plaguing Bat-Yam. In fact,
anti-Arab sentiments have served as a prelude to a general sense of
anarchy. Nevertheless, the treatment of the authorities vis-a-vis
Jewish agitators must be akin to that employed against Arab
rioters. Those who want to keep Arabs out of Israel proper must
comprehend that their entry -- for employment purposes -- is
necessary to counter the "attractiveness" of the intifada.
Essentially, the paper writes, the only solution is the separation
of an international border and an end to the occupation.
 
"Hatzofeh" asserts that the murder of Rabbi Shimon Biran emphasizes
the urgency of the situation and the need to resort to innovative
measures. Closures should be extended for weeks or months;
deportations should resume; the criteria for work permits should be
toughened. Jewish labor should be encouraged. The internal conflict
must be resolved -- albeit not with a two-state solution that would
relinquish part of the State of Israel and put its citizenry at
risk.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, comments that --
although professors have already been solicited to develop theories
about the "Bat- Yam syndrome" -- extreme behavior was also recorded
in the Jewish communities of Gaza yesterday. The editors suggest
that current attitudes are the result of desperation, despite
relative Israeli strength.
 
"Al Hamishmar" suggests that politicians who try and obtain support
from anguished mobs will be not recalled positively. Instead, the
editors are of the opinion that those who remain consistent and who
oppose violent outbursts will ultimately be able to enlist the
support of the public in the vital struggle for peace.
 
"Hadashot" reflects on the timing of recent violent reflexes. The
remarks that election-time has always incited an increase in
attacks by Arab terrorists, and verbal responses and agitation by
politicians who share certain policy goals with Hamas.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, wonders why Meretz wants the
Islamic Movement to encourage Arabs to vote. Seeking to block the
right-wing, it appears that Meretz prefers Moslem fanatics to
ultra-Orthodox Jews. The paper claims that with potential partners
like Meretz, Yitzhak Rabin does not need enemies.
 
"Davar" observes that the Likud is walking a tightrope with regard
to the 25th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem -- while
trying desperately to highlight the shortcomings of Yitzhak Rabin
in the 1967 war, they are ignoring the ultimately decisive
contribution of Labor-affiliated military figures.
 
"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, submits that -- although
campus elections do not indicate the results of the general ballot
-- university polls will encourage the victors as to their chances
on 23 June.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, notes that -- until the release
of recent "Time" and "Newsweek" editions -- Israel did not know
that its environmental status was so favorable.
 
"Hatzofeh", in its third editorial, advocates a cautious reduction
in interest rates.
 
 
 
                                            Jerusalem, 28 May 1992
 
THE IDF SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCES 
(Communicated by the IDF Spokesman's Office)
 
Yesterday afternoon (Wednesday), 28.5.92, RPG and light weapons
were fired from an ambush on a convoy of IDF vehicles en route to
the post at the Beaufort Castle. Killed in the fire was IDF
Sergeant Yisrael Ma'atuf, 21 of Moshav Gimzo, and another soldier
was slightly wounded. The family of the soldier killed has been
notified. In the exchange of fire which ensued, three terrorists
were killed. The IDF is continuing to search the area of the
incident. Sergeant Yisrael Ma'atuf was posthumously promoted to the
rank of Staff Sergeant.
 
A spokesman for the Lebanese Opposition Front announced yesterday
that the terrorists who carried out the attack near the Beaufort
belonged to the Syrian National Socialist Party and to the Popular
Front for the Liberation of Palestine, headed by George Habash.
 
 
                                          Jerusalem, 27 May 1992
 
DAILY PRESS SURVEY 
(Hebrew press)
 
"HA'ARETZ" (p.2) -- Eitan Rabin reports that senior IDF officials
have assessed there will be no military confrontation between
Israel and Syria, in the wake of IAF bombings which have continued
with great intensity over recent days.
 
Senior military officials, among them OC Northern Command Yitzhak
Mordechai, have been holding daily situation assessments regarding
events in Lebanon. According to senior officers, the Syrians do not
want to intervene in the conflict between the IDF and Hizballah.
 
The officers said there is no doubt that the sector is heating up,
but a Syrian-Israeli is still not at issue. They estimated that the
tension on the northern border will continue for another few days
and, if Hizballah does not launch Katyushas into the security zone
or at the northern border, life will return to routine.
 
A Northern Command military figure said told "Ha'aretz" yesterday
that reports are arriving about Hizballah attempts to carry out
attacks. The IDF is on continuous alert in the sector owing to fear
of car bombs, kidnappings of soldiers and Hizballah attacks in
response to IAF strikes.
 
Yesterday, Former IAF commander Major-General Elihu Bin-Nun related
to reports that Syrian anti-aircraft guns fired at IAF planes: "In
my opinion, this is not extraordinary. It was taken into account in
the planning of the activities. The fire itself cannot cause an
escalation [of the situation], but, to the best of my knowledge,
the Syrian approach -- which says that, if we fly over or near
their forces, they fire at us -- has not changed."
 
According to [Bin-Nun]: "I estimate that, this time, there is a
slightly unusual heating-up, in contrast to recent weeks or months,
but this is not a war."
 
In regard to attacks by IAF aircraft in recent days, Bin-Nun said
that "I do not think we are dealing with massive attacks, but
specific strikes -- like those the IAF always [employed] in
Lebanon. They are carried out with a thorough examination of the
targets, in an attempt to hit only those who want to hit us."
 
In response to the [matter of the] our planes drawing close to
areas under Syrian control, Bin-Nun said: "We are again signalling
them. This is not a new thing. When the targets we defined for
ourselves -- intended mainly to secure the northern border -- are
under their control or their protection, we will act with no regard
thereto."
 
In his opinion, "there is no doubt that the attacks also influence
the morale, activity, preparations and participation of Hizballah
leaders -- and causes them to defend instead of attack. This,
perhaps, constitutes the most important influence [of our
actions]."
 
"HA'ARETZ" (p.2) -- Chaim Hendwerker reports that, yesterday,
former Lebanese president Amin Gemayel criticized the Syrian
Government, in the wake of its activities in Lebanon which -- in
his opinion -- come to "[provoke] the agitation of the border
between Israel and Lebanon."
 
According to Gemayel, who was interviewed by Radio France, he is
finding it difficult to understand why Syria is involved in
goings-on in Lebanon in "such a massive way" and why [Syria] is
stirring up passions, at a time when [Syria] is making efforts to
maintain quiet on the Golan Heights, its direct border with Israel.
 
According to [Gemayel], the kind of peace Syria seeks to implement
in Lebanon "has exposed itself in a most blatant way."
 
The former president also said it should be demanded that Syria
bring about a [situation of] calm on the border between Lebanon and
Israel -- just as Damascus calmed its border with Israel in the
Golan.
 
In the remarks of Gemayel, no criticism of Israel was made.
 
Yesterday, French president Francois Mitterrand, expressed concern
over events in southern Lebanon. Two days ago, a statement was
issued by the French Foreign Ministry which called on the sides to
cease the military activities.
 
"MA'ARIV" (p.15) -- Analysis by Emmanuel Rosen -- The "game" in
Lebanon is always a dangerous one, but it is possible to state with
certainty that, this time, the responsible elements on both sides
-- Syrian and Israeli -- are making sure that the framework of
accepted rules is maintained. This fact guarantees that there will
now be a fading, at least temporarily, of the tension in Lebanon.
 
The rules of the game are clear: Hizballah is not launching
Katyushas at Galilee settlements and the IDF -- on its part -- is
ensuring that only specific targets are hit, while obviously
passing over Syrian "objectives."
 
During the escalation which followed the killing of Sheikh Musawi,
Hizballah deviated from these rules and fired Katyushas on the
Galilee. Massive American and Syrian intervention was required to
prevent a deterioration into a mini-war. This time too, although
the situation was far from resembling those days, the Americans and
Syrians acted to prevent an escalation. Among other things, this
diplomatic action has made it clear to Syria and Israel, that the
other side is not now interested in an escalation, and definitely
not in a war.
 
Calm is of course a relative matter in Lebanon. The problem is that
Hizballah and the Syrians have a clear interest in maintaining a
certain level of disquiet for a prolonged period. The interest of
Hizballah is obvious. The Syrian motive is interesting: Damascus is
preparing the ground for the explanation it will give this coming
September as to why it did not withdraw from Lebanon, in accordance
with the Ta'if Agreement. In order to create the conditions for the
continuation of the Syrian presence in Beirut, the unrest in
southern Lebanon must be preserved. For example, this is the reason
that the Syrians do not order the disarming of Hizballah.
 
Recent days were unusual in their degree of activity and tension,
but the newspaper headlines were exaggerated. The air force did,
indeed, act at a non-routine pace, but Israel did not bolster its
forces in Lebanon by even one soldier. All in all, it was a fixed
game. Everyone flexed their muscles, but everyone knew that -- this
time -- the war would be a one of words and declarations.
 
 


                                        Jerusalem, 1 June 1992
 
SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS  
(Hebrew press)
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, rhetorically wonders --
on the ninth day of the Gaza closure -- why Israel does not effect
a permanent separation, if the temporary cordon has proven
efficient in murder prevention.  Regardless, the paper demands that
some strategy be selected and implemented.
 
"Hatzofeh" states that the Eilat attack draws attention to the
"quiet" border with Jordan.  The incident must be fully addressed
and measures must be taken -- IDF actions are far more crucial than
the assigning of responsibility to Jordan.
 
"Yediot Ahronot" recalls that Jerusalem is still ethnically divided
and that a great many were killed during efforts to re-unite the
city.  Nevertheless, Jerusalem Day is a celebration, and the
editors criticize Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek for his conduct;
even if his accusations were valid, the symbolic nature of the
festive day should have prevailed.
 
"Ma'ariv" submits that Mayor Kollek was out-of-line when referring
to those who are building in the City of David as "national
criminals." Indeed, despite all charges that Kollek is a Labor
stooge, his activities -- reconciliation with the Arabs, while
increasing Jewish control in the city -- may have served the
declared aims of Ariel Sharon.
 
"Al Hamishmar" feels that Jerusalem Day -- which should serve as a
symbol of peace and harmony -- has been violated, evidenced by text
of the Jerusalem Covenant (which had originally negated to mention
the role of the military) and by the concentration of the
government on developing the territories (and not on peace
arrangements).
 
"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, asserts that the suggested
blueprint for Mount Zion is grossly inappropriate for a said
location.
 
"Hadashot" commends Prime Minister Shamir for raising the matter of
rising casualty tolls during IDF training exercises.  The
recurrence of such disasters shakes the confidence of the public in
the military.  The paper hopes that this treatment of "accidental"
deaths will also lead to some proposal for stemming the tide of
mass slaughter on the highways of Israel.
 
"Ha'aretz" believes that the government should not be renting
accommodations to new immigrants at token fees.  Rather, it should
be clarified that the current terms of purchase are final -- and
then their sale can be anticipated.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, is concerned that
disenfranchised Americans could put Ross Perot in the White House.
 
"Davar" comments that the unified course of action adopted by the
Security Council is the direct result of the "new world order" --
the same phenomenon which created an international consensus around
the Gulf war and the subsequent process -- and expects military
force to follow sanctions, if deemed necessary.  "Ma'ariv", in its
third editorial, claims that Security Council actions regarding
Yugoslavia are the effect of media coverage.
 
 
 
ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 31-MAY-1992
 
1.  ARAFAT IN DAMASCUS
 
 The PLO leader went to Damascus and conferred with Pres.  Assad. 
They discussed the situation in Lebanon, the state of the peace
process and Syrian-PLO relations.  (Damascus Radio and agencies,
May 30).  Farouk Kaddoumi also went and conferred with the Syrian
foreign minister, discussing the proposed Amman coordination
meeting next month.
 
2.  TERRORIST ATTACK IN EYLAT
 
 The Jordanian authorities would not comment (as of noon, May 30)
on the incursion.  Political circles in Jordan said the government
always opposed such actions, and in recent months security
arrangements along the border with Israel were increased.  The
military authorities said they had no proof that an armed gang
crossed the border and carried out an attack in Eylat...(AFP, May
30).
 
3.  SOUTH LEBANON
 
 The Syrian foreign minister said the situation would be on the
agenda of the coming Amman meeting of Arab countries bordering
Israel.  (He hoped the meeting would agree on a unified Arab stand
in the peace process).  The Syrian media say observers in Damascus
think the policy of Syria in Lebanon will not cause an escalation
and Syria is trying to preserve the peace process against an Israel
attack against it.  The Lebanese envoy to the UN demanded an
emergency meeting of the Security Council (Egyptian TV, May 29). 
He called for the implementation of Res.  425 for Israeli
withdrawal.  The Lebanese delegate to the peace talks said nothing
would divert Lebanon from continuing to participate in the peace
process.  ("Al-Nahar" May 27).  Egyptian foreign ministry sources
said Cairo is maintaining contact with the parties involved "to end
Israeli aggression," which endangers the peace process.  (Falangist
Radio, May 30).  The Saudi foreign minister, visiting Washington,
met with Secretary Baker and the Lebanese situation was among the
subjects discussed (in addition to bilateral relations, the
situation in the Gulf, and in Iraq).  In Iran, Pres.  Rafsanjani
denounced Israeli attacks in South Lebanon and expressed
disappointment at the silence of the European Community.
 
4.  IRAN
 
 The deputy foreign minister Besharati repeated Iran's objection to
nuclear armaments but said Iran would acquire all types of
conventional weapons to guard its territorial integrity.  At its
opening session, the new parliament chose Ali Akhbar Natek Nouri,
a supporter of Pres.  Rafsanjani, as speaker in place of the
radical, Karoubi, who was not even re-elected.  The spiritual
leader Ali Khamenhei called on the parliament to maintain the
anti-American policy of hatred established by the late Ayatollah
Khomeini.
 
5.  LIBYA
 
 The ruler Qaddaffi sent a note to King Fahd of Saudia, probably
dealing with the crisis between Libya and the West.
 
6.  IRAQ
 
 Jordanian TV (May 29) reported that a senior Iraqi official said
(May 18) that Baghdad would be ready to grant autonomy to the Kurds
in practice, on condition they break their ties with their Western
patrons.
 
 
                                    Jerusalem, 31 May 1992
 
DAILY PRESS SURVEY  
(Hebrew press)
 
IN TODAY'S SURVEY: Arens and Barak remarks on Eilat terrorist
attack; Background: Recent attacks in Eilat; Background: brief
history of attacks in Eilat; Arabs in Gaza assess rescue of Jewish
couple could bring death sentence to Arab rescuers.
 
 "MA'ARIV", (p.4) -- Yehudit Zilberstein quotes [IDF]
Chief-of-Staff Lieutenant-General Ehud Barak who -- yesterday,
after the attack on the Eilat coast -- said: "The diligence,
alertness and speed of the response by the police, the military and
civilians, resulted in the frustration of the attack against a
crowded beach, the death of one terrorist and the capturing of the
second one."
 
He also stressed that a Palestinian organization [composed of]
Moslem Fundamentalists were behind the attack.  Lt.  Gen.  Barak
held Jordan responsible for it.
 
"We view Jordan as responsible for making maximum effort to prevent
such attacks from Jordanian territory", Barak said.
 
Two years ago exactly, on 30 May 1990, terrorists penetrated the
coast in Nitzanim.  Four terrorists were killed then and seven were
captured.  (...)
 
Apparently, four terrorists left the beach of Aqaba.  In the
interrogation by the security forces, the wounded terrorist said
that during the swim they lost contact with the other two
terrorists, who never reached the shore of Eilat.
 
The terrorists intended to land on the crowded beach and execute a
massive attack.  The terrorist's statement caused [the authorities
to] immediately close all beaches in Eilat and evacuate the
bathers.  Military forces and the Police combed the beaches twice,
from the Jordanian border to the border with Egypt.  OC Southern
Command Matan Vilnai, said that since no evidence of additional
terrorists was found during the search, it was decided to reopen
the beaches.  (...)
 
In response to yesterday's attack, Defense Minister Moshe Arens
said: "This is a terrorist activity which came from Jordan.  This
is not the first time terrorists have arrived from Jordan and this
should trouble us.  We will do our utmost that such events will not
recur, through the use of our Naval and Ground forces.  There are
standing instructions to this effect and now we will sharpen these. 
We hope the Jordanians will do the same as they have done along the
rest of the borders.  It is up to them to keep armed people from
diving in their waters." (...)
 
 "HA'ARETZ" (p.  2) -- Background by Eitan Rabin: The recent
attacks in the Eilat area were:
 
* 8.8.89: A Jordanian soldier penetrated from Jordanian territory
to Kibbutz Lotan in the Arava, shot and wounded an American tourist
and took a woman soldier hostage.  After a couple of hours the
Jordanian soldier was shot by IDF soldiers and killed.
 
* 8.2.90: Three terrorists who infiltrated into Israel near the
Tzukim junction on the Arava road were killed by an IDF force after
shooting at vehicles driving on the Arava road and wounding four
soldiers.
 
* 25.11.90: An Egyptian soldier infiltrated into Israel near Ein
Netafim, shot at passing vehicles, killed three IDF soldiers and an
Israeli civilian, wounded another 23 civilians and returned to
Egyptian territory.
 
Approximately nine terrorist infiltration attempts from Jordan have
occurred in the last five years.  In two instances the terrorists
succeeded in infiltrating, shot IDF forces and killed an officer
with the rank of Captain.
 
"MA'ARIV" (p.  3) -- Gad Shamron reports that Aqaba and Eilat are
tangent and this proximity -- which allowed Crown Prince Hasan's
horse to swim to Eilat two months ago -- has given birth to a
number of hostile actions by sea.
 
These attacks reached their peak in the period of the War of
Attrition.  In November 1969 Egyptian commandos sabotaged ships Hey
Daroma and Dalia.  Three months later two navy boats were again
attacked.  Another month passed -- and again ships were attacked by
Egyptian commandos.  This time a battle ensued with Israeli divers. 
(...)
 
Fatah also attempted to carry out strikes in Eilat: In September
1987 a terrorist boat named Ageas Demetrios, bearing a Greek flag,
was spotted 170 kilometers from Eilat.  The ship was sunk, and
before going under, 42 katyusha missiles and 3 tons of explosives
were found.  The terrorists admitted that they had planned to flee
to Aqaba.
 
Defense forces in Israel stress that through the years the
Jordanian government tries to prevent and to intercept terrorist
organization attempts to act against Eilat from their territory,
due to their concern over the fate of the only outlet they have to
the sea.
 
"MA'ARIV" (p.  6) -- Roni Sofer reports that Arab sources in the
Gaza Strip assessed last night that the act of rescue of the couple
Shoshana and Amos Goueta of Ashkelon, could bring a death sentence
upon their Arab rescuers.
 
The defense forces are well aware of the need to protect Auni Khou,
33, from Jabalya, who with his body covered the Jewish vegetable
smuggler, and the greenhouse owner from the Dugit area, who
concealed Shoshan Goueta in a storeroom away from the terrorist
gang who wished to kill them.  The defense forces are preparing
accordingly.  (...)
 
It is clear that radical organizations such as Hamas and its
extremist military arm, Az al-Din al-Kassam, which may even have
sent the gang of murderers to the greenhouses next to Dugit, will
attempt to close accounts with the rescuers of Jews.
 
"I am appealing passionately to the Israeli government and to the
IDF, to protect the welfare and safety of Auni Khau who saved my
life and to also protect the family members who concealed my wife",
said the rescued man, Amos Goueta, 38, from Ashkelon, on Friday.
 
"We will do everything to protect the Arabs who saved the couple
from Ashkelon.  We will prevent, even with our bodies, any attempt
by extremist Arab emissaries of terror, to harm them," a
representative of the Jewish settlers of the northern Gaza Strip
said last night.
 
 
                                          Jerusalem, 31 May 1992
 
SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS  
(Hebrew press)
 
"Hadashot" writes that yesterday's penetration of Eilat by
terrorists coming from Aqaba testifies to the improved operational
ability of fundamentalist terror organizations in Jordan.  Jordan
will no doubt take the necessary steps to keep Aqaba, its only
port, quiet.  There is a connection between the coming elections
and the many recent attacks -- all the organizations involved wish
to sabotage the peace process, and Israel can expect more attempts. 
Jordan is responsible for any attack emanating from that country.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, maintains that the seemingly
never ending terrorist attacks will cease only when a permanent
peace is reached with our neighbors.  These attacks, however, do
not endanger Israel's security and can be endured and must not be
allowed to destroy our self- confidence and daily routine.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", writes that it is obvious that Jordan is not
behind the attack in Eilat, and it has no control fundamentalist
groups in its country.  Rather it is Teheran who activates these
groups.  Only an overall political solution can halt the murderous
fanatics.
 
"Al Hamishmar" praises the fast work of the defense forces in Eilat
yesterday.  Hopefully the penetration of terrorists from Jordan
does not signify a change in Jordanian policy, but rather an
unintentional error.  This incident proves the impossibility of
hermetically sealing any border.  Terrorist activities must not be
allowed to disrupt our lives or make us deviate from our real goal
-- finding a political solution to the Arab- Israeli conflict.
 
"Ma'ariv", refers to today being Jerusalem Day.  The paper points
out that Jerusalem has been the subject of controversy for 3,000
years.  Any real peace treaty will be achieved only when the issue
of Jerusalem is resolved.  To this end the world will have to
comprehend, as it does not as yet, the extent to which the faith,
history, culture, and essence of the Jewish people is bound up with
Jerusalem.  But one thing is clear: Jerusalem will remain united.
 
"Hatzofeh" recounts the Six-Day-War and the growth of Jerusalem
since being united.  It notes that there are still parts of the
city where Jews cannot walk safely.  It calls for vigorous
implementation of Israeli law on all of the city.
 
"Davar" writes that disqualifying "Kach", and not "Moledet", is due
to political considerations, since they are both equally racist. 
The Elections Central Committee is made up of political parties who
look to see how disqualifying certain parties will affect them,
either by how their potential voters will otherwise vote, and also
how this will affect negotiations in composing a government.
 
"Yediot Ahronot", in its third editorial, notes the visit of French
Industry and Trade Minister Strauss-Cahan to Israel last week.  He
came to encourage joint Israeli-French projects as well as to
announce the opening of a half a billion dollar credit line for
infrastructure and industry in Israel.  This shows an improvement,
at least in economic areas, in relations with France.
 
Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, refers to the tragedy of
two soldiers killed in a training accident and hopes it is clear
that the findings of the inquiry into it must be made public.
 
"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, rages at the typically Israeli
negligence, lack of discipline, and flaunting of rules that has led
to the many recent fatal accidents in the IDF.
 
"Ha'aretz" refers to the Bank of Israel annual report released last
week.
 


              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Friday, May 29, 1992
 
 
Barak: Israel Has No Interest in All-Out Confrontation with Syrians
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT quotes Israel Defense Forces' Chief of
Staff, Lieutenant General Ehud Barak, who said that Israel has no
interest in reaching an all-out confrontation with the Syrians.
Nevertheless, Israel will continue to act against terrorism. He
stated that the Syrians have good reasons to avoid a confrontation
with Israel. The Chief of Staff described the past week in Lebanon
as very turbulent, referring to the attack on the IDF convoy and
the Israel Air Force attacks on Hizbullah targets. Barak asserted
that the IDF will continue to strike at the terrorist bases even
outside the Security Zone. One should not expect, though, that the
Hizbullah or the Palestinian terrorist organizations will halt
their activity, stated Barak, but the blows that they're taking
restricts them.
 
 
GSS Supports Further Restrictions on Gaza Strip Residents who Want
To Cross the "Green Line"
 
Today's DAVAR reports that the General Security Service is
supporting a move to restrict single Gaza Strip residents under the
age of 25 from crossing the "Green Line". Data gathered by the GSS
and published by MK Amnon Rubinstein shows that since the beginning
of the Uprising, 75% of the stabbing attacks on Israelis were
carried out by bachelors, and 80% of the attacks were carried by
Arabs under the age of 25. The remaining 20% were carried out by
Arabs under the age of 30. The newspaper notes that the GSS has
refrained until now from taking a clear stand on the issue.
 
 
Disturbances in Bat Yam Continue; Police Say Most of Those Arrested
are Not Local Residents
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that the disturbances in the city of
Bat Yam continued last night, despite a call for calm issued by the
father of 15 year-old Helena Rap who was murdered by terrorists
Sunday. According to AL HAMISHMAR, at one stage, the police cleared
the Balfur-Yoseftal junction in order to prevent further
confrontation and calm the crowds.
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, quotes Commander of the Ayalon Police
District, Shlomo Tsudkovitch, who said that half of those arrested
during the disturbances in Bat Yam are not local residents, but
came to the demonstrations without regard to Helena Rap's murder.
He revealed that the police used plain-clothes detectives last
night in order to find inciters.
 
 
Rabin Says Israel Mustn't Come Down from the Golan Heights, But
That Doesn't Mean It Must Stick to Every Square Centimeter
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR quotes Labor leader MK Yitzhak Rabin who spoke
on issues of foreign policy before the Israeli Council for Foreign
Affairs last night in Tel Aviv.  Rabin said Israel mustn't come
down off the Golan Heights, "but that doesn't mean that we must
stick to every square centimeter over there." He stated that it may
be possible to reach compromises and interim arrangements with the
Syrians. Referring to the Territories, Rabin said, "The interim
arrangement called autonomy should be such that it does not dictate
a permanent solution." He noted that the IDF should continue to be
responsible for security and the Israeli settlements. According to
the newspaper, Rabin believes there is no room at this stage to
discuss details, but to present the principles only.
 
 
Arab Merchant from Gaza Strip Prevents 3 Terrorists from Killing an
Israeli Couple who Came to Visit Him
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today that an Arab merchant from
the Gaza Strip this morning prevented 3 terrorists from murdering
a couple, Jewish merchants, who visited his green house in the
northern Gaza Strip. He hid the woman in his house and defended the
husband with his body. The Arab merchant was injured in the attack,
but the terrorists fled. The Israeli merchants were not hurt. KOL
YISRAEL notes that one of the terrorists was armed with a rifle and
two others with knifes. The IDF closed the region and started
searching for the terrorists.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: Two 19 year-old IDF soldiers, Yaron Bar-Dor and Eran
Ofer, lost their lives during a navigation drill in the Negev
desert. The two apparently dehydrated during their journey. The IDF
Chief of Staff said last night that this incident is very severe
and that its circumstances will be thoroughly examined.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
Central Elections Committee Votes to Invalidate Kach from Running
in Next Elections; Request to Invalidate Moledet Party is Rejected
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that the Central Elections Committee last
night invalidated the Kach movement's eligibility to run in the
upcoming elections to the 13th Knesset. The decision was supported
by a vote, with 22 to 8, with 6 abstentions. The discussion on the
invalidation of the Moledet Party ended differently, with 22
rejecting the request of the Hadash movement to invalidate Moledet,
5 supporting the request and 10 abstaining. Voting on the issue of
invalidating the Kahane Chai list was postponed to Wednesday due to
technical deficiencies in the list's papers. Kahane Chai is missing
600 supporting signatures in its papers, and the head of the list,
Binyamin Kahane, has not yet given up his foreign citizenship
(U.S.), as is required from candidates for the Knesset.
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.



              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Monday, June 1, 1992
 
 
Surviving Terrorist Says 4 Man Squad Left Akaba for Planned Attack
on Eilat's Beach
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that the sole surviving terrorist, injured
while attacking the beach at Eilat this past Saturday, is 26 year-
old Muatzem el-Nab'a from Hebron. During his interrogation at
Yoseftal Hospital, he said that he and three other members of a
terrorist squad were trained in swimming and combat for one month
in the Jordanian city of Akaba. After completing their training,
they launched their attack, swimming from Akaba to Eilat. Of the
two terrorists who made it to the beach at Eilat, one was killed in
a clash with IDF soldiers. The terrorist's testimony contradicts
Jordan's claim yesterday that there is no evidence that the
terrorist squad launched its attack from Akaba. A Jordanian
spokesman alluded to the possibility that the terrorists left from
Egypt or Saudi Arabia. The newspaper quotes an official Israeli
source who responded last night to the Jordanian hints saying, "We
have no reason to assume that the Jordanian announcement is true."
He also said that it's not reasonable that the Jordanian
authorities intentionally ignored the terrorists' activity in
Akaba. MA'ARIV adds that official sources in Amman announced
yesterday that, "The Jordanian army has intensified its watch on
suspicious movement along the border."
 
 
Terrorist Victim Buried Yesterday in Eilat
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that hundreds of Eilat residents
participated in the funeral yesterday of Yossef Shirazi who was
murdered Saturday by terrorists who swam from Akaba to Eilat. Large
forces of the Police were deployed for the funeral, but the city's
residents acted with restraint. Justice Minister Dan Meridor, 
representing the Government, said at the funeral, "The one who wins
the struggle will be the one who shows more firmness -- and we will
win."
 
 
Hamas Takes Responsibility for the Murders of Helena Rap and Rabbi
Shimon Biran
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the Hamas organization yesterday
called for an increase in the attacks against Israel Defense Forces
in the Territories. The organization also took the responsibility
for the murders of 15 year-old Helena Rap in Bat Yam and Rabbi
Shimon Biran in Kfar Darom.
 
 
Kollek's Jerusalem Day Broadcast: The Temple Mount is Under Arab
Administration and Will Stay This Way Until the Messiah Comes
 
Today's HADASHOT quotes Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek who said, "The
Temple Mount is under Arab administration and will stay this way
until the Messiah comes."  Kollek was speaking in an interview on
the IDF radio station, GALEI ZAHAL, in honor of Jerusalem Day.
Kollek noted that if Yasser Arafat recognizes Jerusalem as the
Capital of Israel, he won't hesitate to invite him and all Arab
leaders to be hosted in his house. "Jerusalem was never a capital
of anyone else,  even when we weren't here. It was our capital,"
Kollek said. He continued stating, "Up until today, the Temple
Mount has been under Arab administration and we won't take it over.
We want Arabs to live here the same way we want Jews to live as
equals everywhere in the world." Mayor Kollek added, "Something big
happened to the Arabs in this century: they received dozens of
independent countries. They'll get neither Israel nor Jerusalem."
 
 
3,360 New Immigrants from Confederation of Independent States
Arrive in Israel in May
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL reports that 3,360 new immigrants from
the Confederation of Independent States arrived in Israel during
the month of May. This is the smallest number of immigrants to
arrive since the wave of immigration from the former Soviet Union
began. According to Jewish Agency Chairman Simcha Dinitz, there are
more signs which show that this slowdown in immigration is not
temporary, but signals a gradual fading in immigration.
 
 
BIRD Foundation Finance 15 more Projects; Including 12 American
Companies Doing Business in Israel for the First Time
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that the board of directors of the BIRD
(Binational Industrial Research and Development) Foundation met in
Washington to approve 8 million Dollars of conditional grants for
15 new product development projects. BIRD is an Israeli-American
foundation dealing with investment in research and development of
industrial projects. The over-all investment in new projects will
total 16 million Dollars. Among the projects already approved are
12 American companies doing business in Israel for the first time.
 
 
KOL YISRAEL: An agreement establishing diplomatic relations between
Israel and Georgia was signed today in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia.
The agreement was signed by Georgia's acting President, Edward
Schevardnaze, and Israel's Ambassador in Moscow, Arie Levin.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.


              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Tuesday, June 2, 1992
 
 
Former Lebanese President Amin Gemayel Attacks Syria
 
In an interview in today's HA'ARETZ, former Lebanese President Amin
Gemayel said that Syria can end the current tension in South
Lebanon. Gemayel stated that Syria "has complete control over the
Shiite Hizbullah organization." He noted that Damascus'
international airport is the only way weapons, equipment and
Iranian fighters can be transferred to the Hizbullah movement. In
his first ever interview to an Israeli newspaper, Gemayel sharply
attacked Syria and its role in Lebanon, saying, "What's happening
in South Lebanon today is a proof of the collapse of the 'Syrian
peace.'" He added, "Instead of Syria bringing peace to Lebanon, as
it promised in the Taif agreement, it caused Lebanon to sink into
a new war..."
 
 
French News Agency Reports on Syrian and Hizbullah Anti-Aircraft
Fire on Israeli Planes in Lebanon
 
Today's MA'ARIV quotes a French News Agency report stating that
Syrian anti-aircraft missile batteries and batteries belonging to
the Hizbullah organization yesterday fired at Israeli Air Force
planes. The IAF planes were flying over Ba'al-Bek, a Hizbullah
stronghold in the Lebanese Bak'a. The newspaper also reports that
Israel Defense Forces artillery, as well as South Lebanese Army
artillery, yesterday shelled the Hizbullah in Shiite towns north of
the Security Zone. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati
arrived in Damascus yesterday for urgent discussions on the
situation in South Lebanon.
 
 
Abdelshafi blames Lack of Palestinian Leadership for Murders of
Suspected collaborators, often killed without proof of allegations
 
Today's DAVAR reports that Dr. Heidar Abdelshafi, Senior
Palestinian Negotiator in the peace talks, said in an interview in
the El-Quds newspaper that there is a crisis in the Palestinian
national movement. In the interview, Abdelshafi criticized
Palestinian conduct during their uprising in the Territories,
claiming that the absence of leadership has allowed attacks on
property and an increase in the number of murders of those
suspected, often without proof, of collaborating with Israel. 
 
 
Baker Meets with Leaders of Jewish Organizations
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that U.S. Secretary of State
James Baker met last night in Washington  with leaders of Jewish
organizations. According to the broadcast, the meeting was aimed at
consolidating support among the Jewish leaders for President George
Bush. KOL YISRAEL states that the meeting dealt with internal U.S.
affairs as well as the peace process. Baker repeated President
Bush's promise that following the elections in Israel, an attempt
will be made to renew discussions on the issue of immigrant
absorption loan guarantees.
 
 
Turkey Improves Security Against Terrorism in Order to Promote
Tourism from Israel
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Turkey recently improved its security
arrangements related to Israeli tourists and offices around the
country, following a visit of senior officials of the Israeli
security establishment. Turkish officials told a delegation of
Israeli reporters that Israel expressed satisfaction over these
improvements. The reporters were invited to Turkey by its national
airline in order to examine Turkish efforts to confront threats of
terrorism against Israelis. The invitation came following a
statement made by Israel's Prime Minister's Adviser on Terrorism,
Yigal Carmon, who said Turkey was one of three countries Israelis
would have to think about twice before visiting, due to problems
with terrorism. The two other countries are Egypt and Greece.
According to the newspaper, sources in Turkey are protesting
against this statement, saying it caused severe damage to tourism.
 
 
Attorney in Demjanjuk's Appeal Claims US and Soviets Concealed
Evidence Proving His Client's Innocence
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that the attorney for John "Ivan
the Terrible" Demjanjuk concluded his arguments today in the appeal
of Demjanjuk's conviction. The attorney, Yoram Sheftel, claimed
that the United States and the Soviet Union concealed evidence
proving that his client is not "Ivan the Terrible". The prosecution
is scheduled to start its arguments tomorrow.
 
 
                     Elections 1992
 
Preview on the Opening of the TV Campaign of Likud and Labor
Tonight
 
Today's HADASHOT previewed the two major parties' elections
television campaign scheduled to begin tonight. Prime Minister
Yitzhak Shamir will be seen in one of the 4 commercials for the
Likud Party to be broadcast today. Sources in the Likud said they
will be solemn, showing Jerusalem's Old City and dealing with
political issues, the peace process, some social issues and
immigration. The Labor Party last night finished editing its
opening commercial for the television campaign. According to the
newspaper, Labor considers its first commercial its most important, 
assuming it will get maximum exposure. It will be a 5 minute
broadcast focusing on Yitzhak Rabin, presenting him as Israel's
next leader. It will focus on key  points in Rabin's career,
emphasizing his military background.
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar.

            Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                Wednesday, June 3, 1992
 
 
Lebanese Government Asks Iran's Foreign Minister to Restrain
Hizbullah Activity in South Lebanon
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Lebanon asked Iran yesterday to 
restrain Hizbullah activity in South Lebanon, preventing further
deteriorating of the situation there. Official Lebanese spokesmen
said that the request of the Lebanese Government was communicated
to visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati at a
meeting yesterday in Beirut. Velayati, the first Iranian Foreign
Minister to visit Lebanon in over a decade, made no commitments
regarding this issue. He was quoted as saying, "The Lebanese people
must live with dignity on their land and defend it."
 
 
U.S. Requests Syria to Calm Atmosphere in South Lebanon
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that the U.S. has relayed an
unequivocal message to Syria, asking it to act to calm the
atmosphere in Lebanon. This was relayed yesterday to Israel's
Ambassador in Washington Zalman Shoval by U.S. UnderSecretary of
State for Political Affairs Arnold Kanter. According to the
newspaper, Kanter told Shoval that the U.S. left no doubts about
its expectations from the Syrians in this matter.
 
 
Arens Orders Week-long Closing of Al-Najah University Following
Disturbances and Incitement to Violence on Campus
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Defense Minister Moshe Arens approved 
the recommendation of defense officials yesterday to close Al-Najah
University in Nablus for a period of one week, starting today. An
Israel Defense Forces spokesman announced that the decision to
close the university follows numerous accounts of disturbances and
incitement to violence which have occurred on the premises of the
campus, and after the university's administration had been issued
repeated warnings on the matters. The announcement also notes that
the university was reopened in October 1991, after the university's
administration and the defense establishment agreed that the
university would serve only as a center for academic studies, and
not as a center for violence and disorder. The newspaper adds that
Palestinian sources in Nablus said last night that in recent weeks,
several gatherings of groups identified with the Fatah, the Hamas,
the Popular front for the Liberation of Palestine and the
Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine were held on
campus. The Palestinian sources stated that the gatherings were
part of the elections campaign for the Student Council.
 
 
Committee Removes Commanders of Select IDF Unit where 2 Soldiers
Died of Dehydration
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today that 2 commanders from the
unit of the 2 soldiers who died of dehydration while on a
navigation exercise in the Negev desert have been removed from
their positions. The committee investigating the circumstances
surrounding the accident have determined that the commanders were
mistaken in their judgement and failed to halt the exercise in
consideration of the extreme heat and weather conditions. Yesterday
it was reported that the commander of the select unit resigned his
command even though he was not found personally responsible for the
tragedy. Kol Yisrael notes that in the last two and a half years,
over 20 soldiers have died in training accidents. Over 50 officers
have been removed from office as a result of these accidents, some
of them high-ranking, due to negligence and not following
regulations.
 
 
Israel Attends Earth Summit in Brazil
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports on the Earth Summit taking place in
Brazil. This is the largest such conference ever held. Over 160
nation have sent representatives, including over 100 heads of
state. These include U.S. President George Bush and the Prime
Ministers of France, Germany, Britain as well as the Kings of
Sweden and Jordan. Israel will be represented by a delegation
including top officials from the Ministry of the Environment and
diplomats from the Foreign Ministry. The delegation will be headed
by Dr. Uri Marinov, Director General of Israel's Ministry of the
Environment. According to the newspaper, Prime Minister Yitzhak
Shamir who currently holds the portfolio of Minister of
Environment, sent a message to the U.N. Secretary General stating
that he would be unable to attend the Summit due to the current
election campaign in Israel.
 
 
DAVAR: Communications Minister Refael Pinhasi instructed the
Director General of the Bezek telephone company to activate direct-
call service to Syria, Iraq and Libya, beginning of today. The
charge for such calls per minute will be 6.31 New Shekels
(approximately 2.70 Dollars). These countries were added to the
list of 11 other Arab countries with which Israel has already set
up direct-dial telephone links on December 17 using a system that
routes calls via satellite.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
Central Elections Committee Bars Kahane Chai List from Running in
Upcoming Elections
 
Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, reports today that the
Central Elections Committee today decided to bar the Kahane Chai
list from running in the upcoming elections. [i.e. The request to
invalidate Kahane Chai was made on claims that the list's platform
incites racism and rejects the State's democratic character.] The
Committee also disqualified 3 other lists due to technical reasons.
Among the lists disqualified from running in the next elections are
Medinat Hayehudim and Malchut Yisrael.
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar, Revital Lubinsky
and Robert Socolof.

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                  Thursday, June 4, 1992
 
 
Terrorists Attack SLA Post in Security Zone; IAF Hit PFLP-GC
Headquarters
 
Today's DAVAR reports on yesterday's terrorist attack on a South
Lebanese Army post in the Security Zone in South Lebanon. Security
sources said that this is the first such attack in a week.
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Israel Air Force planes
this afternoon attacked terrorist targets in South Lebanon. One of
the targets served as a headquarters for Ahmed Jibril's Popular
Front for the Liberation of Palestine - General Command (PFLP-GC)
organization. The targets were hit and all planes returned safely
to base. KOL YISRAEL also quotes reports by radio stations in
Lebanon stating that IDF and SLA artillery continues to shell
terrorist targets north of the Security Zone.
 
 
Mubarak and Assad Discuss Situation in Lebanon in Damascus Meeting
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that Egyptian President Husni Mubarak
met in Damascus with Syrian President Hafez Assad to discuss a
series of issues, foremost of which was the situation in Lebanon.
The newspaper quotes sources who said that Mubarak demanded that
Assad maintain the obligations taken on by Syria in the Taif
agreements, meaning, to disarm the Hizbullah. He also demanded that
Syria calm the situation in South Lebanon. AL HAMISHMAR states the
Syrian position is that the Taif agreements will be implemented
only after Israel announces its withdrawal from South Lebanon, with
Mubarak claiming that there is no connection between the two
issues. Egypt is also worried by the ties between Syria and Iran,
with the latter trying to undermine the government in Egypt using
influence from neighboring Sudan. Another topic for discussion
between the two Presidents was the deterioration of the Damascus
declaration regarding a defense agreement between Egypt, Syria and
the Gulf states. This, after the Gulf states decided to involve
themselves with defense agreements with the U.S. instead of Egypt
and Syria.
 
 
Israeli Human Rights Organization Reports on Activity of Special
Units in Territories; IDF Spokesman Rejects Accusations
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports on the conclusions of Israeli human right
organization B'Tselem regarding the activity of IDF special units
in the Territories, as published yesterday by that organization.
According to B'Tselem's report, even if there isn't a declared
policy of killing wanted people in the Territories, an atmosphere
justifying fatal fire by the special units prevails, even in
situations that are not within the scope of self-defense. B'Tselem
claims that the message to the soldiers is that although killing
those wanted is not an end in itself, it is not wrong. The
newspaper quotes the IDF spokesman response which was published
immediately following the release of the report.  The IDF Spokesman
response says the report ignores the prevailing situation in the 
area,  in  which  armed, hard-core terrorists, who do not adhere to
any code of law, have engaged  in terrorist attacks which are
characterized by acts of individual violence. They have been
attacking Israeli  civilians, IDF troops and the local  Arab
population. This situation places IDF soldiers in daily
life-threatening situations, which require them to make
split-second decisions. The guiding principle behind the IDF's
activities against these hostile elements, says the IDF Spokesman,
is to deal with them on an individual basis by apprehending them,
and refraining from harming the public at large. The report claims
that the IDF increased  its  operations  against  these hostile
elements. Such operations resulted in the apprehension of over 750
wanted terrorists, who were definitely involved in violent attacks
against Jews and Arabs alike. In the course of these arrests, 18
local Arabs were killed. The IDF, says the Spokesman, categorically
rejects B'Tselem's accusations, which present a one-sided,
distorted picture that differs completely  from  reality. There has
never been, nor will there ever be an IDF policy of intentional
killing of wanted fugitives. Orders  governing  fire  allow 
soldiers  to  open fire in two specific situations:
A. When a soldier finds himself in a life-threatening  situation, 
in which case he shoots to hit in order to remove the threat.
B. While carrying out the procedure for apprehending  a  suspect, 
in  which case the fire is intended to stop the suspect, not to
kill him.
 
 
Prosecutor in Demjanjuk's Appeal: the Defense May Possibly Have
Succeeded in Evoking Slight Doubt Regarding Identity of "Ivan the
Terrible"
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that in the appeal of John
Demjanjuk in Israel's Supreme Court, prosecutor Michael Shaked
acknowledged that the defense may possibly have succeeded in
evoking a slight doubt regarding the identity of "Ivan the
Terrible," based on the testimonies of guards at the death camps.
Nevertheless, the prosecution says that it continues to back the
testimonies of the survivors who identified Demjanjuk as "Ivan the
Terrible" from Treblinka.
 
 
MA'ARIV: Vienna's Police yesterday stopped a small shipment of
Uranium being smuggled from one of the states of the Confederation
of Independent States (former Soviet Union), and apparently offered
to an Arab client. The shipment contained 261 Uranium balls of  
sufficient quality to serve in the production of a nuclear bomb.
Sources in Vienna's Police said the smugglers intended the material
to be sold to the Arab countries.
 
 
                       Elections 1992
 
Parts of Moledet Party's TV Commercials Banned by Chairman of
Central Elections Committee
 
Today's HADASHOT reports that Chairman of the Central Elections
Committee, Judge Avraham Chalima,  was compelled yesterday to ban
parts of the Moledet Party's television commercials. The
commercials were said to incite racism. The Moledet chose to show
none of their commercials yesterday, rather than changing the
material. The newspaper reports that Judge Chalima will meet today
with Moledet leader, Rehavam Zeevy, in order to discuss the problem
regarding the commercials.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.



Status: RO

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                  Friday, June 5, 1992
 
 
Confinement of Gaza Strip To Be Partially Removed Monday
 
Israel Defense Forces Radio, GALEI ZAHAL, reports today that the
confinement of the Gaza Strip will be partially lifted as of
Monday. The Gaza Strip was sealed to prevent local residents from
crossing the Green Line following the murders of Helena Rap and
Rabbi Shimon Biran. The security authorities decided to allow
workers 28 or older to enter Israel for work purposes, if they 
work in places with 10 or more employees. Their employers are
responsible for them while at work as well as for transporting them
in and out of the Gaza Strip.
 
 
Border Policeman Stabbed in the Neck While Patrolling Bethlehem
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that Shimon Ochayun, a Border
Policeman, was stabbed in the neck by a Palestinian yesterday
morning in Manger Square in Bethlehem. Ochayun is said to be in
moderate condition. The commander of the Border Police patrol, who
heard Ochayun screaming for help, opened fire, killing the
assailant. The newspaper reports that the Palestinian, later
identified as Jaud Abd El-Fatah Jabri, attacked Ochayun from behind
after emerging from a group of tourists.
 
 
IAF This Morning Attacked PFLP-GC Command Post
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Israel Air Force planes
this morning attacked a command post of Ahmed Jibril's terrorist
organization (PFLP-GC). Radio Beirut stated that 6 terrorists were
injured in the attack. KOL YISRAEL also quotes sources at UNIFIL
headquarters who said that Israeli Navy ships were shot at from the
Rashidia refugee camp near Tyre. According to the reports, the fire
consisted of shoulder-launched missiles and machine-guns.  None of
the ships were hit.
 
 
Egyptian Sources: Mubarak Warns Shamir from Escalation of Situation
in South Lebanon
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Egyptian President warned Prime
Minister Yitzhak Shamir about the outbreak of a new war in the
region, should Israel continue its attacks in South Lebanon.
According to political sources in Cairo, this message was sent
yesterday by Mubarak in an urgent letter to Shamir. In the letter,
Mubarak says that the continuation of the IAF attacks in South
Lebanon may cause Syria and Lebanon to boycott the regional peace
process, and even worse -- may bring about the danger of a new
Israeli-Syrian war. The newspaper reports that the office of Prime
Minister Yitzhak Shamir stated that until now, no letter from
President Mubarak has been received.
 
 
3,200 Moslem Pilgrims from Israel in Saudi Arabia; Efforts to
Influence Saudis to Allow more Pilgrims to Come
 
Today's DAVAR reports that 3,200 Moslem pilgrims from Israel are
currently visiting holy sites in the cities of Medina and Mecca in
Saudi Arabia. Haj Hussein Abu-Alu, Chairman of the Moslem Pilgrims
Association in Israel, said that he is trying to meet with senior
officials from the Saudi Government to ask them to allow more
Moslem pilgrims from Israel to come. Two years ago, the Saudis
restricted the number of pilgrims permitted to come from Israel
every year to a specific quota.
 
 
State Attorney Claims in Supreme Court Hearing that the Kach
Movement Maintains Racist Views of Its Founder
 
KOL YISRAEL reports on the Supreme Court hearing this afternoon
regarding the Kach movement's appeal of the Central Elections
Committee decision to disqualify the list from running in the
upcoming elections. State Attorney Dorit Beinish rejected Kach's
claim that the movement has changed. She said it's only a tactical
change aimed at bringing Kach's racist doctrine into the Knesset.
Beinish claimed that Kach continues to espouse the views of its
founder, Rabbi Meir Kahane, and that the dispute between the Kach
movement and the Kahane Chai movement is who better represents this
racist doctrine.
 
 
Polls: Two Blocks will Have Roughly Equal Number of Seats
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT publishes 3 polls conducted at the request
of the newspaper by three different companies. The polls point to
one likely election result: the two blocks, Labor, Meretz and the
Arab lists on one side with the Likud and the right wing parties on
the other side, seem likely to receive roughly the same number of
votes.
 
Poll:                         Dahaf             Teleseker              Geokratographia
 
Labor                         42                43                     41
Likud                         34                33-34                  33
Meretz                        11                11-12                  11-12
Tehiya                        4                 3                      4
Moledet                       4                 4                      3
Tzomet                        5                 4                      4-5
Mafdal (NRP)                  5                 5                      5-6
Yahadut Hatorah               5                 5                      6
Shas                          5                 4-5                    4
Rakah                         { \               3                      { \
Arab Democratic               {  5              3                      {  7
Democratic Front              { /               0                      { /
Modai's List                  0                 0                      0
New Immigrants                0                 0                      0
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

Status: RO

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                  Tuesday, June 9, 1992
 
 
Head of IDF Intelligence on Potential Iranian Nuclear Capability
 
Today's HA'ARETZ quotes the Israel Defense Forces Head of
Intelligence, Major General Uri Sagi, who said yesterday, "At the
end of this decade, Iran will be able to attain nuclear capability,
and if this process is not interfered with, we'll witness a
substantial increase in its powers. This possibility may endanger
the essence of our existence -- if the process is not slowed down."
Major General Sagi was speaking at a press conference marking 
Intelligence Corps Day. According to Sagi, Iran strives not just to
fill the void created in the Persian Gulf after the defeat of Iraq,
but also to become an influential power, worldwide. Teheran is
investing enormous amounts of money and manpower to reach this
goal. It acquires weapons from whomever it can, and is developing
as well as purchasing a non-conventional arsenal, including long-
range missiles capable of carrying chemical warheads. The Major
General said that Teheran is conducting a nuclear development
project of such magnitude, that if and when it materializes, it can
cause existential danger to Israel's security.
 
 
Abu-Nidal's Organization Takes Responsibility to Murder of Bseiso
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports this afternoon that Abu-Nidal's
organization took the responsibility for the murder of the Deputy
Security Commissioner of the Palestine Liberation Organization,
Atef Bseiso. An announcement relayed to the news agencies in Beirut
stated that Bseiso was a traitor who put himself at the service of
Western intelligence agencies. KOL YISRAEL quotes Radio France
which stated that it appears that Bseiso indeed transferred
information about Abu-Nidal to the French security services.
 
 
Terrorists Who Attacked Eilat's Beach Belonged to Yasser Arafat's
Fatah Organization
 
ISRAEL TELEVISION's Arabic news last night carried an interview
with a member of the terrorist squad which attacked the beach at
Eilat last Saturday. The terrorist, Muyaad Nasser, is originally
from the village of Burka, near Nablus in the Territories. Nasser,
who identified himself as a member of Yasser Arafat's FATAH faction
of the PLO, said that he and three other terrorists were trained in
Libya in the use of various weapons and acquired different water
skills, such as swimming, sailing, etc.  Nasser stated that his
terrorist squad had set out on their mission traveling to Jordan
via Egypt, using phony Syrian passports. Nasser said that the
Jordanian authorities were unaware of his squad's activities thanks
to the falsified passports they used. Nasser told the interviewer
that his instructions were that if he was captured, he should
identify himself as a member of the Islamic Jihad, and not the
FATAH. 
 
 
Israeli Delegation will Leave for Zambia to See how Israel Can be
of Assistance
 
Israel Radio reports today that Israel will send a survey mission
to Zambia to determine how Israel can assist Zambia. This was the
conclusion of a meeting this afternoon in the Foreign Ministry in
Jerusalem between Israel's Foreign Minister David Levy and a
Zambian delegation of ministers and senior officials. Zambia's
Justice Minister, who heads the delegation, noted that among the
fields in which his country needs assistance are water resource
development, agriculture and manpower training.
 
 
                    Elections 1992
 
Supreme Court Rejects Appeals of Kach and Kahane Chai Lists
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that Israel's Supreme Court
rejected appeals today by the Kach and Kahane Chai lists on the
decision of the Central Elections Committee to disqualify them from
running in the next general elections for the Knesset. The five-
judge panel agreed that the platform of the two movements and their
behavior contradicts the law dealing with incitement to racism.
 
 
Likud-Labor Meeting to Coordinate Shamir-Rabin Television Debate
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that heads of the public affairs
headquarters of the Likud and Labor parties, Ronnie Milo and
Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, will meet today to try and coordinate the
details of a television debate between the parties' candidates for
premiership, Yitzhak Shamir and Yitzhak Rabin. The debate is
scheduled to be aired on television in less than two weeks, two
days before the elections. According to the newspaper, among the
details to be discussed are who would be the moderator of the
debate (apparently TV figure Nissim Mish'al), the length of the
debate, distribution of questions and other technical details.
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                 Wednesday, June 10, 1992
 
 
Shamir Doubts Whether Sealing Gaza Strip is Worthwhile
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir
yesterday doubted whether continuing sealing off the Gaza Strip is
worthwhile. Israel took the action following terrorist attacks
carried out by Palestinian residents from this area. Shamir,
appearing before the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense
Committee, said he believes that such a measure is not desirable,
when it's used as a sole means to fight terrorism. It cannot serve
as a total solution. Shamir told the Committee that there is no
such thing as a total solution when talking about a crazy
terrorist. According to the Prime Minister, a lunatic can always
break out, such as the murderer who killed 15 year-old Helena Rap
in Bat-Yam two weeks ago.
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports on the further instructions to
relax the sealing off of the Gaza Strip published today. All
workers over 25 years old will be able to leave for work in Israel.
A previous restriction stating that only workers in places which
employ more than 10 workers will be allowed to leave for work in
Israel was lifted.
 
 
Israel Rejects Demand of Palestinians to Carry General Elections in
October
 
Today's HADASHOT quotes Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir who said that
the demand of Palestinians to conduct general elections in the
Territories this October will not be answered. Shamir was speaking
before the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. The
Prime Minister called the demand fanciful. Nevertheless, Shamir
noted that, "we agree to carry on negotiations on the [issue of]
elections." The newspaper also quotes Director General of the
Foreign Ministry Yosef Hadass who called the Palestinian demand 
nonsense. He emphasized that according to this demand, the
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) would be the one to manage
the elections, under the supervision of the U.S. and Russia.
Israel, he said, rejects this demand. Hadass also noted that the
Israeli delegation to the peace talks proposed conducting municipal
elections in the Territories.
 
 
U.S. Ambassador to Israel on Israeli Policy of Settlements
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR quotes U.S. Ambassador to Israel, William
Harrop, who said that the Israeli settlement policy damages the
peace process and makes it difficult to reach an agreement between
Israel and its neighbors. Harrop was speaking before the Israel-
America Chamber of Commerce in Tel Aviv. In response to a question,
Harrop confirmed that Secretary of State James Baker promised to
reconsider the issue of immigrant absorption loan guarantees
following the elections in Israel. The newspaper notes that the
Ambassador's words could be understood to mean that if Israel's
policy of settlement does not change, the U.S. would not change its
policy regarding the guarantees.
 
 
Shamir and Rabin in Assembly Marking 25 Years Since Liberation of
Golan Heights
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that an assembly will gather
today on the Golan Heights to mark 25 years of liberation. Among
the participants are Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir and Labor
Chairman Yitzhak Rabin, who was the Israel Defense Forces Chief of
Staff during the Six Day War. Community leaders from the Golan
Heights asked residents and political parties to refrain from any
campaigning during the assembly.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
Concern in Political Parties Over Public Apathy in Regard to
Upcoming Elections
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that different political parties in
Israel are said to be embarrassed over public apathy toward the
election campaigns. The newspaper states that in the headquarters
of the major parties there is concern that the apathy will lead to
a low voter turnout in the upcoming elections. The apathy of the
public is reflected in the small number of participants at campaign
gatherings and the low rate of those watching the parties'
television commercials.
 
 
First Absentee-Ballot for Israeli Officials Abroad in Vote for
Knesset
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that 3,222 Israelis who are in official
missions abroad will vote tomorrow for the 13th Knesset. It will be
the first time that Israeli representatives abroad and their
families will be voting, along with Israelis who were sent abroad
by the Jewish Agency, the Jewish National Fund and several other
institutions. The newspaper reports that the largest number of
people will vote in the ballot at the Israeli Consulate in New
York, where 377 people have the right to vote.
 
 
Kach Leader Promises to Bring Down Likud Party for "Cooperating
with Meretz and Hadash in Disqualifying the Kach Movement"
 
Today's DAVAR quotes Kach leader Baruch Barzel who said, "We intend
to destroy the Likud and bring it down from the government for its
cooperation with Meretz and Hadash in disqualifying the Kach
Movement." Barzel was speaking following the Supreme Court decision
which rejected Kach's appeal against the Central Elections
Committee decision disqualifying it from running in the next
election. The newspaper also reports that several Kach activists
went yesterday to the Likud party offices in the center of
Jerusalem where they attacked a Likud activists. They also damaged
the door and threw objects through the window. Police who arrived
on the scene arrested one of the Kach activists for questioning.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar, Robert Socolof
and Randy Hayman.


Status: RO

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Thursday, June 11, 1992
 
 
Syrian Official Talks About Interim Arrangements in the Golan
Heights
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that Syria is willing to negotiate
the issues of mutual demilitarization and the stationing of
international supervision in the Golan Heights, if Israel agrees,
in principle, to withdraw from this area. This statement was made
last week in a special interview with a Syrian official who is
involved in the peace talks. The official, who serves as a security
expert in the Syrian negotiation team said, "We've agreed with
Israel on the need for mutual security." According to the
newspaper, although the official was speaking on condition of
anonymity, it seems that his statements during the interview, which
was official and conducted at the Syrian Information Office,
reflect something new in the Syrian stand. Until now, the Syrians
have held that Israel must first withdraw from the Golan Heights,
before negotiations on the substance of the arrangements can be
conducted. Now, the Syrians are talking about a willingness for
interim arrangements. The official said that such measures might
include, for instance, a 10 Km (6.25 miles) withdrawal of the
Syrian forces and a similar withdrawal of Israeli forces, and
perhaps the use of U.N. units to be deployed between them. "When
Israel is committed to withdrawal," he said, "we'll discuss all
issues needed for an agreement." The officials claimed that  Syrian
public opinion won't agree to anything less than full withdrawal.
The Syrian Government won't be able to force its citizens to agree
to full normalization on the basis of less than complete
withdrawal, he emphasized. "How would Israeli tourists come to the
market in Damascus and feel safe if the residents of Syria don't
feel that the territory which was taken from them has been
returned? Can we supply a policeman to every Israeli tourist?" The
newspaper notes that these last words can be understood to indicate
a Syrian willingness for full normalization in its relations with
Israel.
 
 
IAF Planes Attack Hizbullah Targets in South Lebanon
 
Today's DAVAR reports that Israel Air Force planes yesterday
attacked terrorist strongholds in the area of Jabel Safi in South
Lebanon. The attack came following clashes between the South
Lebanese Army and terrorists in the Security Zone. The newspaper
reports that one of the targets attacked yesterday was used as the
regional headquarters of the Hizbullah organization. An IDF
Spokesman said that the targets were hit and all planes returned
safely to base. The newspaper notes that this IAF attack is the
ninth since the beginning of May, and 13th since the beginning of
this year.
 
 
Chinese and Mongolian Ambassadors Submit Credentials to Israel's
President
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL reports that for the first time, the
ambassadors from China and Mongolia have submitted their
credentials to Israel's President this morning. The Chinese
Ambassador was formerly the Ambassador to Yemen, with Mongolia
sending its former Ambassador to Rumania. The radio adds that the
Yugoslavian Ambassador was also scheduled to submit his credentials
today, but was asked to postpone the ceremony due to the sanctions
imposed by the U.N. on Yugoslavia.
 
 
Bank of Israel Completes Liberalization of Foreign Currency in
Israel
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today that the Bank of Israel
has completed its liberalization of foreign currency. Starting at
the beginning of next month, all Israeli residents will be able to
hold foreign currency accounts. The money in these accounts can
come from income earned abroad or money left after a trip abroad.
Withdrawal from such an account will be allowed for the purposes of
transferring money abroad for approved deals, as well as for
expenses of trips outside of Israel. The money will be also
available for withdrawal as New Israeli Shekels. The Bank of Israel
also broadened the ability of Israelis to purchase securities in
foreign exchanges and invest in futures of foreign currency.
 
 
74 Jewish Children and Youths to Arrive Tonight in Israel from
Yugoslavia
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that 74 Jewish children and youths will fly
to Israel tonight from Yugoslavia in a special evacuation
operation. Many of those arriving were extricated from Sarajevo,
the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, now under endless bombardment
from Serbian forces. The youngsters will arrive in Israel at three
in the morning, on a Maleb Airlines flight from Budapest. From Ben
Gurion Airport they will be transferred to Youth Aliyah
institutions in Nahalat Yehuda and other places. According to the
newspaper, an atmosphere of fear and panic reigns among Belgrade
Jews and the remaining Jewish community in Sarajevo due to the
worsening of the battles and the international embargo on Serbia. 
The children and youth will come alone, without their parents,
though 10 adult immigrants will also be on the plane. MA'ARIV notes
that another group of 20 young people arrived in Israel from
Yugoslavia over a month ago.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.


Status: RO

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Friday, June 12, 1992
 
 
Israel Refuses U.S. Investigation of Rami Dotan; Proposes Handing
Written Questions
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Israel will not allow the U.S. to
investigate former Israel Air Force Brigadier General Rami Dotan. 
Dotan is currently serving 13 years in jail for accepting bribes
from private civilian production companies for preferential
consideration in IAF acquisition plans.  The government fears that
Dotan might reveal top secret information out of feelings of
bitterness and revenge. Another argument cited for the refusal is
that the attempt to investigate Israeli civil servants would be a
blow against Israel's sovereignty.  An official announcement on the
Israeli position was delivered in writing to the Department of
Defense in Washington yesterday by head of Israel's Defense mission
in the United States, Attorney Moshe Kohanovsky. The letter
includes a legal interpretation by Israel's Attorney General and
the legal advisor of the security establishment which proposes that
any interview of a civil servant be conducted in writing, via
written questions.
 
 
Gorbachev: I'm Coming to Israel to Express Respect and Sympathy to
the People and the State
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT quotes former Soviet President Mikhail
Gorbachev who said,"I'm coming to Israel in order to publicly
express my respect and sympathy to the people and the state, and in
order to state my credo in regard to the peace in the Middle East,
which is close to my heart." Gorbachev was speaking in a special
interview to YEDIOT AHRONOT's reporter in Moscow. Gorbachev will
arrive in Israel on Sunday as the guest of Israel's President Chaim
Herzog. Gorbachev will also meet with Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir
and Labor Chairman Yitzhak Rabin.
 
 
Two Terrorists Killed in Clash with IDF Soldiers in Security Zone
 
Israel Radio reports this afternoon that two terrorists were killed
early this morning in a clash with Israel Defense Forces soldiers
in the western sector of the Security Zone in South Lebanon. Two
IDF soldiers suffered very light injuries. The terrorists had
shoulder rocket launchers, rifles and communication equipment.
Sources in the IDF Northern Command believe that the terrorists
wanted to attack either in the Security Zone or cross Israel's
northern border. The terrorists were identified as belonging to the
Hizbullah.
 
 
Two Palestinians Murdered by Terrorists as a "Present" to
Journalist Criticizing Murders in Territories
 
KOL YISRAEL reports that two Palestinians were murdered in the
Rimel neighborhood of the city of Gaza yesterday by terrorists
belonging to the Hamas organization. Four terrorists drove into the
neighborhood with two handcuffed victims and shot them in front of
passersby. The murder was committed near the house of journalist
Taufic Abu-Husa, who on recent occasions has spoken against the
murders in the Territories. The terrorists knocked on his door and
told his family that the murder of the two victims was done as a
"present" to Husa from the people of the squad.
 
 
Responses to Rabbi Shach's Statements on Sepharadic Jews
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today on responses to Rabbi
Eliezer Shach's statements yesterday that Jews who came to Israel
from Arab countries have not yet reached that level which would
allow them to take over control of the state leadership or the
religious leadership. The radio quotes members of the Sepharadic
Rabbinical organization headed by the Baba Baruch who said that
this was not a slip of the tongue, but rather, brought into the
open things which Rabbi Shach always had in his heart. They said
Rabbi Shach relates to Sepharadic Jews and their customs with
contempt. Rabbi Baruch Abu-Hatzeira said that he hopes that
Sepharadic Jews who have knocked on Rabbi Shach's door will now
open their eyes. The radio also quotes Knesset Member Yossi Sarid
who said that Rabbi Shach is one of the biggest inciters and
dividers the people of Israel ever had. He added that he hopes that
the Sepharadic Jews now will understand the pain of people from the
Kibbutz movement who were portrayed recently by Rabbi Shach as
Israel's disturbers.
 
Elections 1992
 
Polls: Two Blocks will Have Roughly Equal Number of Seats
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT publishes 3 polls conducted at the request
of the  newspaper by three different companies. The polls confirms
last week's results which show that as Israel approaches election
day, the picture of a stalemate between the two blocks is becoming
clearer and clearer. The 2 blocks consist of Labor, Meretz and the
Arab lists on one side with the Likud and the right wing parties on
the other side. The newspaper notes that Meretz is getting stronger
in the left-wing block, while Tzomet and Moledet are strengthening
in the right.
Poll:                    Dahaf        Teleseker         Geokratographia
 
Labor                    41                 43                       40
Likud                    34                 33                       32
Meretz                   12                 12                       13
Tehiya                   3                  3                        3
Moledet                  5                  4                        4
Tzomet                   5                  4-5                      5
Mafdal (NRP)             5                  5                        6
Yahadut Hatorah          6                  5-6                      6
Shas                     4                  4                        4
Hadash (Rakah)           { \                4                        { \
Arab Democratic Party    {  5               2                        {  7
Progressive List         { /                0                        { /
Modai's List             0                  0-1                      0
 
(The three polls were conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Dahaf
poll consisted of 617 people, with the Teleseker poll consisting of
500 people and the Geokratographia poll of 1,000 people. All three
polls sampled the adult Jewish population.)
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                   Monday, June 15, 1992
 
 
IAF Chief: We Must Stop the Spread of Nuclear Arms
 
Today's JERUSALEM POST quotes Officer in Command of the Air Force,
Major General Herzl Budinger, who said yesterday, "We must create
the greatest disruption, whether military of political, in order to
prevent the introduction of nuclear weaponry into the region."
Speaking to military reporters, Budinger said this is not only
Israel's concern. "This is also the world's need," he said," For
the use of such weapons [here] may even bring about a world war."
Asked later on Israel Television what he meant by the term
"disruption", Budinger said, "I am talking about two different
kinds of disruptions, on two levels -- international political
action and aggressive action, if needed." Budinger said that if an
intensive Iranian effort to develop nuclear weapons is not
interrupted, the Islamic nation could achieve nuclear capability by
the end of the decade. On another matter, Budinger told reporters
that Israel is doing everything possible to avoid friction with
Syria. He said that for some years, Israel and Syria have
maintained a tacit agreement allowing Israeli warplanes to fly over
Lebanon without Syrian response. "They [the Syrians] know very well
that we have no hostile intentions against them, and implicitly
agreed to these rules of the game," said Budinger.
 
 
U.S. Warns Saudi Arabia to Stop Undermining Position of Jordan and
the Palestinian Delegation in the Territories
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR  reports that the U.S. warned Saudi Arabia via
diplomatic channels to stop undermining Jordan in the Territories,
as well as undermining efforts by the Palestinian delegation to
stop the phenomena of murdering alleged collaborators. This
information was relayed by Western diplomatic sources in Israel.
According to the sources, a U.S. investigation concluded that the
Hamas terror groups, which intentionally frustrate the efforts to
stop the murders of those people suspected of collaboration,
receive aid from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The Americans suspect
that the Saudis and Kuwaitis want to prevent the Palestinian
delegation from securing its position in the Territories, because
the delegation rejected the Saudi request that they rebel against
the P.L.O.
 
 
Security Forces Apprehend Fatah Terror Group Suspected of Killing
at Least 12 People
 
Today's JERUSALEM POST reports that Israeli security forces have
apprehended a Fatah terror group operating in the central Gaza
Strip suspected of killing at least 12 people. The Israel Defense
Forces announced yesterday that the Fatah group was apprehended
recently following the May 4th arrest of three Dier el-Balah
refugee camp residents, who were in possession of two Karl-Gustav
rifles and a Galil semi-automatic. The group is suspected of
ordering an alleged collaborator -- Nail Mahmoud Abu Abid -- to
kill a Jew to prove his innocence. On his mission, Abu Abid stabbed
to death Adnan Khalil, 42, a Haifa Arab vegetable merchant when he
was conducting a business deal in Dier el-Balah. Abu Abid reported
to the cell that he had successfully completed his mission, but
after it became clear he had killed an Arab and not a Jew, he was
murdered on April 21 by members of the cell who continued to
suspect that he was an Israeli agent.
 
 
Gorbachev: Conflict Between Israel and Its Neighbors Has no Other
Solution But Peace
 
Today's DAVAR quotes former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev who
said, "The conflict between Israel and its neighbors has no other
solution but peace, peace needed by the Arab countries as well as
Russia and the rest of the world's countries." Gorbachev was
speaking in a dinner in his honor arranged by Israel's President
Chaim Herzog. Gorbachev also said that as early as April 1989, he
told Arab leaders that he intended to renew diplomatic ties with
Israel. He revealed that he was against emigration from his
country, though he understands the motives of the emigration.
According to Gorbachev, the Jews who arrived in Israel from the
USSR have fulfilled an important role in the improvement of
relations between the two countries.
 
 
Israel to Build Sea-Water Desalinization Facility in the Gaza Strip
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that a facility for desalinization
of sea-water, the first of its kind in the region, is going to be
built in the Gaza Strip. The facility, with an estimated cost of
quarter of a billion Dollars, will serve all the settlements in the
Gaza Strip, Jewish and Arab alike, as well as settlements in
southern Israel to supply them with drinking water. The decision to
build the facility was made by Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, who
currently serves also as Agriculture Minister. Shmuel Slavin,
Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, said that Israel will
publish an offer for an international bid for the facility.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
 
Hopes in Labor Party that Favorable TV Debate between Rabin and
Shamir will Give the Party 2-3 Additional Knesset Seats
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports on great hopes in the Labor Party for the
debate scheduled for tomorrow between Labor Chairman, MK Yitzhak
Rabin, and Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir. The assessment in Labor's
headquarters is that a good showing by Rabin can give the party two
or three additional seats in the Knesset. The newspaper adds that
sources in the Likud Party claimed last night that the debate may
in fact serve Shamir. Minister Ronnie Milo from the Likud and MK
Binyamin Ben-Eliezer from the Labor met yesterday in a restaurant
in Jerusalem with television figure Nissim Mish'al, who will anchor
the debate, to decide on technical matters. The debate will be
filmed tomorrow morning and will air at 8:30 PM (Israel time).
 
 
The Information Department of the Consulate General of Israel in
New York wishes to congratulate Consul for Information Uriel Palti
and his wife Ayelet on the birth of their daughter Shira.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert Socolof.

Status: RO

                                        Jerusalem, 15 June 1992

DAILY PRESS SURVEY
(Hebrew Press)

"Ma'ariv" (p.  2) -- Analysis by Emmanuel Rosen -- Two senior
officers -- Chief of Intelligence Uri Saguy and Air force Commander
Herzel Bodinger -- have drawn a very gloomy picture in recent days,
of the future of the region in which we live: both spoke of the
insane arms race in the Middle East, the overt Iranian efforts to
attain nuclear capability, the possibility that in less than ten
years Iran, as well as Syria, will be a nuclear power.

The IDF is not preoccupied with an election campaign at the moment,
nor even by budget struggles.  These prophesies are not meant
merely to frighten.  The intelligence material is amassing, the
trend is obvious.  Syria and Iran are rushing to fill the
(temporary?) void left by Iraq, and following them is Libya whose
intentions are clear: nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons,
all backed by long range missiles whose target is: Israel.  The
goal -- altering the strategic equation in the Middle East.  The
equation by which, according to foreign reports, only one country
in the region, Israel, has unconventional arms in its warehouses.

The study in Newsweek is a collection of items, most of which have
been published, mostly correct.  As a general rule, the headline on
nuclear arms in Iran and Syria within ten years, is still only a
forecast.  However, this forecast and assessment is based on very
conspicuous facts on the ground.  The news that Syria tested a new
type of chemical bomb by dropping it from a plane is extremely
interesting.  Until now the Syrians have focussed on chemical
missiles.  They have more than a few of these.  If the item is
true, and apparently it is, then the Syrians have enlarged their
capabilities in this apocalyptic area.

Major generals Bodinger and Saguy emphasized in their remarks a
message that is difficult to miss: this madness must be stopped, it
can be stopped by political, military, and intelligence means, with
world cooperation, and it must be done now, because afterwards will
be too late.  The luxury of a single atomic plant, standing tall
and proud above ground, has expired from the world.  The Arabs have
learned the lesson of May 1981.  On June 24, this will also have to
be addressed.



REPLY TO LAWYERS COMMITTEE REPORT
=================================

Introduction
------------
A careful review of the Lawyers Committee Report entitled "Lawyers
and the Military Justice System of the Israeli-Occupied
Territories", leads us to regretfully conclude that Its aim was to
present the legal system in a negative light and thereby malign the
IDF's ongoing and effective efforts to protect the rights of
detainees and defendants alike.  The Lawyers Committee Report is
based on inaccurate and insufficient research.

The format of the IDF's response to the Lawyers Committee Report is
not intended to be interpreted as a point-by-point "retort";
rather, its purpose is to affirm the IDF's firm belief that the
legal system meets established international legal guidelines.  The
IDF rejects the comment that those officers charged with the
responsibility of preserving the rights of detainees are
complacent.  As has been made clear over the years, the IDF
welcomes and encourages such reports and firmly believes that, if
objective, they can prove to be a valuable instrument in our
constant efforts to guarantee the rights of all Judea, Samaria and
the Gaza District residents.  However, it has been our
long-standing and oft-stated belief that reports based on
unverified claims are of little practical benefit.

A careful analysis of the Lawyers Committee Report indicates four
primary concerns with the existing legal system: Family
notification and lawyer access to detainees; trial process;
harassment of lawyers; and court appeals.

Family Notification and Lawyer Access to Detainees
--------------------------------------------------
According to our statistics, over 90% of defendants in the military
justice system of the administered areas are represented by an
attorney at their first or second court appearance.  This indicates
that, in the overwhelming majority of cases, both the family and
the defense lawyer are notified of the detainee's location and
court dates.  This statistic belies your Report's implication that
most families are not promptly notified of detainees' whereabouts,
and that there are significant problems in lawyer notification
methods.

The Report criticizes the procedure of postcard notification,
contending that the postcards are not always sent and that they
take too long to arrive.  Since, in the past, postcards were not
always sent out by the detainee, the mailing procedure has now been
altered to ensure the prompt dispatch of all such postcards.
Previously, the onus was upon the detainee to mail the postcard.
Under present procedure, it is the responsibility of the
authorities to send these postcards on the day of the arrest.  Each
commander is under explicit orders to maintain an accurate record
of each postcard issued.  In addition, as is known to the Lawyers
Committee, a postcard is sent on the detainee's behalf immediately
upon his transfer to any other facility.

Furthermore, it should be noted that our experience has indicated
that, generally, the cards take only two to three days to arrive.
Delays in the mail service, when present, have often been the
result of Palestinian intifada-related activities such as the
burning of mail bags or the disruption of postal deliveries.

In addition to the postcard system, family members may locate
detainees by checking the comprehensive prisoner lists posted daily
at local Civil Administration offices.  These lists are available
to the public at all times.  Periodic checks are conducted to make
sure that the lists are up-to-date.  It should be noted that, upon
receipt of the Report, an attorney serving in the Legal Advisor's
Office reviewed the system and found it to be effective.

Finally, prison intake is structured around the detainees area of
residence, making it easier for families to locate detainees.

With respect to the issue of lawyer notification, the authorities
are dependent on the detainees provision of the name of his/her
advocate.  Once the name has been received, the defense attorney
will be notified of all scheduled court appearances.  Furthermore,
the Legal Advisors' Office In Bet-El has for years served as a
conduit for lawyers desiring to locate a detainee held in either an
IDF or a Prisons Authority facility.  Furthermore, it should be
noted that personal notice boxes for defense attorneys are
presently being installed in the courts.  This measure is designed
to further expedite the notification process.

While it is true that the authorities do have the right to prevent
the detainee from meeting with his lawyer, they do not have the
authority to withhold from the lawyer Information pertaining to the
location of the detainee.  An order preventing a lawyer from
meeting with his client must be issued in writing by the
interrogating authority effective for a period of 15 days, with the
possibility of renewal for a total of up to 30 days, inclusive.
Unfortunately, the impression made by the Report is that the
written order can be extended indefinitely, whereas just the
opposite is true.  With respect to defense lawyers' complaints that
even upon request they are not provided with copies of such orders,
it must be stated that the responsible authorities have been
ordered unequivocally to present such orders upon request.  It is
noteworthy that the Legal Advisors' Offices In Judea, Samaria and
the Gaza District have received few complaints from attorneys
regarding failure to present the order, and each complaint is
immediately investigated and handled by  the  area  Legal
Advisors.  Furthermore, upon receipt of the Lawyers Committee
Report draft a check was made with prison commanders, who indicated
that if an order is not presented, the lawyer has the right to meet
with the client.

With respect to lawyers' visits to detention centers, the IDF Is
firm in its belief that such visits are of utmost importance.  New
facilities were recently erected at Fa'ra and Daharia prisons in
order to enable an even greater number of lawyers to simultaneously
meet with their clients In comfortable conditions.  Furthermore,
additional telephone lines have been made available to lawyers
wishing to call Daharia Prison to arrange meetings with their
clients.  The picture painted in the report is that of wearisome
bureaucratic procedures which prevent lawyers from seeing their
clients.  According to a review conducted upon receipt of the
Report, there is no basis for such a complaint.

Court Process
-------------
On the issue of extension hearings, Advocate AI-Zaim is quoted as
stating (page 10 of the Report), "out of 700 clients I have been
able to attend hearings only on three".  While the phrase "able to
attend" is unclear, the fact is that such hearings are held only
after the lawyer has been notified by either the police or the
appropriate military court for the purpose of coordinating the time
and place of the hearing.  As is known, existing legislation
requires that all detainees be brought before a judge within 18
days of their arrest.  Should the detainee appear before a judge at
such a hearing without a lawyer, the judge immediately informs the
detainee of his rights to have a lawyer and to file a bail
application.  In the overwhelming majority of cases the bail
hearing is conducted within three to four days of submission of the
application, and not 20-30 days as claimed by Advocate Raji
Sourani.  Therefore, while the detainee may be held for 18 days
without being brought before a judge, in most cases he will be
brought before one well before the 18-day period expires, as the
bail application may be filed immediately upon arrest.

With respect to the conduct of the hearings, it must be clearly
stated that military judges, like all other judges, ask detainees
if they wish to be represented by counsel; to suggest otherwise is
misleading.  Likewise, to claim without documentation, as the
report does on page 10, that judges do not ask the suspect any
questions, but merely announce an extension of the detention in
accordance with the wishes of the interrogating authority, is
indicative of a study based on less than thorough research.

To suggest that in all cases military courts deny bail and that
therefore bail requests are "redundant" simply does not reflect
reality.  To obtain a full picture of the justice system's bail
policies, it is necessary to differentiate between cases involving
violent terrorist activities and those involving disturbances of
the public order.  In the first type of case, where the allegations
are much more serious and there is a significant danger that
suspects released on bail will either perpetrate additional
violent activities or disappear before their trial, bail is usually
withheld.  A similar situation exists in Israel with respect to
crimes of this nature.  However, it should be noted that
convictions for these crimes generally result in substantial prison
sentences.  Moreover, the time served from the date of arrest to
the date of conviction is always deducted from the period of
incarceration.  Thus, in such cases, the period of detention before
sentencing would not exceed the actual sentence.  Conversely, in
cases involving disturbance of the public order, the courts are
likely to release the defendant on bail when the trial is
significantly postponed or lengthy.  Thus, in these cases as well,
the likelihood that the pre-trial detention period will exceed the
expected sentence is minimal.

To intimate that cases are disposed of before a lawyer can take
action is a total misrepresentation of the situation in its
entirety.  As must be known to all Lawyers Committee researchers,
most cases are settled as a result of plea-bargaining between the
military prosecutor and the defense attorney.  Prior to December
1987, 90% of public-order disturbances and terrorist activity cases
were concluded with a plea-bargain.  During the initial stages of
the uprising most defendants, in an attempt to bring about the
collapse of the legal system from case overload, chose to deny all
charges.  Due to the inherent, objective problem of bringing
defendants and witnesses from all over the country, there was a
possibility that the defendants and their lawyers, many of whom
compounded the confusion by frequent strikes, would succeed In this
effort.  However, the legal system was expanded and successfully
met this challenge.  Today 70% of convictions are based on
plea-bargains negotiated between the prosecutor and the defense
lawyer before the trial begins.  This figure is representative of
and acceptable in the western world, where most trial court systems
struggle to cope with overcrowded dockets.  (It should be noted
that in 1991 the courts in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza District
handled a caseload of 19,435 trials.)

With respect to confessions during investigations, the oft-repeated
claim (which is neither substantiated nor documented in the Report)
that such confessions are the result of ill-treatment has, except
in rare cases In which guidelines have been transgressed, been
proven wholly untrue.  Israel has repeatedly condemned all use of
torture.  As is known, all complaints filed with respect to
ill-treatment during interrogation are thoroughly investigated.  In
every instance where evidence exists that improper methods have
been used by an investigator, a criminal trial or disciplinary
proceedings are instituted against the person suspected of
violating the guidelines.  Furthermore, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.
Gen.  Ehud Barak has stated that IDF orders safeguarding the rights
of the accused are unequivocal, and that any deviation from them is
intolerable.  Similarly, defense attorneys have the right to
request that the court conduct a mini-trial as to the admissibility
of the evidence.  However, in most cases brought before the courts,
no extended interrogation of the defendant is carried out.  In
cases relating to disturbances of the public order (approximately
70% of all cases tried in the military courts), the suspect is
merely asked to give his version of the facts.  In such cases, the
prosecution's evidence is usually based on eye-witness accounts
rather than admissions of guilt.  Generally, only in cases
involving severe security offenses or suspects believed to be
involved with terrorist organizations, is a more thorough
interrogation carried out.

The rules on admissibility of confessions are identical to those
followed in Israeli civilian courts.  The fact that defense
attorneys do not often raise the question of admissibility of
confessions in court may be seen as an indication of the fact that
the overwhelming majority of interrogations are carried out
according to legal procedures.

On the issue of trial delay, the Report misleadingly suggests that
prosecutors are responsible for postponements.  In almost all of
cases it is the defense attorney who requests a delay and not the
prosecutor.  The prosecutor generally has no interest whatsoever in
delaying the trial, while the defense attorneys obviously have many
reasons - which range from non-payment of fees to tactical
considerations.  Most delays are caused by lawyers' strikes or by
the deliberate absence of lawyers who fail to appear for court
sessions.  They do this with the full knowledge that courts do not
conduct trials in cases involving serious terrorist offenses in
their absence.  The Lawyers Committee might well have taken the
time to ask defense attorneys why they request delays, thereby
extending the periods that their clients sit in jail awaiting
trial.  Unfortunately, such a survey was not conducted by Lawyers
Committee researchers.  Furthermore, in order to prevent lengthy
delays in the trial process, judges have recently been instructed
to restrict the granting of postponements to a maximum of two per
trial.

With respect to the issue of plea bargains, referred to on page 13
of the Report, the Lawyers Committee must be aware that the
awarding of lighter sentences to defendants who plead guilty is
characteristic of most Western legal systems.  This system is to
the benefit of the defendant, who may thus receive a lighter
sentence after acknowledging his crime.  Furthermore, the system of
plea bargains is a necessary one in any justice system which must
cope with overcrowded dockets and limited court time.

Court of Appeals
----------------
The comment on page 14 of the Report, "In practice the Court of
Appeals has proved to be of little practical benefit to the lawyers
and actually harmful to their clients...  the Court of Appeals
through allowing the prosecution the right to appeal...  enabled
the authorities to Impose higher sentences in a more uniform manner
is entirely unfounded.  Of the 3,000 files opened in the Court
since its establishment, some 80% were submitted by the defendants
or their attorneys.  Approximately 62% of the appeals submitted by
defense attorneys have been successful, so there is no reason to
suspect that the courts are unfairly biased against the defense.

The purpose of the Court of Appeals is to act as a check on the
trial courts in a further attempt to ensure that the rights of all
defendants are protected and that in the event of a conviction, the
sentence  is proportionate to the crime.  To imply that the Court
sees its function as the guarantor of uniform, higher sentences is
to misrepresent the purpose of the Court of Appeals.  Furthermore,
as evidenced by the statistics quoted above, defense attorneys have
a far better understanding of their task than does the Lawyers
Committee.  Only a minimal effort would have been required by
Lawyers Committee researchers to learn of the significant increase
of appeals submitted by defense attorneys: 1989 - 162 appeals; 1990
- 467 appeals; and 1991 - 617 appeals.  Clearly, then, the
anonymous quote cited above reflects neither reality nor the value
that defense attorneys assign to the Appeals Court.  Rather than
relying on unnamed sources, thorough research would have enabled
the Lawyers Committee to learn that the establishment of the
Appeals Court (in April 1989) at a time of rising violence in
Judea, Samaria and the Gaza District, and its subsequent admirable
record, clearly demonstrate Israel's unceasing commitment to a just
legal system.



                                           Jerusalem, 15 June 1992

SHAMIR MEETS WITH MIKHAIL GORBACHEV
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's media advisor)

During a meeting with former Russian president Mikhail Gorbachev,
yesterday (Sunday), 15.6.92, Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir
expressed satisfaction over the fact that the guest accepted the
invitation to visit Israel, which was given when the Madrid
conference was convened last October.  Shamir thanked Gorbachev for
his personal intervention in three events which will prominent in
the history of the Jewish people -- the resumption of diplomatic
relations [between Moscow and Jerusalem]; the opening of the gates
of the Soviet Union for Jewish immigration to Israel, and; the
participation [of the Soviets/Russians] in the peace initiative and
the Madrid meeting.  The Prime Minister detailed developments in
the peace process and expressed his belief that there will be
positive results soon, since there is no alternative to peace.

Gorbachev analyzed the network of relations which had developed
between the Soviet Union, under his leadership, and the United
States -- which enabled the thaw in the inter-bloc system of
relations.  Other issues raised during the course of the
conversation were: German reunification and the situation in the
Eastern European countries; internal developments in the CIS since
the collapse of the Soviet Union, and; the condition of
anti-Semitism in Russia and the other republics.  The guest noted
that some dark corners still endure, but there has been an
improvement in the war on anti- Semitism, and the development of
democratic process in the republics will ensure that anti-Semitic
trends are halted.  The former Russian president thanked [his
hosts] for the program prepared for his [visit] and expressed
satisfaction over having an opportunity to visit Israel.



                                       Jerusalem, 14 June 1992

MURDERED FOR DISGRACING THE HONOR OF THE NATION
(Article by Lamia Lahud, "Yerushalayim", 22.5.92, p.  8)

THE PALESTINIAN LEADERSHIP HAS BEEN MAKING AN EFFORT IN RECENT
MONTHS TO PROVE THAT IT IS OPPOSED TO THE PHENOMENON OF ELIMINATING
SUSPECTS OF COLLABORATION WITH ISRAEL.  THE FACT THAT A SUBSTANTIAL
NUMBER OF THOSE MURDERED ARE WOMEN, THEY TRY NOT TO MENTION AT ALL.
NO PALESTINIAN HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING WOMEN'S
ORGANIZATIONS, HAS KEPT A RECORD OR FOLLOWED-UP ON THIS PHENOMENON.
THE WOMAN IN QUESTION ARE USUALLY ONES WHOSE BEHAVIOR WAS NOT MORAL
ENOUGH IN THE EYES OF THE MASKED ASSAILANTS, WHO, TO JUSTIFY THE
EXECUTIONS, ATTACH IMAGINARY ACCUSATIONS OF ASSISTANCE TO THE
OCCUPYING FORCES TO THE WOMEN.  THE NUMBER OF WOMAN MURDERED ON
THESE GROUNDS NOW NUMBERS 69.

Fatmah Khalil Abu Tiya finished preparing dinner at her home in the
village of Beit Ur el-Tahta west of Ramallah.  The time was 7:30
PM.  Fatma, her husband Mahmoud Suleiman and their eight children,
sat, as their custom, to eat in front of the television and watch
the news in Arabic.  Suddenly Mahmoud, 60, caught sight of a number
of figures jumping from the roof of the house into the garden.  "At
first I thought it was soldiers", he said this week.  "I turned on
the lights, and went to open the door.  Five youths armed with
axes, knives, and clubs stood opposite me.  They wore khaki shirts
and jeans, and none of them were masked.  Despite this I was not
able to identify them, because they were apparently not from the
village.  I asked them what they wanted, and they rushed into the
house and ordered all of us into the bedroom.  Three of them came
into the room with us and the other two stood on the porch.  The
three locked the door, approached my wife, and asked her name.
When she told her name, they fell on her with axes and knives.  All
this happened right in front of my eyes and the eyes of my
children, while they threatened us with an axe.  My daughter Dunia,
only 14 years old, tried to protect her mother with her body, and
was beaten with clubs.  The attackers left only after Fatma fell to
the ground.  They had simply opened up her head, and she died on
the spot.  I went out after them into the garden, and I saw that
other people were waiting for them outside.  One of them even
laughed when he saw me."

The event described here occurred on January 17, 1990.  The motive
for this cruel murder: suspicion of collaboration with Israel.
Fatma, according to official military sources, is one of the 69
Palestinian women murdered since the beginning of the intifada with
a similar background.  According to the IDF spokesman, 609
Palestinians were killed as of 22.4.92, men and women, by
Palestinian activists who suspected them of aiding the GSS.
Defense Minister Moshe Arens speaks of 660 collaborators who have
been killed since the intifada erupted.  Palestinian sources
estimate the number of women as over a hundred.  The latest victim
was Najia Sharkawi, 45, a resident of the village of el-Zababda in
the Jenin district, who was shot to death about a month ago by
members of the Black Panther on suspicion of passing information to
the authorities on the movements of wanted men.  The majority of
the murders of women were carried out by local gangs, of the Black
Panther, Red Eagle, Hamas, and Black Tiger type.

Fatma abu Tiya, 35 at her death, was murdered by a gang of wanted
men, long active in the Ramallah area.  Some of the murderers were
caught and some killed in clashes with security forces.
Palestinian sources claim that the main motive of the murder is
"immoral" conduct.  According to them, she was in the habit of
betraying her old and infirm husband and was even seen with a man
known to be a collaborator.  "Her husband knew of his young wife's
relations with other men, but chose to keep quiet and peace in the
house.  Her behavior infuriated intifada activists who followed
Fatma's movements."

The husband, Mahmoud, denies the claims: "She hardly went out of
the house.  Only occasionally would she go shopping in Ramallah.
I was never told the real reason for her murder.  I only heard that
she was suspected of collaboration with Israel.  How can a
housewife and mother of eight children be working for the
Mukhabarat (GSS)? If she was really a collaborator, I would not
care that they murdered her.  But I was never warned and she was
never told anything.  They have destroyed my family, my whole life.
Minhum li'allah (I leave it to God to punish them -- L.L.).  And
they still speak of having a state."

The majority of families of murdered people, have not been
privileged, and will not be privileged, to receive clear answers as
to the reasons for the murder.  Most of the women murdered were
never warned by intifada activists, and even after they were
murdered, no one bothered to detail the specific charges against
them.  Only infrequently did the murderers distribute leaflets
which usually included general and imaginary accusations.  In the
devout and conservative Palestinian society, one scrap of gossip is
enough to lead to murder, especially when it concerns women.

Defense elements say most of the murders of women in the
territories is on a background of prostitution and guarding the
honor of the family and indecent behavior such as immodest dress in
Western style.  Sometimes the explanation that a woman "had a bad
reputation" is enough to sentence her to death.  Women employed by
the civil administration, nurses for example, automatically become
suspect in the eyes of activists, because of their daily and
routine contact with the enemy occupier.  And any connection to a
collaborator, as supposedly in the case of Fatma Abu Tiya, can be
exceedingly dangerous.

In the years 1988-89, Black Panther and Red Eagle gang members
murdered eight women in Nablus.  All were suspected of
collaboration with Israel and immoral behavior.  On November 23,
1989, Haryeem Haniya el-Sawees, a fortune teller in her mid
thirties, was led to the center of the market in the casbah in
Nablus by three masked men.  One of them carried an M-16, the
second a pistol, and the third a sword.  Haniya's hands were bound
in back.

Ahmed, owner of a grocery store in the casbah, who was a witness,
related this week what occurred there: "Masked men showed the crowd
a tool that looked like a pen.  They said that this was a
communications instrument that was found on Haniya's body, by which
she held contact with the Mukhabarat.  They also said that Haniya
had admitted to them her collaboration with the authorities.  The
women, who was in an advanced stage of pregnancy, admitted in front
of the crowd that she had worked with the GSS.  Afterwards she
pleaded with passers by to save her life, and said that she was
sorry and she would not do these things again.  One of the masked
men answered her: "We warned you before but you continued to
collaborate.  If we let you go now, there is a chance you will hand
us in to the authorities.  We do not believe you." The man with the
gun shot her in the head twice.  She collapsed to the ground and
died on the spot."

The fortune teller's murderers were killed in a clash with an elite
unit in the Ras el-Ein neighborhood of Nablus in December 1989.
The Black Panther commander, Imad Nasser, was the one who had been
armed with the M-16.

Five months prior to that, the body of Sabah Taysir Canaan, 32,
mother of four children, was found in the market of the casbah, not
far from the arena of Sawees's execution.  Sabah had a bad
reputation because of her frequent visits to Dallal Aliwi's house,
known as a madame in the nearby refugee camp Balata, before the
intifada.  Her sister Faruz was married to a known collaborator in
Nablus.  After Sabah's murder, the Black Panther published a
leaflet accusing her of betrayal.  The Panthers claimed that they
found a communications instrument and pistol in her possession.
Her younger sister Fatma, vigorously denies it: "anyone who knew
Sabah knows that she is a simple easy-going woman.  The stories of
a communications instrument and a gun is a lot of nonsense." Fatma,
28, was present at the three interrogations the masked assailants
held with her sister.  "The first time they came to us ten past one
at night.  They banged on the door and identified themselves as IDF
soldiers.  When we opened up, they asked to speak alone with Sabah,
and took her into the kitchen on the first floor of the house.  One
of the masked men stayed upstairs to prevent us from alerting help.
After a few minutes we heard Sabah's screams.  I tried to go down
to her, but a masked assailant blocked my way.  I insisted, and
eventually they allowed me to be present at the interrogation.
They covered Sabah's eyes and tied her to a chair.  They asked her
if she had a pistol or a communication's instrument.  Afterwards
they conducted a brief search of the house.  Then they asked her
about her connections with the madame from Balata.  The beatings
were accompanied by extinguishing cigarettes on her body.  They
told her that my sister Faruz had admitted that Sabah works with
the Mukhabarat and that she has a gun and communication's
instrument in her possession.  They also lied and said they'd
already killed Faruz.  Sabah admitted everything, out of fear and
from the beatings."

The second night the masked assailants returned again, this time
equipped with a list of names of men Sabah had supposedly had
sexual relations with.  Again they asked about the gun and the
communication's instrument.  This time Sabah said that they do
exist but are with her sister Faruz.

The third night the masked assailants again presented themselves at
the Canaan family residence.  This time they requested Fatma and
Sabah to accompany them to Faruz's house to give them the gun.
Fatma: "when we arrived there they called Faruz out and began to
beat her.  She vigorously denied the existence of the gun.  In the
end they were convinced apparently, and gave Faruz a note that she
was clean.  They asked me and Sabah to return home, not before
telling Sabah that they will kill her if she does not reveal to
them where the gun is."

The next day Sabah came with her six year old daughter to the
military administration in Nablus, and asked for protection.  The
army passed her onto the state hospital in Ramallah, where the
doctors diagnosed her of physical abuse and beatings on her body.
Against the advice of her doctors and IDF officers, Sabah returned
to her home.  Three weeks passed, and on June 26, 1989, the masked
assailants appeared at the house.  The interrogation and torture
were repeated.  This time they asked her to come with them.  In the
morning an IDF patrol discovered her body in the center of the
casbah, after she was murdered by blows from axes and stabs from a
knife.

"Even the Jews do not use these methods of interrogation," says
Fatma.  "They do not brutalize a woman in front of her children and
family.  I do not understand from where Sabah had the strength to
withstand the torture." Fatma is convinced that her sister had no
connection to the security services.  "It's true that she had a bad
reputation, but all that was before the intifada.  If she had
really been connected to the authorities, they would have protected
and helped her."

The phenomenon of murdering collaborators, particularly the women
among them, causes disquiet among the traditional leadership in the
territories.  All the same, there is not one Palestinian human
rights organization or women's organization that seems particularly
worried about the phenomenon.  This is a subject that the
Palestinians prefer not to talk about, and therefore precise data
on cases of this sort are not collected.

Randa Senyora, an activist in the el-Khak (parallel to "Betzelem")
organization for human rights in Ramallah: "We concentrate only on
Palestinian human rights violations by Israel.  We hear that the
women who were murdered were collaborators." Another activist in a
human rights organization defines the liquidation phenomenon of
those suspected of collaboration as "a peripheral matter." His
organization, he says, does not deal with marginal matters of this
sort, "and besides, this is an internal matter of the
Palestinians."

The attitude of the Palestinian in the street is mixed.  The youth
show understanding, even solidarity, with the phenomenon.  The
older people have reservations.  "These women deserve to be
murdered," said an intifada activist in the casbah.  "I have no
doubt that there was proof against all the women murdered."

In a small grocery store on el-Shuhada (the dead) street, the
el-Yasminiya neighborhood of Nablus, sits Abed el-Jaber el-Burus.
He speaks of his wife, Naadra el-Huash, with stormy emotions.
Naadra, better known as Um Barkat, was murdered by blows from axes
at the entrance of her home by members of the Red Eagle gang.  The
murderer, who was masked, was discovered later to be her cousin,
Jabar Huash, who became known from an interview to Israeli
television after being apprehended by security forces.  Jaber, 17
at the time, admitted to interviewer Victor Nahmias, to murdering
eight people, including his cousin Um Barkat, whom he accused of
immoral conduct.

"He used to eat with us and ask my wife for money", relates the
husband Abed el-Jaber.  "Even in my worst dreams I never imagined
that the masked man standing opposite me was Jaber.  I think my
wife recognized him, which is why she agreed to leave the house
with him."

Before she was murdered, Um Barkat was twice interrogated by masked
men, during which they attempted to strangle her, and hit her on
the head with an axe.  The third time the masked men arrived at her
house immediately after she had finished the evening prayer.  They
requested her to accompany them, claiming that their commander
outside wishes to hand her a document clearing her of all the
charges against her.  Her body was found twenty minutes later in a
puddle of blood outside her home.  "They deceived her", says her
husband in tears, "if I had known they were going to murder her, I
would have murdered them with my own hands."

After the elimination of the Black Panther and the Red Eagle gangs
by the IDF in mid November and beginning of December, the murders
of women in the Nablus area ceased.  There was only one incident in
which a resident of the Ein Beit el-Mah refugee camp was murdered,
Basma Hillal Barkat.  Her body was found March 1, 1991 hanging from
a tree in the yard of the refugee camp school.  Masked assailants
had kidnapped her from her home a day earlier, even though she was
in the eighth month of pregnancy.  A rope was wound around her
neck, tied to a tall tree, and she had been thrown from the third
floor of the camp's school.  The alleged charge: immoral conduct.

Palestinian activists see these women as ostensible collaborators.
The fact that they deal in prostitution and are seen with other men
serves the purposes of the enemy, and deflects the Palestinian
efforts to focus on the struggle against the occupation.  The women
are accused that they serve as bait to blackmail both men and women
and to compel them to collaborate with the security arms of Israel.
For this reason many Palestinian prostitutes were murdered,
especially in the Gaza Strip.

However, among the murdered women were women with prestigious
professions and of high social standing.  Aisha Husseini Abu
Shweish, head nurse and deputy health department head in Khan
Yunis, was murdered six months ago in the Gaza Strip.  Palestinian
sources say that the motive for the murder was a brief conversation
that she held with deputy minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the
course of his visit to the el-Nasser hospital in Gaza.  Netanyahu
himself said that this "person" approached him when he was about to
leave, and asked him not to believe the doctors who presented him
with an incorrect picture of the situation.  There apparently was
in Gaza someone who looked into it, and remembered that that same
"person" was head nurse Aisha.  Aisha's sister, also a nurse by
profession, was murdered 18 months beforehand on suspicion of
collaboration.  Three masked assailants entered the delivery room
in the el-Nasser hospital where she worked, and slit the throat of
Suzan Taleb Abu el-Hassan, 24 years old.

Murdering women was for hundreds of years an accepted practice in
Arab society.  The only justification for it however, was
disgracing the honor of the family, and the execution was by the
family relatives of the disgraced family.  Upon the start of the
intifada, the phenomenon has earned political legitimacy, and the
subject is no longer a "family matter".  Prostitutes and women with
a "bad reputation" become "intelligence agents" an entirely
refutable suspicion in most cases, and the sentence is executed by
those who view themselves as emissaries of the revolution, who are
less merciful and more suspicious than the family members.


                                         Jerusalem, 11 June 1992

DAILY PRESS SURVEY
(Hebrew Press)

IN TODAY'S SURVEY: Israel cooperating with U.S.  to halt
cooperation of western companies with Iran and Libya; 74 Jewish
children from Yugoslavia to Israel tonight in a special evacuation
operation.

"HA'ARETZ" (p.  5) -- Eitan Rabin reports that Israel is
cooperating with the Americans as well as with other countries to
halt the cooperation of western companies with Iran and Libya.  At
issue are companies who aided Iraq in developing unconventional
weapons and who are today assisting Iran and Libya in developing
these same weapons.

A senior government source in Jerusalem told "Ha'aretz" that Israel
has amassed a great deal of information concerning western
companies, some of which aided Iraq, and which today aid Iran and
Libya, in exchange for astronomical sums of money.

According to the senior government source, Israel is extremely
concerned over the activities of these companies who send
specialists to Libya and Iran and assist them in establishing
infrastructure and developing unconventional weapons which in the
future will be directed against Israel.

IDF Chief of Intelligence, Major General Saguy, said at the
beginning of the week that Iran is expected to attain nuclear
weapons within 9-10 years, and if this is not thwarted, Israel
could be faced with a threat to its survival.

The Chief of Intelligence added on this subject, that Libya today
is also developing a missile called el-Fatah.  This is a long range
missile which can attain ranges of 1,000 kilometers.  According to
him, this missile is in early development stages, and its
technological level is low.  Western companies are assisting Libya
in the development of the missile.

A check carried out by "Ha'aretz" reveals that at least 9 western
companies, with scores of nuclear specialists, today aid Iran in
the development of its nuclear program, which began operating
already in the mid 70's, under the Shah.  In fact, the program
initially was intended to balance Iran's capability with that of
Iraq and Pakistan.

This program focussed mainly on the civilian aspect, and included
the purchase of power plants from Europe, whose construction was
halted during the Iran-Iraq war, and the establishment of an
American research plant near Teheran.

In 1987 work on the nuclear project was renewed, when the Iran-Iraq
war reached an impasse.  At the same time Iran pressured French and
German companies to supply it with enriched uranium.

The IDF spokesman recently reported that a number of nuclear
centers are operating in Iran, including research centers in
Teheran and Isfahan.  The Iranians have increased their activities
with the goal of purchasing nuclear technologies, the bulk of its
activity is concentrated in China, India, and Argentina.  From
information which reached Jerusalem it transpires that besides
China, India and Argentina, western companies are also helping Iran
in accelerating development of its nuclear infrastructure.

Defense sources said that there is close cooperation between
Israel, the U.S., and other countries in an attempt to stop those
western companies from aiding Libya and Iran.

A senior government source added that Israel will not sit by
ideally while Iran speeds up its nuclear development.  At the same
time, despite the fact that it is a period of 10 years that is
under discussion (before Iran has a nuclear bomb), Israel will not
wait, and will take action in all venues in order to subvert this.

"MA'ARIV" (p.  1) -- Aryeh Bender reports that 74 Jewish children
and youth will fly to Israel tonight from Yugoslavia in a special
evacuation operation.  Many of those arriving were extricated from
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, now under endless
bombardment from Serbian forces.

The youngsters will arrive in Israel at three in the morning, in a
Maleb Airline flight from Budapest.  From Ben Gurion they will be
transferred to Youth Aliyah institutions in Nahalat Yehuda and
other places.

An atmosphere of fear and panic reigns among Belgrade Jews and the
remaining Jewish community in Sarajevo due to the worsening of the
battles and the international embargo on Serbia.  The evacuation
operation organized by the Jewish Agency is the largest of its kind
until now.  The children and youth will come alone, without their
parents, however, 10 adult immigrants will also be on the plane.

Over a month ago another group of 20 young people arrived in Israel
from Yugoslavia.


                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
                       -=} (415) 550-1318 {=-

                                        Jerusalem, 14 June 1992

SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
(Hebrew press)

"Hatzofeh" asserts that Syria cannot be expected to moderate its
position, evident in its recent statement on a Golan Heights
settlement.  The paper, however, is pleased that both major parties
have expressed opposition to a retreat from the Heights -- although
deeds are necessary, in order to correct inadequacies in the area.
 Indeed, the Golan conflict is bi- frontal: against Syria, and
against certain political elements in Israel.  Consequently, it
must be clarified that -- among other things -- the fate of the
Golan Heights will be determined in the up-coming election, and the
public must prepare for an intense struggle to keep the strategic
Golan in Israeli hands.

"Ha'aretz" comments that the visiting architect of "perestroika"
may no longer be a government personality, but his role in the
immigration of Soviet Jews to Israel is still praise-worthy --
although his approach is far from Zionist.  Further, Gorbachev has
encouraged Israel to invest greater energy in political
negotiations with the Arabs -- just as he has undoubtedly told the
latter.  In this vein, the editors warn against making light of his
advice; Gorbachev has actually experienced the non-eternal nature
of military supremacy.

"Ma'ariv" feels that Gorbachev is the most important to ever visit
Israel, considering that Moses never received an entry visa.  Yet,
despite his contribution, history has left him behind.  Moreover,
Gorbachev -- not understanding the contradiction in terms -- only
sought to humanize Communism, never to abolish it.

"Davar" looks at the careers of former Russian president Mikhail
Gorbachev and his successor, Boris Yeltsin.  Indeed, Gorbachev was
responsible for the exodus of Soviet Jewry -- but it was due to
American considerations, and not Israeli ones, that he was
compelled to do so.  In fact, the Russian role in the peace process
is also inextricably linked to the United States.  Gorbachev, who
arrives in Israel today, may still be the dominant figure on the
Russian scene, but his influence is now negligible.

"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, believes that Gorbachev was
instrumental in the re-establishment of Moscow-Jerusalem relations,
the immigration of Soviet Jewry and the fall of the Iron Curtain --
even though his departure from public life has somewhat hampered
his reformist efforts.  His visit to Israel will give Israelis a
chance to give thanks and to allow him a glimpse of Israeli
society.  Furthermore, political significance is not entirely
absent; Gorbachev as political animal may yet return.

"Yediot Ahronot" observes that, although the status of Mikhail
Gorbachev within Russia has endured a sharp decline, he will still
be a welcomed guest in Israel -- where the instigator of "glasnost"
will be remembered as the one to open the gates of the Soviet Union
for Jewish emigration.

"Al Hamishmar" sympathizes with the plight of the family of missing
IAF navigator Ron Arad.  Alas, because of the secrecy surrounding
the whole affair, it is impossible to know whether the government
of Israel has done enough to achieve his release.  Still, the
family senses that sufficient measures have not been taken.
Moreover, traces of Arad have disappeared.  The paper proposes that
Israel put its trust in the efforts of the United nations, which
has demonstrated a certain degree of success in gaining freedom for
hostages held in Lebanon.

"Hadashot" suggests that Rabbi Eliezer Schach is about to create
another split in ultra-Orthodox society.  Still, by remaining
silent, Shas has proven that -- despite the racist overtones of the
remarks of the former -- they are ultra-Orthodox first and
"Oriental" last.

"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, also notes the severity of the
words said by Rabbi Schach last week.  If senility is no
explanation, then the slight to Oriental Jews is extremely
injurious.  Ultimately, it is the ultra-Orthodox community which
has not yet matured into integration.

"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, wonders when Oriental
Jews who revere Rabbi Schach will finally end their submission to
him.

"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial, questions the judgement
of IBA director-general Aryeh Mekel who censored clips from a play
he perceived as having political implications.

"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, quotes ideas of compromise
expressed by a Serbian patriot.



ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 11-JUN-1992

 1.  LIBYA

 An extra edition of "Al-Joumhourriyya" appeared on Wed.  June 10,
a paper which does not appear regularly, carrying another article
criticizing the ruler Quaddaffi's policy, and headed; "Pardon us,
Mu'ammar." It asks what is the advantage of Arabism "when the Arabs
demand handing over our sons to the enemy and obeying the demands
of the West." It says Libya's interests are served by "our
brothers, even the Chinese, the Indians or the Americans." The
original critical article in the paper was reprinted also in
"Al-Fajr al-J'did" (under new management since June 9).  The
National Assembly of the People will be convened on June 13, and
policy changes are possible concerning the decision on whether to
extradite the two terrorist suspects in the Lockerbie case to the
U.S.

 2.  SOUTH LEBANON

 The U.S.  ambassador to Lebanon expressed deep American concern
(June 10) over the continued tension in the south and said
Washington would continue its efforts with all parties to relax the
situation.  (Monte Carlo Radio, June 11).  The Syrian ambassador to
Egypt, meanwhile, said Damascus continues to practice restraint and
will not be drawn by provocations.  Syrian forces in Lebanon have
not intervened so far nor moved to deter Israel, despite her
continued aggression against South Lebanon.  ("Ash-Sharq al-Awsat"
June 9).

 3.  U.S.-SYRIA

 Pres.  Bush sent a message of holiday greetings to Pres.  Assad on
the occasion of the Festival of the Sacrifice (Id el-Adha).  The
Syrian news agency said it praised Syria for adhering to the
principle of Territory for Peace.

 4.  EGYPT

 Foreign Minister Amar gave an interview to Al-Mussawar that
continued Israeli aggression against parts of Lebanon poisons the
atmosphere of peace and harms stability.  The peace process is also
endangered by continued Israeli building of settlements...but the
Arabs will continue to attend the talks, though any Arab
cooperation with Israel will be conditioned on her withdrawal from
the occupied territories.

 5.  JORDAN

 The Jordanian media continue to attack Saudia over the question of
the contribution to UNESCO for repairing the roof of the Aqsa
Mosque and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem...


DOMESTIC GEMS 12-JUN-1992

LEARNING MUSIC BY COMPUTER -- FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ("Ma'ariv")

 A 28-year-old musician, Avi Yakobovitch, has developed a computer
program to teach musical performance and reading of notes
especially for handicapped children, including those with brain
damage, Down's Syndrome, retardation, etc.  Dozens of such children
have already started learning to play the melodies of Beethoven's
Ninth Symphony, using his program.  The program uses colors,
shapes, outlines, syllables and sounds to guide the player to the
correct notes.  It is to be commercially marketed in Israel.

 BLACKBOARD CHALK WILL NO LONGER LEAVE WHITE POWDER STAINS ON
TEACHERS' CLOTHES ("Al Hamishmar")

 Kibbutz Kfar Glickson has developed a new blackboard chalk for
schools which does not leave white powder spots and stains on
teachers' clothes every time they give a lesson.  It is produced by
an injection method into a mold and each chalk lasts four times as
long as the current powdery crumbling types.

 A "DISNEYLAND" OF SCIENCE DISPLAYS PLANNED IN ISRAEL ("Davar")

 A Disneyland-type park exhibiting scientific and technological and
industrial inventions is being planned for Dimona, in the Negev
desert in the south of Israel.  It is being commissioned by the
Authority to develop Tourism in the Negev, as well as the Jewish
Agency, and will be created by Rotem Industries near an existing
science-based industrial park in the area.

 RETINA SURGERY TO USE GAS ("Davar")

 A new technique for treating detached retinas using gas, is being
applied now at the Eye Department of the Hillel Yoffe Hospital in
Hadera in central Israel.  It is a simple, quick and successful
treatment for a serious eye problem, which can cause blindness.  A
torn or detached retina, caused by a blow to the eye, or a birth
defect, or complications from eye surgery, or through diabetes is
usually treated by a complicated operation with slow and painful
recovery.  The new method, involving the injection of a special gas
during surgery causes a freezing, and does not require anesthetics
or hospitalization.

 KOSHER CAVIAR TO BE PRODUCED IN ISRAEL ("Ma'ariv")

 A factory for artificial, kosher, caviar, designed by scientists
of the Haifa Technion, will be set up at Migdal Ha'emek, in
Galilee.  The product is said to be of high quality (called
"Delitek") and is expected to be a popular, inexpensive substitute
for the prestigious and costly real caviar.

 UN ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE GIVES AWARD TO ISRAELI NATURE AUTHORITY
("Yediot Aharonot")

 The UN world conference on ecology and protecting the environment,
held in Rio de Janeiro, has awarded a citation to the Israeli
Society for the Protection of Nature for its 40 years of activity
in preserving natural, scenic and environmental sites in Israel.
The citation said the society helped all of Israel's population to
achieve the common goal of preserving nature, maintaining 26 field
study centers, fighting to maintain ecological aspects in danger
around the country, and ensuring a policy of development which does
not harm the environment.


                                            Jerusalem, 12 June 1992

DAILY PRESS SURVEY
(Hebrew Press)

IN TODAY'S SURVEY: Bodies of two Palestinians shot to death in Gaza
dropped on doorstep of journalist who recently came out against the
phenomenon of [inter-Palestinian] murders; Discovery of Islamic
Jihad "hit list", may keep Egyptian figures from associating with
Israelis.

 "MA'ARIV", (p.14) -- Hanan Schlein reports that, yesterday, two
Palestinians were shot to death in Gaza.

Palestinian sources reported that the murder was carried out by
members of the Az-a-Din Kasam gang, among the supporters of Hamas.
Yesterday, members of the gang arrived at one of the streets in the
Rimal neighborhood of Gaza in a car.  Out of the vehicle, they
brought two residents with bound hands and -- in front of all
by-standers -- they shot them to death.

Members of the gang brought the two bodies to the home of
journalist Tawfik Abu Husa, who recently came out against the
phenomenon of [inter- Palestinian] murders.

Since February, 99 Arabs have been murdered by Arabs in the
territories.  Palestinian sources report that the majority thereof
were murdered owing to suspicions of collaboration with the Israeli
authorities, but there are actually other causes behind the murders
-- such as personal disputes and the preservation of family or
societal honor.

The sharp rise in the number of those murdered is what has aroused
heads of Palestinian society to try and formulate an "honor pact"
whose central purpose is to end the murderous acts.

"YEDIOT AHRONOT", (p.4) -- Smadar Peri reports that following the
discovery of an "Hit-list", prepared by the "Islamic Jihad"
organization in Egypt -- it is estimated in Jerusalem, that the
mid-week murder of Egyptian author Dr.  Faraj Fuda in Cairo, will
cause an additional chill in the already shaky relations between
the staff of the Israeli embassy in Egypt and the local population.
[The list] includes the names of public personalities and
intellectuals, who regularly met with Israeli representatives in
Cairo.

The estimate is that, from now on, the public and the society
figures in Cairo will fear being "caught" in public contact with
Israelis, and awaken the anger of members of the Islamic
underground [movements], who demand the immediate end of ties with
Israel.  (...)


                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
                       -=} (415) 550-1318 {=---  

              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                  Tuesday, June 16, 1992
 
 
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State to Come to Israel and Middle East
in July to Maintain Momentum of Peace Process
 
Assistant Secretary of State for Middle Eastern Affairs Edward
Djerjian will go to Israel and the Middle East this July for a
scheduled round of political talks. This, according to today's
DAVAR which reports that in an American effort to maintain the
momentum of the peace process, Mr. Djerjian will discuss a new
American compromise proposal intended to enable Israel to
participate in multilateral forums where Palestinian delegates from
outside the Territories also participate. According to the American
proposal, Palestinian delegates from outside the Territories will
not be present at the plenary sessions of the multilateral groups
to which they have been invited,(Refugees and Economic Cooperation)
but they'll participate in specific subcommittees that Israel will
not attend.
 
 
Lubrani Welcomes Release of Two German Hostages; Nothing New
Regarding Fate of Ron Arad
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Israel's chief hostage negotiator Uri
Lubrani welcomed the release of the two German hostages in Lebanon.
He emphasized that, "we won't keep quiet until information is
received regarding the [Israeli] POWs and MIAs." Asked about the
fate of Israeli navigator Ron Arad, Lubrani said, "unfortunately,
there is nothing new." The newspaper notes that Lubrani was abroad
recently, where he met with different elements who may help find a
solution for the POWs and MIAs problem.
 
 
Hizbullah Leader Says War Against Israel will Continue Despite
Lebanese Call that His Organization Coordinate Stands with It
 
Today's HA'ARETZ quotes the new Hizbullah leader in Lebanon, Sheikh
Nasralla, who said that the war against Israel in South Lebanon
will continue, despite the request of Lebanon's Foreign Minister
that the Hizbullah coordinate stands with the Lebanese Government.
The Lebanese Government will not liberate the country, claimed
Nasralla in an interview to a reporter in Damascus of the
INDEPENDENT newspaper. "It uses political and diplomatic means,"
said the Sheikh, "but such means didn't liberate even one inch of
Arab land."
 
 
CPI for May Decreased by 0.4%
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the heads of the Israeli economic
system were surprised with the Consumer Price Index for May which
was published yesterday. The CPI for the month of May fell by 0.4%,
due to a sharp decrease in the price of fruits and vegetables. It
is the first time since January 1986 that the CPI fell, and it's
the lowest May CPI in 23 years. The prices for fruits and
vegetables decreased by 14.3% last month, following several months
of increase in their price, which was the major factor in the CPI
increase in 1992's first quarter.
 
 
Israeli Committee Concludes that Falashmoreh are Not Entitled to
Benefit from Law of Return
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports today that the committee formed
to decide the issue of those Ethiopian Jews who converted to
Christianity, the Falashmoreh, has rendered a decision. According
to the committee they cannot benefit from Israel's Law of
Return,(which entitles all Jews to the safe haven of Israel) and
must begin a process of reconversion to Judaism. Two members of the
committee, Rabbi Menachem Waldman and the representative of the
Ministry of the Interior Yisrael Kimchi, say that such a process
must also include those converts already brought to Israel.
According to the radio, the Israeli Ambassador in Addis Ababa
reports that objections by the Ethiopian government and Ethiopian
churches to the process of reconversion of those affected back to
Judaism are becoming apparent.
 
 
Unemployment Figures for May Reach 90,000
 
Israel Radio also reports today that there were 90,000 listed as
unemployed in Israel in the month of May. The number of people
seeking work decreased by 6%, but the number of those receiving
unemployment benefits and government stipends increased by 10%. The
employment service explained the figures by the fact that Israelis
not entitled to unemployment benefits and new immigrants are
willing to work any type of job.
 
 
YEDIOT AHRONOT: 75 Jews left Syria for New York in a direct flight
yesterday.  This marks the largest number of Jews to leave Syria in
one day. The newspaper notes that 260 Jews left Syria in recent
months, approximately 10% of the Jewish community there.
 
 
HA'ARETZ: The Israeli Aircraft Industry was apparently the only
bidder left for a major deal to sell drones to the U.S. Navy. This,
after the Pentagon rejected the participation of McDonnel Douglas
in the bid, due to problems discovered in the American company's
flight experiments conducted to check the drones. The deal is worth
an estimated 550 million Dollars.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
 
112,000 People who Voted Likud in the Past Are Either Hesitating to
Repeat That or Have Already Decided Not to Vote Likud This Time
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that interim conclusions of an operation
to locate past voters conducted by the Likud Party show that
112,000 people who voted for the Likud in the past are hesitating
to vote for the Likud again, or have already decided not to vote
for it. This number represents approximately 5 seats in the
Knesset. According to the newspaper, there is concern at Likud
headquarters over these conclusions, and it was decided to increase
efforts to persuade those disappointed of the Likud, and those who
are still hesitating.
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar, Revital Lubinsky
and Robert Socolof.

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                 Wednesday, June 17, 1992
 
 
HA'ARETZ: Bush Administration Signals Desire to Improve Its
Relations with Israel
 
Today's HA'ARETZ quotes a Reuter report which stated that the Bush
administration is signaling a desire to improve its relations with
Israel after next week's national election. Officials and Jewish
sources say that among other things, the Bush administration is
considering reopening the question of $10 billion in loan
guarantees to Israel. One Jewish leader said the Jewish community
had been told that the Bush administration was considering five
concrete steps to improve ties with Israel. These were:
    -- A high-profile meeting between Bush and American Jewish
leaders.
    -- A Bush speech wherein the president would try to correct
what he considered to be false impressions about his policy on
Israel and to  "put things back on track." 
    -- A letter-to-the-Editor newspaper article by a senior
administration official, possibly National Security Adviser Brent
Scowcroft, that could appear in a top U.S. daily and  "set the
record straight." 
    -- An invitation to the next Prime Minister of Israel to visit
Bush at his summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine, for a relaxed
weekend.
    -- Review the loan guarantees issue and try to come up with an
accommodation under which Israel would start receiving money before
the U.S. presidential election Nov. 3.
 
 
DAVAR: Compromise Proposal Being Formulated to Cancel Expulsion
Orders Against 11 Palestinians, with the 11 Leaving Israel for 3
Years
 
Today's DAVAR reports on a proposal to cancel the expulsion orders
against 11 Palestinians from the Territories, with the eleven
leaving Israel for a three-year period, instead. This proposal, the
first of its kind in 25 years, has been formulated over recent days
between the State Attorney's Office and those awaiting expulsion.
All 11 Palestinians appealed to Israel's High Court of Justice
against their expulsion, with the next appeal hearing scheduled for
June 24. The newspaper notes that these expulsion orders drew harsh
criticism from around the world, and should they be carried out,
Israel may face a sharp condemnation in the U.N. Security Council.
DAVAR also states that this expulsion would be an inconvenience to
Israel because of the current peace process.
 
 
Chinese Ambassador to Israel: China Never Supplied Nuclear Weapons
to Any Country
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR quotes the new Chinese Ambassador to Israel
who said yesterday that China has never supplied nuclear weapons to
any country. He was speaking in a reception in his honor arranged
by the mayor of the city of Haifa. Ambassador Lin denied rumors
that China supplies nuclear weapons to countries in the Middle
East, saying these rumors are "nonsense." Referring to conventional
weapons supplied by China, the Ambassador said that China is not
very active in this field. He added that according to his
assessment, China's activity in this field will not harm the
balance of power in the Middle East.
 
 
Rubinstein: Issue of The Jews who Converted to Christianity in
Ethiopia is Difficult and Sensitive
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, today reports on statements made by the
head of the inter-ministerial committee on the issue of Jews who
converted to Christianity in Ethiopia (Falashmoreh), Government
Secretary Elyakim Rubinstein. Mr. Rubinstein said that the
committee's report will be discussed in the political echelons and
the Government's ministries before any decision is adopted.
According to Rubinstein, the issue of those who converted to
Christianity in Ethiopia is difficult and sensitive, and has no
parallel in the history of the Jewish people.
 
 
Holy Stone Anchor Revealed in Archeological Diggings in Tiberias
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that a holy stone anchor was revealed in
the archeological digs at Mont Berniky in Tiberias. Information on
this discovery was relayed during a tour conducted by the heads of
Israel's Antiquity Authority with Tiberias' mayor at the dig site.
The stone anchors which weighs a half-ton and is made of basalt
with a hole in the middle approximately 5 inches in diameter. It
was discovered underneath the altar of the Byzantine church on Mont
Berniky. According to the newspaper, pilgrims during the
hellenistic period admired the stone. This is evident in many
letters of pilgrims who talk about stories related to the stone and
Jesus.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
Israelis Postpone Vacations Because of Election
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that 40,000 households postponed
their vacations in Israel or abroad because of the election [i.e.
Israelis abroad cannot vote in the election]. This finding is a
result of a poll conducted in Israel during the first week of June
among 505 women in a representative national sample. The poll
showed that the tendency to postpone vacations was greater among
young people, ages 18-24, and people over 55 years old. The
question whether those postponing their vacations belong to a
certain party was not answered with conclusive results.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.


                                        JERUSALEM, 17 JUNE 1992

ELECTION NEWS OVERSEAS
(COMMUNICATED BY BEZEK)

BEZEK AND IDF RADIO ARE COOPERATING IN A JOINT EFFORT TO ENABLE
INTERESTED LISTENERS OVERSEAS TO DIAL SPECIAL TELEPHONE NUMBERS ON
ELECTION DAY TO HEAR NEWS FLASHES PRODUCED BY IDF RADIO.  THE
FLASHES WILL BE BROADCAST IN HEBREW AND ENGLISH AND WILL BE UPDATED
EVERY HALF HOUR.

FOR HEBREW BROADCASTS DIAL 972-365-3333; FOR ENGLISH 972-365-4444.

THIS SERVICE IS DESIGNED ONLY FOR OVERSEAS CALLERS.  THE BROADCAST
WILL COMMENCE ON ELECTION DAY, 23.6.92 AT 12:00 HOURS, AND WILL END
ON 24.6.92, AT 12:00 HOURS.

BEZEK HAS REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE LEADING U.S.
COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS -- AT&T AND MCI -- BY WHICH THESE COMPANIES
WILL ADVERTISE THE OPERATION VIA THEIR MEDIA.  THE FOREIGN MINISTRY
WILL CIRCULATE NEWS OF THE PROJECT AMONG ITS DELEGATIONS AND OTHER
ISRAELI INSTITUTIONS OVERSEAS.

THE BEZEK SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED THAT THE COMPANY IS CONSIDERING
CONTINUING THE NEWS BY TELEPHONE SERVICE AFTER THE ELECTIONS,
DEPENDING ON THE EXPERIENCE GAINED.


                                          Jerusalem, 17 June 1992

SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
(Hebrew Press)

"Ha'aretz" comments on the international threat posed by Iran.
Remarks made by the head of military Intelligence and the commander
of the Air Force two days ago, regarding the nuclear capability of
Iran, were addressed to the American leadership.  The only
practical hope for Israel, notes the paper, is that the U.S.  will
exert pressure on Teheran.  The U.S.  must, however, concentrate a
large international coalition against Iran, in order to ensure the
effectiveness of its pressure.  Still, Israel cannot prevent itself
from taking a stand on issues that concern its security.

"Davar" looks at the fate of western hostages in Lebanon and the
responsibility of the U.S.  in the hostages deal.  Iran is said to
have influenced the Hizballah to free the German hostages in order
to gain the good will of the western world.  The fate of the
Israeli navigator Ron Arad is also in the hands of the Americans.
Bush deserves some reward for bringing Ethiopian and Russians Jews
to Israel.  However, the return of Ron Arad, alive and healthy,
would be another way he could prove his commitment to humanitarian
efforts.  The next Prime Minister of Israel, when meeting with
President Bush, should give this issue high priority in his agenda.

"Ma'ariv" relates to the TV debate between Shamir and Rabin.  The
paper points out that there is no significant difference of opinion
between both candidates.  If we are to judge according to
yesterday's debate, the difference between Labor and Likud is only
a matter of style.

"Hadashot" looks at the traditional TV duel between Labor and Likud
candidates.  The debate ended, as expected, without a knock out.
It characterizes the final stages of the battle between the two big
parties.

"Yediot Ahronot" comments that whoever expected yesterday's debate
to be strong and thrilling, was seriously disappointed.  Neither
Shamir nor Rabin displayed an example of political courage.  The
main points of the debate dealt with the issues of settlements,
unemployment, absorption, and autonomy.

"Al Hamishmar" argues that the confrontation between the leaders of
the two big parties did not meet the expectations.  They neither
gave answers to the crucial questions nor clarified the existing
differences between the two blocks.  The paper believes that only
a significant move towards the left could change the political map
and accelerate essential processes.

"Hatzofeh" refers to the summit between president George Bush and
Russian president Boris Yeltsin.



ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 16-JUN-1992

 1.  LIBYA.

 Britain has announced that the information supplied by Libya on
the IRA had "positive elements, which could be useful," though some
aspects are missing.  This proves, the Foreign Office said, that
Libya can take positive steps when it wants to.  At the same time,
it emphasized that Libya should fulfill the remaining demands of
Britain, the U.S.  and France, primarily the extradition of the two
terrorist suspects in the Lockerbie case.  (Reuters, June 15).

 The Libyan parliament has not yet reached a decision on the whole
Lockerbie crisis; the speaker said his speech had stressed that
Libyan law would not permit the extradition, but added that the
house had not yet reached a final decision on the subject.  The
daily "Al Joumhourriyya" attacked him, saying he was speaking only
for himself.  (Reuters, June 15).

 The Saudi media, meanwhile, attacked Libya, saying those who talk
of Arab unity are precisely those who disrupt it, and in this
context named Saddam Hussein and the Libyan leader Quaddaffi.
Since reaching power, the newspaper "Al-Balad" claimed, Quaddaffi
had got entangled in his strange initiatives and hysterical
declarations, getting involved in several large crimes and arousing
against him the world's statesmen.  He is now trying to isolate
Libya from the Arab world after doing that with the international
arena.  (Saudi news service, June 15).  [Previously, Quaddaffi had
attacked Saudia harshly, blaming it for obeying the UN sanctions
against Libya and preventing Libyan citizens to go on the Haj
pilgrimage to Mecca].

 The Jordanian media ("Al Rai," June 15) strongly denounced the
Libyan media campaign against Arabs and said it was not justified
in the light of Libya's general stand towards the Arab nation...

 2.  SYRIA.

 Damascus Radio (June 15) said candidates of all parties in Israel
promise the voters nothing but "more aggression, violence and
determination to complicate the crisis in the region and bring it
to destructive wars." It adds that this may be behind talk of the
possibility of establishing a government of national unity, which
would have "a strategy of foiling the peace process and preparing
an additional invasion of Arab lands and promoting the idea of
Greater Israel." It calls on the world to realize what Syria has
said: i.e., Israel does not want peace.  (Damascus Radio, June 15).

 3.  JORDAN

 The weekly "Al-Akhbar al-'Asbu'a" (June 10) says former Jordanian
premier Rifai visited Damascus for talks with Pres.  Assad lasting
more than six hours and the results were "positive and good." No
date was given for the visit.

 4.  PALESTINIANS

 Delegation leader Dr.  Al-Shafi said Palestinian figures would
meet in Amman at the end of the week to discuss the "Honor
Agreement" for the Territories, where the latest wave of murders
testifies to the problem.  (Reuters, June 15).  The weekly
"Al-Manar" in East Jerusalem said (June 8) that Palestinian
personalities and experts are meeting in Amman and Cairo to discuss
elections for an independent administration, [in the Territories],
and the U.S.  is informed on these contacts.

 5.  IRAQ.

 Deputy premier Tarik Aziz visited Algeria (June 15) and gave a
note from Saddam Hussein to its government.  He said to the Iraqi
news agency he had discussed bilateral relations and the need for
Arab solidarity with Iraq.  (Baghdad Radio, June 15).

 In a CNN interview, he denied allegations that the U.S.  had
supplied Iraq with arms during the '80s, and Iraq had acquired only
agricultural products and equipment...but no weapons or financial
assistance.  He said the U.S.  was hostile in 1990, before the
invasion of Kuwait, and plotted to kill the Iraqi premier of the
time.  Aziz had previously visited Morocco and also Rio for the
World Earth Congress.

 6.  MOROCCO

 A UN envoy for the Sahara visited Morocco and met with King
Hassan, and will go back to Algeria for talks with the Polisario
organization.  (Reuters, June 15).




                                           Jerusalem, 10 June 1992

DAILY PRESS SURVEY
(Hebrew Press)

"HADASHOT" (p.  7) -- Background by Aharon Barnea -- The Abu-Nidal
organization has a long history of assassinations of Fatah members,
affiliated with the main-stream faction of PLO leader, Yasser
Arafat.  The organization did not boast of any of the murders, did
not try to explain them, and did not take responsibility for their
executions.

Abu-Nidal members have killed personalities in the PLO who had
expressed moderate views and supported the recognition of Israel
and negotiations with it.  Such was the case in the murder of the
PLO representative in London, Said Hamami, in 1978; as well as in
the immolation of Az-A-Din Kalek, representative of the
organization in Paris during the same year and; alike regarding the
murder of Dr. Issam Sartawi in Lisbon, in 1973.  The three of them
used to meet from time to time with Israeli peace activists such as
Uri Avneri, Dr. Matti Peled, Arye (Luba) Eliav and Yaakov Arnon.

An additional aim, which Abu-Nidal members have set for themselves,
is to attack targets identified with Arab countries, whose
interests were not compatible with those of the organization.
Thus, for instance, they attacked the "Smiramis" hotel in the
center of Damascus in 1976, as well as the "Intercontinental" hotel
in Amman, where they took hostages.  At the end of that year
delegates of Abu-Nidal attempted to assassinate former Syrian
Foreign Minister, Abd Al-Khalim Khadam, without success.

In 1978 in Cyprus, Abu-Nidal members killed the senior Egyptian
journalist and head of Executive Board of the daily "Al-Ahram",
Yussuf A-Siba'ai.  The murderers were irritated by the fact that
the journalist accompanied former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in
his trip to Jerusalem, and because he expressed his support for the
mission in his articles.

All these incidents have not erased the memory of the attacks
carried out by the organization on both Israeli and Jewish targets.
They are those who severely injured Shlomo Argov, former Israeli
ambassador to London, in the eve of Lebanon War.  They executed the
attack on the Jewish synagogue of Istanbul, in September 1986, and
they also were behind the killing of Heinz Nital, President of the
Austria-Israel Friendship Association, in Vienna in 1981.  And
these are all only examples.



                                             Jerusalem, 9 June 1992

GPO BRIEFING ON THE ARAB VOTE
(Government Press Office)

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM THE GPO BRIEFING ON THE ELECTIONS
WITH DR. ELI REKHESS, FROM THE DAYAN CENTER OF MIDDLE EASTERN
STUDIES AT TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY, EXPERT ON ISRAELI-ARAB ISSUES AND
THE ARAB VOTE.

Dr.  Rekhess: Much has been said about the potential vote of the
Arab electorate.  The Arab electorate constitutes nearly 400,000
eligible voters.  In past years, the rate of participation tilted
between less than 70% and a little above 70%.  In the most recent
election of 1988, the rate was 75%, on the assumption that this
rate of participation will be repeated in 1992, taking in
consideration some 300,000 or less Arab voters.  If 22,000 to
25,000 votes will be needed for one Knesset seat, then we can
calculate and come out with the figure that the Arab vote is
potentially worth 12 to 13 Knesset seats.

Labor hopes to be able to form a coalition block or coalition
government with the support of Arab Knesset members from Hadash,
Darawshe, and possibly Mi'ari.  Personally, I am not that sure this
is feasible.  There has been much talk about the formation of a
unified block including Darawshe, Mi'ari and some independent
figures in the Arab sector.  Had such a body emerged, then I would
envisage the size of the Arab block to significantly support Labor,
but as you know, the Arabs failed to unite.  And the first
observational conclusion that I come up with at this point is that
the Arab society in general and the Arab vote in particular will be
significantly divided.

Many in the Arab sector itself are frustrated and disappointed by
the fact that Darawshe and Mi'ari could not get together to form
one list.  Incidentally, this may be reflected in the abstention
rate, (...) Why is it that the Arabs could not get together? For
Mi'ari it could mean political suicide, since he may not be able to
pass the required threshold to enter Knesset.  Why are they so
divided? The Arab Palestinian society in Israel is a reflection of
the wider Arab society to which it belongs.  Factionalism and
fragmentation are not only characteristic of the PLO and
Palestinians in the territories, but of the Arab Palestinian
society in Israel.

There are numerous divisions within the Arab society in Israel.
Let me enumerate a few of them:

1.  GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISIONS Interregional differences: the Galilee
vs.  the "Triangle"; the Triangle vs.  the South (Negev); there are
also regional differences: eastern Galilee vs.  western Galilee.

2.  RELIGIOUS DIVISIONS Muslims vs.  Christians vs.  Druze vs.
Cherkessians, etc.

3.  SETTLEMENT DIVISION: City dwellers vs.  villagers, nomads (or
Bedouins) and of course, the traditional family and interpersonal
rivalries.  (...)

The Arab community in Israel is undergoing a deep political crisis.
The present elections are being held in the midst of a process of
reformulation, or reconfiguration.  First of all the decline of the
communist party, Hadash and the communist party being the main
actors of the Arab political scene.
Let us go back to the evolution of Arab politics in Israel, in
order to understand the dynamics of the present day.  I tend to
analyze the evolution of Arab politics in Israel on the basis of a
cyclic movement.  In the 50's and early 60's, it was the Mapai-led
Arab affiliated lists who gave the lead, which reflected a very
accommodative viewpoint of Arabs who almost fully identified and
cooperated with the State.

In 1967, a turning point; the cycle makes one full turn round with
the decline of the Arab lists and the emergence of Rakach-Hadash,
which filled the vacuum created with the decline of Arab lists.
Rakach introduced the new pro-palestinian national line and a
pronounced political activism.  From 1975 to 1985 they were in the
lead.

We are now on the eve of an additional cycle, in which Rakach is
gradually leaving the scene and there is anticipation of a new body
to fill in the void, potentially either a unified Arab list or the
Islamic movement.

What we witness these days of the present election campaign, is a
gradual transformation from the binational framework to the
uninational framework of political action.  The first background,
the binational, was representative of the communist party, which
constitutes a biethnic organization in which Jews an Arabs are
joined in a unified class struggle.  The PLP (Mi'ari), was also
formed as a binational organization.  However, both bodies have
been losing ground in favor of a new pattern of political
organization, the national one so strongly exemplified in
Darawshe's Arab Democratic List.  In this new framework, Arab
exclusivity is a precondition.  You cannot be a "Jewish" member of
this list.

The present campaign is characterized by a much more heated debate
over the question whether the Arabs should participate in the
elections or parliamentary process or not.  There are those who
negate the idea of participation in the Knesset on the grounds of
ideological or dogmatic reasons, such as the "Sons of the Village"
who basically delegitimize the State of Israel and call for a
boycott for elections of a Jewish zionist parliament, (...) such as
the radical elements within the Islamic movement.

Another trend questions the usefulness of participation of Arabs in
elections and the Knesset, from a very pragmatic outlook.  They it
is futile, since for 44 years the Arab members of the Knesset were
neither able to deliver any goods, nor able to participate in
important Knesset committees.  They have not managed to contribute
to the welfare of the Arab community through parliamentary means.
Efforts have been concentrated at the extra parliamentary level, as
it is the municipal arena which really counts, where Arabs have
direct control over human and financial resources.  Hence, the
growing importance of the National Committee of Arab Mayors and the
accumulative power of the Islamic movement.

I regard this coming elections as a transitional period from the
Arab point of view.  It will only be in 1996 that the picture will
crystallize; we will know who will replace the communists, if at
all, and also how the debate whether or not to go to the Knesset or
whether to remain in the municipal sphere will be solved.

Q: What is the significance of the fact that the Islamic movement
has this time instructed the participation of Arab voters in
elections?

A: I see no significant tilt in the voting pattern of the Arab
votes.  The argument goes that because the Islamic movement
recommends participation, then there will be a raise of 10% in
participation, which I do not think it is true.  My first
assumption is related to the fact that there is an inner debate
within the Islamic movement whether Arabs in Israel should or
should not vote.

One faction says yes, as they did in 1988.  They did not boycott
elections in 1988, a detail which people tend to forget (...).
There are some contradicting views in this respect, based on the
ideological debate as I mentioned earlier.

There will be a rate of abstention from within the Islamic
movement.  (...) Islamic voters abstained from voting due to the
directives of this opposing poll and therefore I believe the same
phenomenon will be repeated.  There may be a rise but there are
conflicting powers who have a different impact upon Arabs and I do
not see an influx of voters running to the polls, definitely not in
terms of 10 or 15%.

Q: Why can Arabs not take part in a coalition government?

A: (...) I think it is a sort of psychological barrier which
prohibits the possibility to set up a coalition government, with
Arab membership and the opposite.  The psychological barrier that
Arabs are so staunchly anti- zionists, especially the more
nationalist ones.  This is not the case of the 1950's, when there
were coalition governments who relied on Arab votes, like the
affiliated list; but these were "our" Arabs, who would vote for the
continuation of the military government.  (...) Politically,
ideologically and psychologically, we encounter some barriers.  And
the best example for that was in the 1990's, when Peres had the
chance to form a Labor-led government up to the breakdown of the
national unity government, and at the last moment it stopped.

Q: Does the fear stem mainly from a lack of trust in them or
because they are going to learn secrets that afterwards will be
used against Israel?

A: No, the fear comes mostly from the Jewish electorate, in terms
of what will be the Jewish support for the party.  Look at the
Likud propaganda nowadays, they try to hit Labor by saying that if
you vote Labor it means - you are voting for a government of Rabin,
Mi'ari and Darawshe.

Q: Has the Islamic movement made any statement or have they issued
any instructions telling Arab voters to vote for a certain party?

A: No, (...) of course they have not made such a statement.  They
are playing it safe.  On the contrary, they accumulate growing
influence by not giving the blessings openly.  But behind the
scenes, there is a lot of commotion going on.  (...) They are being
courted by Labor, and also by Mi'ari (...).  They are courted by
Meretz too, very strongly.  The only ones who are avoiding them is
Hadash, and they probably will pay a price for that.  They cannot
overcome the ideological barriers that separates them.  (...) The
[Arabs] are deeply disappointed.  (...)

Q: Could you comment more on the phenomenon of Arab voting for
Labor or other parties, is it on an independent basis or under
recommendation of their leaders? How serious are Meretz and Labor
courting their votes?

A: Mapam, Ratz and Shinui together obtained 26,000 Arab votes in
1988, which was more than one mandate all together.  This time I
expect Meretz to get 35,000 votes from the Arab sector, which means
a mandate and a half.  Labor got 42,000 votes in 1988 and sources
in the Arab sector estimated 55,000 this time, which constitutes 2
or 2 and a half mandates.  I do not see a significant change in
Labor and Meretz voters, I think they will have their traditional
voters.  Labor has a problem, that the image of Rabin breaking the
bones of the Palestinians in 1988 when Intifada has began has not
been removed.  The Arab memory in this regard is not selective.  I
do not see them succeeding making a significant tilt.  Meretz also
has a problem with regard to the Arab vote, because they do not
speak of an inseparable Jerusalem and because of its zionist
character (...)

There is a modern voting pattern, characteristic of the more
educated classes where decisions are made according to one's
principles, not influenced by the propaganda of parties.  But at
the same time they recruit the whole family to vote, as it was done
traditionally.  (...)

Q: It is likely that Jewish attitude towards Arab voters will
change or that the Arabs will take part in a coalition, and if it
is not the case, that an Arab lobby will be created (...)?

A: It will be interesting to see a situation where Meretz and Labor
have 55 seats and 6 seats of the Arab will make it or not for
Labor.  What will happen is an oriental bazaar, where the Arabs
feel the power.  There have been such deals in the past, in 1986 in
return for presenting Um Al-Fahem the status of a city, the PLP
supported Shlomo Hillel as speaker of the Knesset.  But this time
it is going to be a big [deal].  The Arabs will make substantial
promises for something significant.  (...)

Q: What is your prediction for the upcoming elections among the
Arab sector?

A: (...) I am not sure whether Mi'ari can pass the required
threshold, but since he made a surplus votes agreement with Hadash,
he may end up with two.  As for Darawshe, it seems that he will be
able to recruit 2, although the party expects more.  Hadash,
between 2 or 3; Meretz, 1 plus; Labor, 2 or 2.5; Likud, working
among the Bedouins, the Druze and the Christians, 1.5.  Regarding
Shas, there are Shas branches in Arab villages, (...) out of
patronage to start with, Shas is very active, which could amount to
almost 1 full mandate, but I would opt for half a mandate or more.

Q: Does the peace process play any role in the Arab vote?

A: Not really.  The only party that seems to emphasize the national
element and the Palestinian interest is Mi'ari.  All the rest speak
about it but are much more preoccupied with internal struggles
within the different parties.  (...) It is definitely not the peace
process that concerns most of the Arab sector.
(...)



              Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                 Thursday, June 18, 1992
 
 
Deputy Minister Porush and Egyptian President Mubarak to Meet Today
 
Today's DAVAR reports that Deputy Minister for Labor and Social
Affairs, Menachem Porush, will meet today with Egyptian President
Husni Mubarak. The meeting was initiated by Mubarak's office and
was arranged by Egypt's Ambassador in Israel, Mohamad Basyouni. The
newspaper notes that Basyouni recently met with Porush for a series
of personal talks, to hear the Deputy Minister's views on political
and social matters in Israel. In preparation for the meeting,
Porush met with both Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir and Foreign
Minister David Levy.
In a commentary article, DAVAR notes that the invitation extended
to Deputy Minister Porush to meet with President Mubarak is an
Egyptian tactic regarding the election in Israel. The Egyptians
claim that they do not interfere with the election campaign in
Israel. But in fact, states the commentary, they try to strengthen
those parties and political figures they perceive as pragmatic, and
those who can contribute to the establishment of a  Labor-led
government.
 
 
Gorbachev: I Believe Peace Can Be Established Only by Countries
that are Parties to the Dispute
 
Today's DAVAR quotes former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev who
was speaking in a ceremony in Sdeh-Boker in the Negev. "I believe
that peace can be established only by representatives of the
Governments and countries that are parties to the dispute," said
Gorbachev. "The peace in the Middle East cannot be tailored only
according to an American, Russian, Syrian or Israeli formula. The
peace has to be based on the consent of all the peoples living here
to cooperate." Gorbachev continued saying, "In my opinion, it is a
mistake to think that this region needs a mediator. During my visit
in Israel, I've spoken with the President, the Prime Minister,
Rabin and other leaders, and I was deeply impressed that [people]
here are relating to the peace process seriously." The former
Soviet President added that he believes the peace process will
continue, but that the road leading to the target will be long and
difficult.
 
 
Security Sources on Hostage Affair Following Release of German
Hostages
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR quotes security sources who spoke yesterday
following the release of the two German hostages in Lebanon. "We
want to emphasize that Iran, which holds Israel Air Force Navigator
Ron Arad, continues to refuse to report his fate and his condition,
and allow the Red Cross to meet with him." Israel, said the
sources, welcomes the release of the 2 innocent Germans. The
sources noted that it is appropriate to remember Israel's past
assistance to the efforts of the U.N. Secretary General and his
special envoy to bring about the release of Western hostages. The
newspaper also quotes the sources as saying that attempts by the
U.N. Secretary General's envoy Giandomenico Picco and other
international elements to bring about a change in the inhuman
stance of Iran have thus far been unsuccessful. They added, though,
that, "We were happy to hear that Picco intends to continue in his
efforts."
 
 
YEDIOT AHRONOT: Following the release of the two German hostages in
Lebanon, German ministers hinted yesterday that Germany is seeking
via Iran, Syria and Lebanon "for the release of the other hostages
still held in Lebanon." The newspaper claims that this statement
hints a German attempt to assist in the release of the Israeli POWs
and MIAs. The paper notes that in the past, the German Foreign
Minister has been asked by Israel to try to obtain information
regarding the fate of IAF navigator Ron Arad.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
Shas Attacks Ashkenazic Jews, the Left and the National Religious
Party
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports that the Shas Party's assembly
last night in Tel Aviv was marked by sharp statements against
Ashkenazic Jews, the Israeli Left, and the National Religious
Party.  Minister Arie Deri said that the entire Knesset is dealing
mainly in anti-religious discussions. Deri attacked the left,
calling its people "Israel haters" and "religion murderers." Rabbi
Ovadia Yossef attacked MK Shulamit Aloni for being, in his opinion,
anti-religious. Yossef also claimed that religious Ashkenazic Jews
are not "in a hurry" to praise Sepharadic Jews.
 
 
Rabbi Shach Says Yeshivas are the Ones Building Israel
 
Israel Radio also reports on the assembly last night of the Yahadut
Hatorah party in the sport stadium located in Yad Eliyahu. During
the assembly, Rabbi Eliezer Shach said that it is the yeshivas  who
build the land of Israel, and the usefulness of building factories
or the army is questionable. The radio also quotes the Grand Rabbi
of Vizhnitz who called for the establishment of separate public
transportation for men and women.
 
 
MK Darawshe Says PLO Official Sent a Letter to MK Miari Asking Him
Not to Run for Knesset
 
Today's DAVAR reports that Knesset Member Abdulwahab Darawshe, head
of the Arab Democratic Party, yesterday revealed that Mahmud Abed,
considered to be the number 2 man in the Palestine Liberation
Organization, sent a personal letter to MK Mohamad Miari from the
Progressive List for Peace calling upon him not to run for the
Knesset. The PLO official felt that Miari's run for office might
split the Arab vote. The Progressive List for Peace called the
story a joke. "The Progressive will continue in its election
campaign and believes that it will win."  The newspaper notes that
the party's response does not confirm nor deny the existence of the
letter.
 
 
HADASHOT: New Poll Shows Gap Between Labor and Likud is Closing
 
Today's HADASHOT publishes a new poll claiming that the gap between
the Labor and Likud parties is closing. The new poll also notes a
rise in number of votes for the Tsomet and Meretz parties. The
newspaper poll is compared with other polls taken over the past
month:
Party                         6.15.92     6.10.92     End of May        Mid-May
 
Likud                         37          37          35                33
Labor                         38          42          42                43
Moledet                       4           4           5                 3
Tsomet                        6           5           4                 6
Tehiya                        3           4           3                 3
Meretz                        12          10          9                 9
Yahadut Hatorah               6           5           6                 7
Shas                          5           4           4                 5
Mafdal (NPR)                  5           5           5                 4
Hadash & Darawshe             4           4           6                 6
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.




                                         Jerusalem, 17 June 1992

DAILY PRESS SURVEY
(Hebrew Press)

IN TODAY'S SURVEY: Main points made by Shamir and Rabin during
televised debate; Expulsion orders against 11 Palestinians will be
canceled and, instead, they will leave the territories for a period
of three years.

"MA'ARIV", (p.4) -- The following are the main points of the
remarks made during the televised debate held, yesterday, between
the two candidates for prime minister:

Shamir
------

*  The next government will have to be headed by the Likud. This
   government has achieved great accomplishments in all fields and
   it would be regretful to stop them.
*  In Gaza -- as in other places -- they are attacking us, but we
   must deal with this and we will prevail.
*  We are interested in peace with Syria, but I will not be
   prepared to discuss whether the intention is to talk about
   territorial changes.
*  We have [registered] prominent achievements in the economic
   sphere. Only yesterday, we were informed of the low [May] CPI.
   The [economy] has grown by 7% and the GNP doubled itself. This
   unemployment is the result of the large wave of immigration.
   Unemployment among veteran residents is decreasing. Ever year,
   we are creating thousands of jobs.
*  (On the possibility of establishing a national unity government
   after the elections) I am not ruling out the possibility and
   [we] must see the circumstances, but -- for the moment -- it is
   not realistic.

Rabin
-----

*  The Labor order of national priorities is more correct, in the
   face of the large fumbles by the Likud in all areas. We are more
   appropriate to run the next government.
*  At the end of the process, I do not want to see the 700,000
   Gazans participating in elections, carrying Israeli identity
   cards and walking around in our cities. Our first phase is the
   establishment of autonomy; we will enlist financial resources
   from the Arab world, and we will see less Gazans in the streets.
   I want to see the Gazans in Gaza.
*  The Syrians were always the tough nut to crack and they should
   be left until the end (of negotiations).
*  Eight years ago, the Likud government brought about 400%
   inflation, a budget deficit and a terrible reality. We
   established a unity government headed by Shimon Peres and
   liquidated inflation.
*  Our government will not include Darawshe, the Communist party or
   Miari -- not because they are Arabs, but because of their views.
   It would also not include Moledet or Tehiya because of their
   views.
*  I object to a Palestinian state between us and Jordan. To the
   same extent, I do not want 1.7 million Palestinians to be
   citizens of Israel. There are three points upon which I will
   stand: no Palestinian state; no return to 1967 borders, and; a
   united Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty.

"DAVAR", (p.1) -- Michal Sela reports that the expulsion orders
against [eleven] candidates from the territories will be canceled
and, instead, the candidates will leave the territories for a
period of three years. This proposal -- the first of its kind in
the past 25 years -- is now being formulated between the office of
the State Attorney and the candidates for expulsion.
The expulsion orders are pending against eleven Palestinians (...).
All eleven have appealed their expulsion to the High Court of
Justice and the next discussion of their appeal is slated for 24
June.   (...)

According to the arrangement, should it be accepted by the
candidates for expulsion, the expulsion orders will be officially
rescinded. The eleven expellees will be permitted to return to
their homes for 48 hours and to submit standard applications --
called "green applications" -- to leave the country, just like
every other Palestinian from the territories who wishes to leave
Israel.

Upon the receipt of the exit visas, those departing [the country]
will sign a commitment not to return for three years -- apparently
from the day the expulsion order was issued. At the same time, it
is possible that they will be allowed to come for summer visits.
The three-year exit will not impair their right of residency.

As far as is known, there is still an argument between the
candidates for expulsion -- who have been in detention for seven
months. They are hesitating as to whether they should accept the
offer -- which is an easy solution for them, but which also makes
things somewhat "easier" for the Israeli government. Apparently,
the candidates for expulsion are inclined to accept the proposal
and they will decide on their position toward the matter today or
tomorrow. (...)

The lawyers have accepted the three-year exit proposal because it
is more comfortable for their clients and because it [represents]
a retreat in the position of the Israeli government.


                                          Jerusalem, 17 June 1992

SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
(Hebrew Press)

"Ha'aretz" comments on the international threat posed by Iran.
Remarks made by the head of military Intelligence and the commander
of the Air Force two days ago, regarding the nuclear capability of
Iran, were addressed to the American leadership. The only practical
hope for Israel, notes the paper, is that the U.S. will exert
pressure on Teheran. The U.S. must, however, concentrate a large
international coalition against Iran, in order to ensure the
effectiveness of its pressure. Still, Israel cannot prevent itself
from taking a stand on issues that concern its security.

"Davar" looks at the fate of western hostages in Lebanon and the
responsibility of the U.S. in the hostages deal. Iran is said to
have influenced the Hizballah to free the German hostages in order
to gain the good will of the western world. The fate of the Israeli
navigator Ron Arad is also in the hands of the Americans. Bush
deserves some reward for bringing Ethiopian and Russians Jews to
Israel. However, the return of Ron Arad, alive and healthy, would
be another way he could prove his commitment to humanitarian
efforts. The next Prime Minister of Israel, when meeting with
President Bush, should give this issue high priority in his agenda.

"Ma'ariv" relates to the TV debate between Shamir and Rabin. The
paper points out that there is no significant difference of opinion
between both candidates. If we are to judge according to
yesterday's debate, the difference between Labor and Likud is only
a matter of style.

"Hadashot" looks at the traditional TV duel between Labor and Likud
candidates. The debate ended, as expected, without a knock out. It
characterizes the final stages of the battle between the two big
parties.

"Yediot Ahronot" comments that whoever expected yesterday's debate
to be strong and thrilling, was seriously disappointed. Neither
Shamir nor Rabin displayed an example of political courage. The
main points of the debate dealt with the issues of settlements,
unemployment, absorption, and autonomy.

"Al Hamishmar" argues that the confrontation between the leaders of
the two big parties did not meet the expectations. They neither
gave answers to the crucial questions nor clarified the existing
differences between the two blocks. The paper believes that only a
significant move towards the left could change the political map
and accelerate essential processes.

"Hatzofeh" refers to the summit between president George Bush and
Russian president Boris Yeltsin.


ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 17-JUN-1992

 1. ISLAMIC FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET IN ISTANBUL

 The Jordanian paper "Ad-Detour" (June 16) says Jordan will raise,
at the Islamic meeting, the issue of holy sites in Jerusalem and
claim there is no agreement on repairs by an international body.
(ME news agency). The Jordanian press strongly attacks the
intention of the conference to discuss the fate of the Moslems in
Yugoslavia and how to save them, while racist acts are occurring
against Moslems in various Arab countries. The Syrian foreign
minister has gone to Istanbul (June 16) and met there with the
Egyptian, Indonesian and Azeiri foreign ministers. (Damascus Radio,
June 16).

 2. THE GULF

 The Kuwaiti welfare head said citizens had collected $301-million
as a contribution to Moslems in Bosnia...

 3. JORDAN

 A senior Jordanian source said the U.S. decision to defer joint
military maneuvers with Jordan was a result of intelligence reports
from Egypt, Kuwait, saudia and opposition Iraqi elements in the
U.S., which tried to convince Washington that Jordan is violating
the UN embargo against Iraq , and thus to exercise pressure against
Jordan.

 4. SYRIA

 The official paper "Tishrin" (June 16) says Israeli claims about
armaments in Syria's possession are based on lies to cause a crisis
with Syria and harm its wish for peace; Syria's priority remains a
just, comprehensive peace in the region and responding to UN
resolutions and the U.S. initiative. (Damascus Radio, June 16).

 5. U. S. A.

 Pres. Bush told Congress (June 15) he is canceling Syria's right
to sell goods to the U.S. without customs duties because Syria did
not adopt steps to recognize the legitimate rights of workers. (AP,
June 16).

 6. PALESTINIANS.

 Arafat is expected to head the Palestinian team at talks in Amman
to assess the situation in the bilateral and multilateral peace
talks. (Qattar news agency, June 16).

 7. PLO

 Farouk Kaddoumi went to Venezuela after the Rio Earth summit and
told reporters the international community should intervene, as it
would have done elsewhere, and force Israel to withdraw, and an
interim administration should be set up under the UN as a
preliminary to establishing a Palestinian government...

 8. LEBANON

 The government met (June 16) to confirm a draft bill changing the
regulations in the election law, which will be submitted to the
parliament in a few days' time. The U.S. ambassador met with the
labor minister and stressed U.S. support for implementing the Taif
Agreement, and for elections free of outside pressures when the
Lebanese people want elections. The European Community said the
freeing of the two German hostages will enable funds of
$216-million to be freed for Lebanon, of them $53-million as a
grant and $122-million as a loan from the European Investment Bank.
The Iranian charge d'affaires in Lebanon met with the prime
minister to discuss bilateral relations and efforts to free the two
German hostages...

 9. LIBYA

 The national assembly continued its meetings (June 16). The
anti-Arab campaign continues in the newspapers. (Libyan news
agency, June 16). Anti-Western speeches were made in the assembly,
but no public anti-Arab remarks. The Egyptian paper "Al-Akhbar"
says (June 16) changes can be expected in the Libyan government.


                                             Jerusalem, 9 June 1992

DAILY PRESS SURVEY
(Hebrew Press)

IN TODAY'S SURVEY: Intelligence Commander, Maj. Gen. Saguy in press
conference for military correspondents reveals that PLO behind
Eilat terrorist attack and Iran building nuclear capability;
Commentary on PLO involvement in terrorist attacks; Background:
Assassinations of terrorist leaders; Background: Assassinations
attributed by foreign sources to Israel

 "YEDIOT AHRONOT" (p. 5) -- Danny Sadeh reports that the Chief of
Military Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Saguy revealed at a press
conference for military correspondents, that the gang of terrorists
which arrived in Eilat last week with the aim of carrying out a
mass attack and taking hostages, were members of the "Fatah-Arafat"
organization, but had a fanatic religious "cover story", intended
to blur the footprints of its assigners.

Major General Saguy also referred to Iran, and stated that Iran's
efforts to achieve nuclear capability threaten Israel's existence.
In his assessment, Iran will be able to achieve independent nuclear
capability by the end of the decade, and will carry great weight in
the strategic equation of the Middle East as well as of the entire
world.

"If this threat is not dealt with -- it will have far reaching
effects on the situation in the Middle East", said Saguy.
"Therefore, with combined forces this threat must either be
distanced, or prevented."

According to Saguy, Iran is attempting to fill the gap left by
Iraq. "They control the energy sources, the entry to the Persian
Gulf, and can drive the forces of radical religious movements. Iran
has purchased weapons from every available source, and is striving
to achieve unconventional capability of long range missiles,
chemical capabilities for missile warheads and the building of a
modern air force."

The Chief of Intelligence added that today Iran is involved, to a
great extent, in terrorist attacks around the world. "Its part in
Lebanon is known, and it is also involved in terror in Turkey, and
as far as is known was behind the attack on the Israeli embassy in
Argentina."

Regarding the attack in Eilat Major General Saguy revealed that the
captured terrorist at first said that he trained in Jordan, stayed
for many months in a mosque, and was sent on his mission by the
leaders of the mosque. However, after repeated interrogation, it
became clear that the gang belonged to the "Fatah-Arafat"
organization -- a network of the western sector.

The gang numbered three terrorists, one of whom apparently drowned
at sea, one who was killed, and one who was captured. The captured
terrorist was born in the village of Burka near Nablus. He related
that he and his two colleagues trained in Libya for a number of
months. When the gang reached operational proficiency, it met with
the commander responsible for its commission, Muhammed Medani.
Medani has prepared a number of terrorist gangs in the past who
attempted to carry out strikes in Israel. Among them is the gang
that tried to reach Nahariya about a year ago, but landed on the
Rosh Hanikra beach where it captured a number of U.N. people.

According to the Chief of Intelligence the terrorists left Libya
when their training was completed and crossed the border to Egypt.
They remained in Egypt for a few days and left Nueiba by ferry to
Aqaba.

In Aqaba, the terrorists met up with their contact man, who
transferred to them the arms and equipment, and after two days they
departed, swimming, using floating containers, to Israel.

Major General Saguy said that Libya trained the gang, although it
claims that it dismantled all terrorist training bases and expelled
them from the country. "That is not so", Saguy said. According to
him, "there is no doubt that PLO leaders, including Yasser Arafat,
knew of the gang's departure to execute a strike in Israel. It is
impossible that in a hierarchic organization such as the PLO,
something could happen without the leaders knowing of it."

On other matters, the Intelligence Chief said:

- Syria has purchased in recent months 600 T-72 tanks, armed itself
with 300 modern self-propelling artillery, as well as arming with
"Scud-C" missiles from the Far East. Some of the missiles have
already arrived in Syria, and further shipments are on their way
through a third country in the region. The Syrians purchase not
only missiles from North Korea, but also the know how to produce
these missiles.

- The disappearance of the Soviet Union has imbued rulers of Arab
states, particularly Syria, with the awareness that the
unconditional support which they received in the economic,
military, technological and political spheres -- has gone from the
world. The Syrian ruler understands that Syria's ability to reach
parity with Israel in the near future is progressively lessening.

- The Syrian claim that they have no influence over Hizballah
activity is unacceptable. However the Syrians have no interest in
a military confrontation with Israel, certainly not over Lebanon.

- The Air force strikes in Lebanon are also intended to make it
clear to the terrorists, and those who sponsor them, that if the
attacks against us do not cease -- we will strike at Hizballah
bases concealed within the population of South Lebanon. We have
announced in the past that whoever lives in a village with
Hizballah activists, is advised to either leave the village or
ensure that the terrorists leave. In the meanwhile it seems --
there is no action on the part of Lebanon or Syria to disarm the
Hizballah, and Iran also continues to support the Hizballah.

- For at least the foreseeable future -- the Arabs are interested
in participating in the political process, this holds true for
Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinians. The U.S. also has an
interest in the process continuing, and is prepared to carry out
its policies in a manner different from what was in the past.

"Yediot Ahronot" (p. 5) -- Commentary by Ron Ben Yishai -- Arafat
and his friends in the PLO leadership in Tunis apparently believe
that it is possible to dance at all weddings and enjoy the best of
all worlds.

On the one hand, they portray themselves to world public opinion as
penitents who have relinquished terrorism, thus becoming legitimate
partners to the political process; on the other hand -- they
continue the planning and execution of murderous terrorist attacks
in order to retain their standing as a leading element in the
Palestinian camp.

Ever since November 1988 when Arafat announced that he was turning
his back on terrorism and seeking a political solution to the
Palestinian problem, he has been trying to wave the olive branch
and a rifle at the same time.

One reason for this is the decline in the status of the PLO Tunis
leadership and the aggrandizing of the leadership in the
territories. Another reason: rivalry between Fatah, the
fundamentalist Hamas and George Habash's Popular Front for control
of the territories.

The planned attack on bathers on the Eilat beach was only the last
in the series. At first the organization claimed that it was in
fact conducting an armed struggle, but only within the territories
and against the security forces of Israel.

Israel protested, but the Americans were prepared to accept the new
rules of the game, and rewarded the PLO for the change in their
positions, by opening a political dialogue with it. Two years
later, in the summer of 1990, they were compelled to suspend the
dialogue after a large unit of terrorists, PLO-Arafat men,
attempted to land on Nitzanim beach to carry out a mass attack for
bargaining purposes among innocent bathers.

In the meantime, however, the political negotiations have opened in
Madrid and in order to tempt the Palestinians of the territories
into taking part in it, the Americans consented to grant the PLO
the status of back door partner. This despite that throughout this
period infiltration attempts from Lebanon by PLO men continued and
the armed terror in the territories increased. The Americans shut
their eyes to this.

Encouraged by their success, the PLO extended its terrorist
activities over the last year. In the territories it rushed to
exploit the prestige enjoyed by the gangs of wanted suspects, and
hurried to spread its mantle over them. While the PLO and Fatah
leadership condemn the murder of collaborators by "Black Panther"
gangs, Arafat appointed the commander of "Force 17" of the Fatah,
Abu-Tayeb, to supervise contacts with wanted suspects. Today Abu
Tayeb publicly claims responsibility for actions carried out by
these gangs.

Fatah has also established a network for "recycling" suspects, who
flee from the territories to overseas. Training camps have been set
up for them and they are sent back to Israel. This time not to
attack security forces in the territories, but to execute attacks
for bargaining purposes against civilians. Exactly the sort of
terror that Arafat promised to stop.

A terrorist gang was uncovered last year, Fatah people, who
infiltrated for this purpose from Egypt. Its people were spotted,
chased, and killed by security forces on Har Harif in the Negev.
Some months later the bodies of two PLO divers were discovered on
the Gaza beach, who had also departed on a spectacular strike, but
drowned en route to their destination.

The gang which tried to reach Eilat trained in Libya, in the same
training camp of the PLO naval division, in which the terrorists
who attempted a few years ago to land on Nitzanim beach trained.
The attack was planned in detail and the gang members were equipped
with a cover story in order to lead the security forces astray for
24 hours to allow the other terrorists to slip away from the
security forces of Egypt and Jordan.

Indeed for a few hours the Israeli security forces believed that
these were Islamic zealots of the type which operate in Jordan. But
it is now clear that these were "recycled" terrorists, Arafat's
men. (...)

Israel has not yet responded to the Eilat strike attempt, nor to
the attempts which preceded it. However security elements stress
openly that Jerusalem's patience has nearly expired, and that it
will not let Arafat or Libya persist in their double game without
disruption.

"YEDIOT AHRONOT" (p. 2) -- Background by Yehudit Yechezkeli --
History of assassinations:

*  January 1979 -- Hasan Ali Salama, the "Red Prince", who
   masterminded the murder of the athletes in Munich Olympics. From
   explosion of car bomb.
*  July 1979 -- Zuhir Muhsein, head of military department of PLO.
   Shot in the head.
*  December 1979 -- Samir Tukan, second secretary of PLO office in
   Nicosia, killed in his apartment.
*  June 1981 -- Naim Hadar, PLO representative in Belgium, shot.
*  October 1981 -- Majed Abu Sharar, supervisor of information of
   PLO, killed in his hotel.
*  June 1982 -- Kamel Hussein, deputy representative of PLO in
   Italy. By bomb explosion.
*  July 1982 -- Phaled Daani, deputy director of PLO office in
   France. From bomb explosion in his car.
*  September 1982 -- Saad Sail-Abu Walid, adviser to Arafat. In
   ambush in Lebanon.
*  April 1983 -- Isam Sartawi, political adviser to Yasser Arafat.
   Shot.
*  August 1983 -- Maamoun Marish, senior assistant of Abu-Jihad.
   Shot.
*  December 1984 -- Fahd Kwasma, member of executive committee
of PLO. Killed in Amman.
*  June 1986 -- Khaled Nazzal. Slain in Athens.
*  October 1986 -- Mundar Abu-Nazzaleh, commander of naval units of
   PLO. Killed in Athens.
*  February 1988 -- three military commanders of "Fatah"
   assassinated in Limasol, Cyprus.
*  April 1988 -- Abu-Jihad (Khalil Al-Wazir), killed in commando
   raid in Tunisia.
*  February 1992 -- Israeli helicopters strafed the car of Sheikh
   Musawi and blow it up.

"HADASHOT" (p. 3) -- Background by Aharon Barnea -- Senior PLO
officials killed by Israel, according to foreign sources:


*  Rasan Knafani. Spokesman of the Popular Front. Killed in July
   1972, in Beirut.
*  Wail Zuayater. Representative of Fatah in Italy, regional
   coordinator of "Black September" in Western Europe. Shot and
    killed in October 1972, in Rome.
*  Mahmoud Alhamshari. Among founders of "Force 17" of Fatah and
   PLO representative in Paris. Killed by explosion in December
   1972, in Paris.
*  Kamal Adwan, Kamal Nasser, Yussuf A-Najer. Killed by IDF forces
   in operation "Spring of Youth", in April 1973, in Beirut.
*  Ali Hasan Salama. Operations officer of "Black September" in
   Western Europe, among organizers of murder of athletes in
   Munich. Slain in Beirut, in January 1979.
*  Majad Abu Sharar. Supervisor of information in Fatah. Killed in
   October 1981, in Rome.
*  Munzar Abu-Razala. Head of naval unit in Fatah. Immolated in
   October 1986, in Athens.
*  Bassam Sultan, Mahmed Bahis, Marwan Kiali. Commanders of Islam
   Jihad faction of Fatah. Killed in February 1988, in Cyprus.
*  Khalil Al-Wazir (Abu-Jihad). Deputy of Arafat. Killed in April
   1988, in Tunisia.



INTERVIEW WITH CAPTURED TERRORIST MUAYYAD NASSER ON ISRAEL
TELEVISION NEWS IN ARABIC, June 8, 1992

Background: The investigation of the sea-borne terrorist cell which
tried last Saturday (May 30) to carry out a terrorist attack on the
Eilat beach has revealed that the terrorists belonged to the
"Western Front" of FATAH. The three members of the group trained in
Libya and arrived in Aqaba via Egypt, using forged Syrian
passports. The only member of the group to survive, Muayyad Salim
Mahmud Nasser, from the village of Burka near Nablus, related that
the members of the cell were ordered to place responsibility for
the attack on Islamic religious movements, and not to admit their
membership in FATAH, in order to gain time. The surviving terrorist
was interviewed in Tel-Aviv's Ichilov Hospital, where he was
treated.

Q: What is your name?

A: My name is Muayyad Salim Mahmud Nasser from the village of
Burka, near Nablus, in the West Bank. I am a member of the
Palestinian National Liberation Movement "FATAH" - the "Western
Front". I was recruited in Libya in May '90. In Libya, I underwent
training in many camps, with different types of weapons and in
water sports: swimming, sailing, etc. Later, when we set out for
the operation, we travelled via Sallum with Syrian passports. From
Sallum we travelled to Alexandria, from there to Cairo, then to
Nueiba, and finally to Aqaba.

Q: What sort of training did you undergo in Libya?

A: First of all, weapons - Kalashnikov (assault rifles), R.P.G.,
pistols, grenades. And swimming - sailing, swimming with floats,
and more.

Q: All this in bases in Libya?

A: Yes.

Q: Did you meet with any FATAH leaders in Libya?

A: I met only with the ambassador. I met once with the Palestinian
ambassador in Kuwait who came to us after the outbreak of the Gulf
War.

Q: Muayyad, in the instructions given to you, were you told to
admit membership in any organization?

A: They told us to say that we belong to the Islamic Jihad.

Q: Why?

A: In order to protect brother Omar, because he brought the weapons
and he has an organization in Jordan, and because he was supposed
to leave immediately after we set out. In order to protect him, we
were ordered to identify ourselves as I said. Brother Hassan and
brother Ali also told us, if we were caught, to try and portray the
operation in a religious guise.

Q: Who are they, Muayyad?

A: They are our trainers, one who recruited us and the other who
trained us. To ascribe the operation to a religious organization
and not to FATAH, first as a guise, and to keep the army busy for
a while.

Q: Did the Jordanian authorities know of your presence?

A: No, because we didn't appear under our real names, and our
passports weren't real.

Q: What happened from the time you left Aqaba until you reached the
beach in Eilat?

A: We left Aqaba at about 9:30 at night. We swam for about six and
a half hours. Each of us had a container with weapons, about 18
kilograms on each man's shoulder -- with a Kalashnikov and LAW
missile. We swam. After 1:30 in the morning, Azmi tired. He already
felt tired before, because of the cold at night, and he couldn't
move his feet. So after he threw away his weapons after 1:30, he
left us. I don't know what happened to him, whether he drowned or
was killed or returned. He was the leader of our group. It affected
us somewhat, but we continued anyway, brother Assaf and I, until we
reached the beach at Eilat. We arrived at 5:00 in the morning,
after six hours of swimming during which we swallowed water. We
were tired and not alert.

Q: How did the Israeli forces react?

A: They reacted like you react when you catch somebody, an angry
reaction.

Q: What I meant was, did the Israelis react quickly?

A: Yes, quickly. The whole thing didn't last more than an hour.


                    -=} The Israeli Byte BBS {=-
                       -=} (415) 550-1318 {=-

           Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
               Friday, June 19, 1992
 
 
Palestinian Negotiators in the Peace Talks Meet in Amman with PLO
Leadership Headed by Arafat
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that members of the Palestinian delegation
to the bilateral peace talks met yesterday in Amman, Jordan, with
the leadership of the PLO -- headed by PLO chief Yasser Arafat. 
This was the first public meeting between senior PLO officials and
the Palestinian representatives to the peace talks since the start
of the bilateral talks. The meeting was held in a palace made
available to Arafat by King Hussein of Jordan. Among those
attending the meeting were Hanan Ashrawi, Faisal el-Husseini and
chief Palestinian negotiator in the peace talks -- Heidar
Abdelshafi. Following the meeting, Ashrawi told HA'ARETZ in a phone
call from Amman, "We'll continue to meet with PLO people in public,
and Israel has to understand that this is a fact. Israel puts its
head in the dust and refuses to understand that without the PLO
there is no peace process."
 
 
Ehud Gol: We View the Meeting with Great Severity; an Appropriate
Response Will be Made
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, carried an interview this morning with
Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir's Media Advisor, Ehud Gol, who
reacted to the meeting between Palestinian negotiators in the peace
talks and the PLO leadership. Gol told KOL YISRAEL, "We certainly
view this meeting with great severity. There is no doubt that the
demonstrative nature of this meeting, is an additional stage in the
system of provocations by the Husseini-Ashrawi couple." Gol said he
has no doubt that an appropriate response to the behavior of those
participating in the meeting will be taken. Asked if Ashrawi and
Husseini will be arrested upon returning to Israel [i.e. for
breaking the law which prohibits contacts with terrorist
organizations], Gol said, "I don't think that it's preferable to 
comment publicly on the steps that will be taken. We will indeed
respond appropriately to the demonstrative steps taken by them."
 
 
MK Haetzni Complains to Police About Members of Palestinian
Delegation; Minister Milo Says They will be Arrested Upon Arrival
in Israel
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Knesset Member Elyakim Haetzni last
night submitted a complaint to the Police Inspector General against
the members of the Palestinian delegation who met with PLO Chief
Yasser Arafat. KOL YISRAEL quotes Police Minister Ronnie Milo who
said today that the members of the Palestinian delegation to the
peace talks who publicly met with PLO Chief Yasser Arafat will be
arrested immediately upon arriving in Israel. Milo added, "There is
a difference between rumors heard in the past of consultations with
Arafat and a situation when Israeli law is deliberately and bluntly
violated before the eyes of the world." Milo was speaking before a
gathering of businessmen in Tel-Aviv.
 
 
IAF Attacks Hizbullah Targets Following Clash Between Hizbullah
Squad and IDF Unit Near Bufor
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reports this morning that Israel Air
Force helicopters attacked Hizbullah targets last night in the
village of Sdikin near Tyre. The IDF Spokesman said that all planes
returned safely to base. The radio reports that two helicopters
participated in the attack and fired missiles at houses used by
Hizbullah people. The IAF attack came several hours after a clash
between an IDF unit and a Hizbullah squad near the Bufor. In the
clash with the Hizbullah, two IDF soldiers received moderate
injuries and were transferred to Rambam Hospital in Haifa.
 
 
Porush: Mubarak Said He'll Cooperate with Whoever is Elected Prime
Minister
 
KOL YISRAEL reports today that Egypt's President Husni Mubarak says
he will cooperate with whoever is elected Prime Minister of Israel.
Mubarak said that to Israeli Deputy Minister Menachem Porush who
met with him in Alexandria. Mr. Porush, upon returning to Israel
last night, said that their meeting mainly dealt with political
matters. Porush delivered an oral message to Mubarak from Prime
Minister Yitzhak Shamir. Porush also said that Egypt's President
promised to act for a solution to the problem of Israeli POWs and
MIAs in Lebanon.
 
 
Levy Warns U.S. About Iran's Danger to Stability in the Middle East
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Israel officially warned the U.S.
about Iran's threat to peace in the Middle East, and expressed
concern over the increased radicalism of the statements made by the
Government in Teheran toward Israel. On Tuesday, Foreign Minister
David Levy called U.S. Ambassador in Israel, William Harrop, and
asked him to convey Israel's concern to his government. Levy warned
about a similar development to that which brought the Gulf War. He
said that the world is standing aside this time as well, while an
extremist regime in the Middle East is arming itself with nuclear
weapons and threatening stability in the region. Levy emphasized
that Israel will not be able to act only when it's faced with
immediate danger, because then it may be too late. This is why, he
said, the danger has to be prevented in time.
 
 
Elections 1992
 
Voter Turnout Among Israeli Representatives Abroad Reaches 90%
 
KOL YISRAEL reports today that the voter turnout among Israeli representatives
abroad who already voted in elections for the Knesset is at 90%. This was published
by the Central Elections Committee. Those who have the right to vote abroad are
Israeli diplomats and Israelis who were sent to work in several bodies abroad (like the
Jewish Agency, etc.) The last ballot  arrived this morning from Switzerland's Capital.
Overall, there were approximately 3,200 eligible voters abroad.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert Socolof.
        


Status: RO

                                         Jerusalem, 18 June 1992

SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS

"Ha'aretz" looks at the debate between Rabin and Shamir and says
that, when asked about their stands on specific issues, they both
expressed the opposing view of the rival party.  Shamir strongly
believes that there should be no withdrawal from Gaza and no
abandonment of the West Bank.  He is interested in peace with
Syria, however, he will not be ready to talk about territorial
compromise.  Rabin, on the contrary, clarified that Israel should
not contain within itself 1.7 million Palestinians and thus
supports the autonomy as laid down by Menachem Begin.  He also
opposes a Palestinian state between Israel and Jordan, but he will
not dismiss the possibility of a Palestinian-Jordanian
confederation.  Rabin condemns the political settlements and
considers making peace with the Palestinians and {with Jordan as
high priority.  The difference of opinion became also apparent when
asked about their positions in regard to Israel-U.S.  relationship.

"Hatzofeh" argues that technical aspects were reflected in the TV
debate between Rabin and Shamir.  However, the essential problems
of Israel, such as state and religion and the educational system,
were not mentioned by neither of the candidates.  Therefore, the
voter will have to give these topics the weight they deserve in the
national political agenda.  The public, explains the paper, cannot
find answers to these crucial questions in a debate between the two
big leaders, as it will also have to take into consideration the
messages of several other parties.  Whoever wishes to {find
expression to the spiritual character and religious values of the
state must seek answers in a party which advocates these
principles.

"Al Hamishmar" sympathizes with the feelings of the family of Ron
Arad and the other Israeli hostages.  In wake of the release of the
German hostages, it could be argued that the measures implemented
by the Israeli authorities so far have not been sufficient in order
to achieve their freedom.  If this proves to be true, then new
methods should be sought, even binding the release of our host/ms
to different aspects of the political process.  However, notes the
paper, the isolation of Ron Arad is not coincidental.  It should be
regarded within the framework of the Israeli isolation, as
reflected in the different approach of the captors towards Israel
on the one hand, and to the rest of the world on the other.
Notwithstanding humanitarian efforts, Iranian national interests
and political considerations play a vital role in the negotiations
over the freedom of our soldiers.

"Ma'ariv" argues that the release of the German hostages
represents, at this stage, the end of the western hostages affair.
The paper makes reference to the indifference of the U.N.  and the
western world in the case of Ron Arad, whose fate would have been
different had these factors exerted their pressure on those behind
his capture.

"Yediot Ahronot" claims, regarding the release of the German
hostages, that not enough efforts have yet been made on behalf of
Ron Arad and the remaining Israeli hostages.  The struggle must
continue.

"Ma'ariv", in its second editorial, illustrates the phenomenon of
policemen drawing their guns on the streets of Jerusalem, which
seems to endanger the lives of the civil Jewish population more
than the Palestinians do.

"Hadashot" quotes the recommendations set forth by the committee
dealing with reforming the arrest procedures and hopes the
conclusions will be drawn into binding law.

"Davar" comments on the accusations against former U.S.  Secretary
of Defense Caspar Weinberger.  These have several implications for
the internal politics of the Administration.  The American-Israeli
connection in this context is also of particular importance.  The
paper relates to the peak of the U.S.-Israel relationship in 1985,
at the time of the detention i]of Jonathan Pollard and the transfer
of the American "Hawk" missiles to Israel.  The Pollard affair
shattered the American confidence in the good intentions of Israel.
Caspar Weinberger, as head of the defense establishment, certainly
had a stake in the outcome of events.  Once again, he is being
accused on an Israeli-related issue.  The paper also refers to the
alleged involvement of Bush in the Iran-Contra affair.

"Hatzofeh", in its second editorial, questions the interest rate in
the market and the demand of the Minister of Treasure that it be
reduced soon.

"Yediot Ahronot", in its second editorial refers to the future of
Russia in the hands of Boris Yeltsin and to the difficulties he may
encounter in his country upon return from the summit.

"Ma'ariv", in its third editorial, comments on the professional
homosexual prostitution taking place in Tel Aviv and its coverage
by the local media.

                                           Jerusalem, 19 June 1992

DAILY PRESS SURVEY
(Hebrew Press)

"HA'ARETZ", (p.1) -- Guy Bechor and Akiva Eldar report that members
of the Palestinian delegation to the peace talks met, yesterday in
Amman, with the hierarchy of the PLO Executive -- headed by PLO
chief Yasser Arafat.  This was the first public meeting between PLO
senior [officials] and the Palestinian representatives since the
start of the political process.  Thus far, these contacts have been
hidden, owing to the demand of Israel and the United States.  (...)

The political echelon in Jerusalem received the report of the
public meeting with astonishment.  A senior government figure,
involved in negotiations with the Palestinian delegation, said that
he views the meeting severely, and that -- in the next few days --
the government must [consider] its response.  According to the
[source], the Palestinian leaders are "arranging demonstrations,
but are not progressing [toward] an agreement with Israel."

Prime ministerial media advisor Ehud Gol said that this was a
demonstrative meeting, and that "this was another phase in the
volume of provocations by the Husseini-Ashrawi couple." According
to [Gol], Israel will effect a response appropriate to the conduct
[of the Palestinians].

A senior government figure said that the meeting with Arafat was
intended to embarrass Israel and to set a trap [for the Israeli
government] -- by creating a situation whereby it must choose
between putting the Palestinian leaders on trial and clearly
ignoring their public meeting with Arafat.  (...)

Thus far, the heads of the Palestinian delegation have taken pains
not to be photographed together with the PLO leader -- something
which has allowed the political echelon in Jerusalem to claim that
it has no evidence to enable putting them on trial, in accordance
with Terror Law, which prohibits meetings with members of terrorist
organizations.  The photographs from the meeting yesterday -- in
which Palestinians from the "dahal" (territories) met with
Palestinians from the "harj" (outside the country) -- will
intensify the pressure of the extreme right-wing on the Likud
government to take legal measures against the Palestinian leaders,
now that the government cannot hide behind the lack-of-proof claim.

According to the government figure, the heads of the Palestinians
want to force the government to accept the ties between them and
PLO-Tunis, or to put them on trial -- thereby dragging Israel into
a confrontation with the entire Western world, which will claim
that Israel is sabotaging the peace process.

Observers in Jerusalem said that one cannot rule out the
possibility that the meeting was intended to embarrass the Likud on
the eve of the elections, and to support the claim of the Labor
party -- that the Likud government is conducting negotiations with
the PLO.


                                            Jerusalem, 19 June 1992

HEADLINES FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
(Hebrew press)

The following are the headlines from today's Hebrew papers:

"HA'ARETZ"
----------
1.  Hanan Ashrawi to "Ha'aretz": "From today we will meet with PLO
people openly; Israel must understand that there is no peace
process without Tunis." PALESTINIAN DELEGATION TO POLITICAL
NEGOTIATIONS MET PUBLICLY WITH YASSER ARAFAT.  Senior government
source in Jerusalem: the meeting was meant to put us in a trap so
we will be compelled to decide between putting them on trial or
ignoring it.

2.  Major General Avihu Ben-Nun accuses: "THE AMERICANS DID NOT TRY
TO STOP THE SCUD ATTACKS ON ISRAEL".

3.  PORUSH MET WITH MUBARAK AND TOLD HIM THAT THE RELIGIOUS PARTIES
WOULD PREFER THE LIKUD.

4.  LEVI CAUTIONS THE U.S.  ABOUT IRAN'S THREATS AGAINST ISRAEL.

"DAVAR"
-------
1.  20 PALESTINIAN DELEGATION MEMBERS MET WITH ARAFAT IN JORDAN.

2.  THE (U.S.) BUDGET COMMITTEE AUTHORIZED ITS ANNUAL AID TO
ISRAEL: $3 BILLION.

3.  PORUSH TO MUBARAK: THE RELIGIOUS AND ULTRA-RELIGIOUS -- WITH
THE LIKUD.

"AL HAMISHMAR"
--------------
1.  LIKUD DECIDES NOT TO TRANSPORT RUSSIAN IMMIGRANTS TO THE
POLLING BOOTHS HAVING CLARIFIED THAT MOST WILL NOT SUPPORT IT.

2.  AIR FORCE STRIKES LEBANON AFTER TWO SOLDIERS WERE WOUNDED NEAR
THE BEAUFORT.

"HATZOFEH"
----------
1.  Former Air Force Commander, Major General Avihu Ben-Nun
reveals: THE AMERICANS DID NOT TRY AT ALL TO STOP THE SCUD ATTACKS
ON ISRAEL.

2.  ARAB STATES DID NOT REQUEST A SECURITY COUNCIL INVESTIGATION OF
THE BOMB ATTACKS ON LEBANON FOR FEAR OF STRENGTHENING THE LIKUD.

"MA'ARIV"
---------
1.  Gallop poll: indications of blocking vote for the Left Smith
poll: Labor and Likud blocks equal.  SHAMIR AND RABIN WILL STORM A
MILLION VOTERS UNTIL TUESDAY.  Shamir to "Ma'ariv": "I'm not ruling
out a National Unity Government".  Rabin to "Ma'ariv": "The far
Left and (far) Right are not partners for government".

2.  FOR THE FIRST TIME: OPEN MEETING BETWEEN PALESTINIAN DELEGATION
AND ARAFAT.

3.  TWO IDF SOLDIERS WOUNDED NORTH OF BEAUFORT.

"YEDIOT AHRONOT"
----------------
1.  LIKUD AND LABOR EXPLORING [THE POSSIBILITIES] OF RECRUITMENT OF
PARTNERS FOR THE COALITION.

2.  MAJ. GEN. BEN-NUN: THE U.S.  DID NOT TRY TO DESTROY THE SCUDS;
THE U.S. DENIES.

3.  ISRAEL TURNS TO GERMANY REGARDING NAVIGATOR RON ARAD.

4.  TWO SOLDIERS WOUNDED IN LEBANON.

5.  ISRAEL -- NUMBER TWO WEAPONS IMPORTER IN THE WORLD.

"HADASHOT"
----------
1.  A "Hadashot" investigation reveals the election trick behind
the Index: THE GOVERNMENT CAUSED THE DECREASE IN CPI BY INUNDATING
THE MARKET WITH VEGETABLES FROM GAZA.


                                            Jerusalem, 18 June 1992

DAILY PRESS SURVEY
(Hebrew Press)

IN TODAY'S SURVEY: Analysis: Porush invitation to Cairo, part of
Egyptian attempt to interfere in Israeli elections; Jordan and PLO
indicating the start of a new "honeymoon" in their relations;
Analysis: Israel indirectly influenced by the Bush-Yeltsin
agreement.

 "DAVAR", (p.1) -- Analysis by Dan Avidan -- The invitation to
Egypt of Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Menachem
Porush, to convene today with President Mubarak, is part of the
Egyptian tactic on the issue of the Israeli elections.  The
Egyptians claim that they are not getting involved in Israel's
election procedure.  However, they are in fact, trying to
strengthen every party and personality in Israel whom they consider
to be pragmatic and, as such, those that can enable a Labor-led
government.

The fact that Deputy Minister Porush was the main instigator of the
Aguda- Labor accord in March 1990 for the purposes of setting up a
coalition with Labor at its helm, was an obvious influence over
President Mubarak's motives in inviting Porush for talks in Egypt.
The Egyptians used similar tactics at the end of the 80's, when
they invited Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and Rabbi Der'i to a meeting with
President Mubarak in Egypt, in order to strengthen their efforts
towards the formation of a Labor-led government.

In fact all Arab leaders involved in diplomatic negotiations with
Israel are interested in a shift of power from the Likud to Labor
[believing] that only with a Labor government is there a chance
that the Peace process may move forward.  However, only Mubarak can
use his ties with Israel in order to directly influence the results
of the elections.

Furthermore, President Mubarak is aware of the present Israeli
polls which predict the creation of two equally powerful blocks,
the Left and Right, neutralizing one another (blocking vote).  It
is almost certain that the invitation of Rabbi Porush to Cairo
several days before the elections is intended to guarantee the
influence of Porush over the Torah elders in the inclusion of the
National Religious List in a Rabin-led government, thus breaking
the Right's "blocking vote".

"YEDIOT AHRONOT", (p.19) -- Smadar Peri reports that the Jordanian
government and the PLO leadership are now indicating the start of
a new "honeymoon" in their relations.

The significant improvement in Arafat-King Hussein relations
actually represents the establishment of a "united"
Jordanian-Palestinian "front" -- not only in the political process
with Israel.

It is primarily intended to present a consensus and formulated
Jordanian- Palestinian position, in the face of the problem of the
Saudi royal family.  This, in light of the fact that relations
between Jordan and the [Saudi] royal family have been almost
completely severed since the Gulf war, and a difficult dispute is
currently underway between Riyadh and Amman against the backdrop of
renovations on the holy places in Jerusalem.

Furthermore, the Saudi royal family has recently clarified that it
does not intend to reconcile [its differences] with Arafat or to
transfer contributions to the PLO, because of massive Palestinian
assistance to the Iraqis during the invasion of Kuwait.
Yesterday, for the first time, Palestinian sources made it known
that [the PLO] soon intends to move some of the offices of PLO
headquarters in Tunis to a private estate in Amman, put at the
disposal of [Arafat] since his surgery two weeks ago at Al-Hussein
hospital -- in accordance with the coordination between King
Hussein and recovering PLO chief Arafat.

"HA'ARETZ", (p.  2) -- Analysis by Dore Gold -- (...) Israel may be
indirectly influenced by the [Bush-Yeltsin] agreement.  Firstly,
there are those who believe that a further reduction in the arsenal
of the former Soviet Union is liable to freeze the Strategic
Defense Initiative and, thereby, the American commitment to the
Arrow program.  However, these cuts are likely to intensify the
demand for strategic defense systems.  The more the threat is
reduced -- and its operational requirements become simpler to
implement (given the small amount of targets) -- the more the cost
of deploying the entire defensive network will drop.  Moreover, if
the reliability of the deterrent is lessened -- because of the
fewer number of nuclear weapons -- the demand for defense systems
will increase.  (...)


ARAB MEDIA SURVEY 8-JUN-1992

 1.  AMMAN CONFERENCE

 The Amman conference was concluded (June 7); it was held for
coordination between the Arab parties in the bilateral peace talks,
with the foreign ministers of Jordan, Lebanon and Syria
participating, and Farouk Kaddoumi of the PLO.  They expressed
regret over the absence of substantive progress in the talks
"because of Israel's refusal to commit herself to basic principles,
such as Territories for Peace, UN Res.  242 and 338, the rights of
the Palestinians under international legitimacy, and the withdrawal
of Israel from all the occupied Lebanese territories and the
implementation of UN res.  425." They stressed their continued
commitment to the peace process and denounced Israeli attacks in
South Lebanon, as well as settlements in the Administered
Territories, the continued violation of Palestinian human rights,
including the closure of the Gaza Strip.  They will attend the next
round of talks after the Israeli elections, and have another
coordinating meeting in Damascus.  (Jordanian news agency and AFP,
June 7).

 The Jordanian foreign minister said no final date was set for the
next round of bilateral talks; and the multilateral talks were not
discussed.

 The Syrian foreign minister was very satisfied with the results of
the meeting, which met Syrian expectations.

 The Lebanese foreign minister said in Amman there was a connection
between Israeli aggression and the forthcoming Israeli general
election, and serious events can be expected until then.

2.  SOUTH LEBANON

 The premier visited Damascus (June 6 and 7) and met with Pres.
Assad and other Syrian leaders, to discuss the situation in South
Lebanon, the scheduled Lebanese parliamentary election and the
peace talks.  Assad promised continued Syrian support for Lebanon.

 Pres.  H'rawai said how could one ask the Hizbullah to stop
activities, since it is every people's right to liberate its land
from occupation.  Israel was intensifying the tension, and
supplying military equipment to forces fighting alongside
her...(BBC, June 40.

 The deputy secretary general of Hizbullah called on the U.S.
(June 4) not to intervene in Lebanon; he referred to cooperation
between Syria and Iran; he attacked the peace process.  (BBC, June
4).

 The Iranian foreign minister has returned to Teheran from Lebanon
and Syria (June 4) saying the visit was important and he was
satisfied with his talks.  There is identity of views between Iran
and Syria about Israeli aggression, and he promised continued
support for Lebanon and for the "resistance" against Israel.
(Teheran Radio, June 4)

 Ministerial sources claimed the Iranian foreign minister had
signed an agreement with senior Syrian personnel to take limited
steps to ease the military activities of the "resistance" in South
Lebanon, but he is not interested in publicizing the agreement so
as not to arouse reactions among extremist elements in Iran.
("Al-Hayat" June 4).

 3.  THE POLITICAL PROCESS

 The Syrian foreign minister told Jordanian TV in English that the
basic stand of Damascus is "very clear" requiring implementation of
UN resolutions, especially 242 and 338 calling for an Israeli
withdrawal from the occupied territories, and defending the
national rights of the Palestinians.

 If the Americans won't or can't keep their promises, the Syrians
will have to go to the UN Security Council; at some stage, American
intervention will be essential in the light of Israel's
uncompromising stand.  He criticized the "imbalance" in dealing
with Israel in contrast to countries like Libya, Iraq and
Yugoslavia, whose acts "resembled" Israel's and against whom the UN
is applying sanctions.

 King Hussein of Jordan told the BBC (June 6) he thought from the
start that the peace process would be long and it would be hard to
reach a comprehensive peace in the region.  Some goals were
reached, especially in connection with the Palestinians being able
to present their case...The situation in the Arab world after the
Gulf War and the dependence of the Arabs on the U.S.  would not, he
hoped, continue, since otherwise the Arabs might be on the verge of
a revolution without the ability to retreat from it.

 4.  PALESTINIANS

 PLO Exec. Committee member Yasser Abed Rabbo said the Palestinians
would continue to prepare for elections in the Territories by
October and would call on the sponsoring powers to take
responsibility to supervise the elections and persuade Israel to
agree to democratic principles, to withdraw, and to permit the
Palestinian people to exercise its right to vote.  He pointed to
the Kurdish election in Iraq as a model.

 5.  EGYPT AND JERUSALEM

 The foreign minister, speaking on behalf of Pres.  Mubarak at a
Jerusalem Day ceremony at the Arab League in Cairo, said the UN
gave Jerusalem more than 40 years ago a special status which is
still the main pillar of all efforts to reach a just solution in
the dispute.  He said "Arab Jerusalem" was an integral part of the
occupied Palestinian territories and international resolutions said
Israeli presence there is not legal...He called on the
international community to "cooperate in liberating the Holy City
from the chains of occupation and control." (ME news agency, June
6).


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                  Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                      Tuesday, August 25, 1992
 
HA'ARETZ on Positive Atmosphere at Start of Bilateral Peace Talks
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports on the positive atmosphere at the start of
the bilateral peace talks in Washington yesterday.  According to
the newspaper, all sides involved reported a new tone and more
conciliatory style to the talks.  Ha'aretz says that the point that
caused the most optimism among the Arab representatives yesterday
was an announcement by Itamar Rabinovich, head of the Israeli
delegation to the talks with Syria.  He stated that Israel believes
that United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 is applicable
to negotiations between Israel and Syria.  Diplomats and
journalists in Washington yesterday were quick to interpret
Rabinovich's comments as an expression of Israel's readiness to
withdraw, even partially,  from the Golan Heights.  However,
Rabinovich clarified to Israeli journalists yesterday that he had
never used the term "partial withdrawal".  He said Israel's
acceptance of UN Resolution 242 means that upon reaching the
appropriate part of the talks, "we will also discuss this part (the
territorial part) of the Resolution within the comprehensive
context and together with the other parts."
 
 
Rabin Expects Long and Difficult Negotiations with Palestinians
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, today interviewed Prime Minister Yitzhak
Rabin about the beginning of the bilateral peace negotiations. 
Speaking while on a visit to the area of Ramallah, Rabin said that
the negotiations with the Arab delegation will be difficult and
long.  When asked whether he expects that the Palestinians might
declare a halt on violence in the area in response to the
concessions granted to them recently, Rabin answered, "No, I do not
expect it."  He noted that from the very first, there had been an
argument about whether to condition the peace negotiations in
Madrid and later in Washington with the halting of violence in the
Territories.  "Neither the previous government nor this one made
such a condition," Rabin said, adding "the discussions are
continuing with no connection to this."
 
 
AL HAMISHMAR: Israel to Divide Areas of Responsibility in
Territories into Three Categories
 
Today's AL HAMISHMAR reports that according to Israeli diplomatic
sources, Israel has divided the areas of responsibility in regard
to the Palestinian self-rule and the Territories into three
categories: Israeli, Palestinian, and a joint Israeli-Palestinian. 
According to the sources, the areas over which Israel will maintain
full authority are foreign affairs, security, and Jewish
settlements. The Palestinians will have complete authority over
taxes, municipalities, education, and health.  Joint Israeli-
Palestinian authority will be over water, land, currency, police,
and interior security.
 
 
Arab Journalists Find Israeli Delegation to Peace Talks Talking
Their Own Language
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that Arab journalists at the bilateral
peace talks that began yesterday in Washington were impressed by
the Israeli approach to the talks.  The journalists saw that the
Israeli delegation had come prepared to explain that it wants peace
and does not intend to use what the Arabs previously viewed as
outright propaganda.  This time, the Israeli delegation is prepared
for a new media approach in which its information services are
aimed towards Arab newspapers as well as American ones.  
Proclamations and reports to journalists are publicized by the
Israeli delegation in two languages - English and Arabic. 
According to Ha'aretz, the Arab journalists feel that the style of
the reports sounds conciliatory and peace-seeking.
 
 
Opposition Parties in Knesset Verbally Attack Israeli Government
for Concessions made to Arabs
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the opposition parties in the Knesset
launched a strong verbal attack yesterday against Prime Minister
Yitzhak Rabin's decision to cancel the expulsion orders against 11
Palestinians.  Likud party Chairman, Member of Knesset Yitzhak
Shamir, said, "We are not surprised anymore by all the gestures of
this government.  On one hand, it grants continuous concessions to
the Arabs and to the dangerous terrorists in particular.  On the
other hand, it harasses Jews who work to strengthen the Jewish
settlement in eastern Jerusalem and in Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza
Strip."
 
 
Israel is Prepared to Distribute Gas Masks if Need Arises
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that the Israel Defense Forces is
prepared to dispense gas masks to Israeli civilians if the present
crisis with Iraq becomes more acute.  If the need arises, Israeli
security authorities will decide to give out gas masks to those who
do not yet have them - including new immigrants to Israel who
arrived after the Gulf War, Israeli soldiers who completed their
army service after the war, and babies who have been born since
then.  The Civil Defense authorities will open a public information
center next week on the subject of self-defense on the home front.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Tamar Kaplan.

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                 Monday, August 31, 1992
 
 
Rabin Complains that Palestinians in Washington Lack Authority and
Perform Maneuvers to Refrain from Discussions
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT quotes Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin who said
yesterday in the Cabinet meeting that the Palestinian
representation to the bilateral peace talks in Washington lacks
full authority and is maneuvering to avoid substantive discussions.
Rabin said that such maneuvers delay entering the phase of
discussions on substance. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister said he
believes there is a chance that in the discussions scheduled to
begin today, the Palestinians will give a pertinent response to the
34-page document Israel had submitted to them last week. Housing
Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer said upon leaving the Cabinet
meeting, "We're ready to get passed obstacles, and they have the
tendency to waste time." He continued saying, "There is a problem
there of lack of authority, inability to reach decisions and a lack
of the leadership needed to discuss substantial matters."  The
newspaper notes that despite complaints by the ministers about the
Palestinian delegation, there was a feeling in the meeting that
there may be progress in the discussions that begin this week.
 
 
European Troika Joins Appeal for Palestinians to Open Serious and
Practical Dialogue with Israel
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that, over the weekend, representatives of
the European Troika exerted pressure on members of the Palestinian
delegation staying in Washington to open a serious and practical
dialogue with Israel.  The European delegation claimed -- to the
Palestinians -- that, due to the political change in Israel, a rare
opportunity to achieve a settlement has arisen.  The Palestinians
responded, saying that the Israeli proposal falls short of the
principles included in the Camp David Accords. In particular, they
noted the absence of any attention to substantive issues such as
the source of authority, land, and water.  The Palestinians
emphasized that they attach no importance to the title given to the
autonomy council (legislative or administrative), but rather to its
actual substance. The political directors-general of the Troika
countries arrived in Washington to receive reports on the talks
from the heads of the Arab and Israeli delegations.  They joined
the Americans in appealing to the Palestinians, in hopes that it
will help ensure practical talks on the transfer of authority to
the autonomy council and the holding of elections -- even during
the resumption of the talks today.
 
 
IDF Begin Releasing 600 Palestinian Detainees from Ketsiot Prison
Today
 
Today's DAVAR reports that the Israel Defense Forces will begin
releasing 600 detainees from Ketsiot prison this morning. It will
take several days to complete the release process for all 600
detainees. The release is being made in conjunction with a decision
made by Prime Minister and Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin to ease
restrictions and as a gesture towards the Palestinians in the
Territories. The newspaper adds that the IDF will release more
Palestinians from other prisons in the coming weeks.
 
 
Council of Golan Heights Communities:"Hold onto Every Centimeter" 
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports on the "emergency conference" of the
Council of the Golan Heights Communities which was held in Katsrin
yesterday. The Council called for people to, "Hold to every
centimeter of the Golan Heights and not to give up, even in
exchange for peace, because the Syrians cannot be trusted." "The
Golan Heights is a strategic asset of the first degree to the
entire State of Israel -- not just to its residents," they said. 
The participants in the conference expressed concern over
statements made by the Prime Minister regarding a peace treaty with
Syria. Rabin said that there is no need to "stick to every
centimeter" of the Golan Heights.
 
 
Jordan to Ask Israel for a One-Time Gesture: Increased Allocation
of Water from Yarmouk River
 
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Jordan wants to reach an agreement
with Israel this week on increasing the allocation of water it
draws from the Yarmouk River.  Amman has asked Israel for a one-
time gesture and senior sources have told MA'ARIV that the gesture
will apparently be approved. In discussions held with the Israeli
representatives to the water talks -- headed by Dr. Eliyahu
Rosenthal -- the senior Jordanian representative, Dr. Hadadin,
requested authorization for an additional Jordanian allocation of
about 60-70 million cubic meters of water from the Yarmouk River,
over the course of one year.  Hadadin said that there is great
water-related distress in Amman and its outlying areas, and they
are requesting a further allocation -- above what was determined in
the 1957 Johnston Agreement. 
 
 
YEDIOT AHRONOT: Germany will apparently grant Israel immigrant
absorption loan guarantees. According to the newspaper, an
announcement on the guarantees is expected to be made by Chancellor
Helmut Kohl during Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's visit to Germany
in two weeks.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
                Tuesday, September 1, 1992
 
 
Rabin: If the Palestinians are Apprehensive about Elections --
We're Willing to Negotiate an Appointed Body to Manage Self-Rule
 
Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, last night quoted Prime Minister Yitzhak
Rabin who said that if the Palestinians feel apprehensive about
holding an election, Israel will not impose it on them. He added
that Israel is willing to negotiate on a body to manage self-rule -
- even without elections. Prime Minister Rabin made the statements
to visiting Italian Foreign Minister Emilio Colombo.  The two men
talked about the Israeli government's new policies, the peace
process in the Middle East, and about the possibilities for
involving Italy and the European Community in advancing the peace
process. Rabin told Colombo that in Israel, there is a feeling that
the Palestinians are apprehensive about holding the elections. The
radio notes that prominent Palestinians who are involved in this
election may fear for their lives. Rabin said that there is
willingness, at least from the Israeli side, to negotiate on a body
to run the autonomy even without elections. The two men also
discussed Europe's involvement in advancing the peace process. The
Prime Minister said that Europe could play an important role in the
multilateral negotiations on the future of the Middle East, and
that it could help make the Arab positions more flexible and
encourage them [the Arab governments] to be more moderate in their
attitudes toward Israel. During the meeting, the Italian Foreign
Minister expressed interest in the possibility of Italy and other
European countries investing in the Territories.  The Prime
Minister replied that Israel welcomes every Italian or European
initiative for investments in hospitals, schools or any other field
which may improve the quality of life and reduce the economic
dependence of the residents of the Territories upon Israel.
 
 
Pentagon to Accelerate Stationing of Ammunition in Israel
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that the Pentagon will accelerate the
process of stationing ammunition in Israel valued at 200 million
dollars. This promise was given to Prime Minister Rabin during his
visit to the U.S. three weeks ago. The decision to station
ammunition in Israel was approved by the Congress in 1990, but not
implemented. The stationing of American ammunition in Israel is
advantageous to both parties. The IDF needs less to purchase such
ammunition and the need of an American air-lift in emergency
decreases. Also, the U.S. gains the advantage of having the arms
closer to the areas of the Middle East where it is militarily
active. During the Gulf War, for instance, military equipment was
transferred by planes from Israel to Saudi Arabia.
 
 
Bomb in Berlin Destroys Memorial to Jews Murdered in the Holocaust;
Act Considered Most Severe Attack on Jewish Targets in Germany in
Years
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that a bomb was placed yesterday
under the memorial for tens of thousands of Berlin Jews who were
transferred from the Berlin Railway Station to death camps. The
bomb, allegedly planted by neo-Nazis, was put between two steel
plates under a large sign of a Magen David. The memorial, placed
over the railway station, was severely damaged. Israel's Consul in
Berlin and the leaders of the local Jewish community was
immediately briefed on the attack. It is considered the most severe
attack against Jewish targets in Germany in many years. The police
intensified security arrangements around all the Jewish synagogues
and other Jewish institutes throughout Germany. The spokesman of
Israel's Embassy in Bonn said last night in response to the attack
that this is a most severe incident and should be condemned by all.
"We are convinced that the German authorities will do everything in
order to find the criminals," he added. The newspaper adds that
politicians from all parties in Bonn expressed shock at the
explosion of the memorial. Spokesmen for the Government in Bonn
also expressed their shock and promised to do everything possible
to catch those responsible for the "despicable crime."
 
 
Minister Shahal: Israeli and Palestinian Police will Cooperate in
the Framework of Autonomy in the Territories
 
Today's DAVAR reports that Police Minister Moshe Shahal believes
that in the framework of autonomy in the Territories, there will be
cooperation between the Israeli police and a Palestinian police. He
said that areas of cooperation may include things concerning the
border passages with Jordan and crime fighting. The implementation
of such cooperation should be discussed during the negotiations on
the autonomy, said Shahal. "All systems of the [Palestinian] self-
rule should work in cooperation with the parallel bodies in
Israel," he said. In a visit to the border passages with Jordan,
Minister Shahal said there is room to improve the procedures of
security and customs check-ups. "I hope that in the future," he
said, "the arrangements here will be almost as they are in Ben-
Gurion airport."
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.

             Attention Israel Line Recipients
 
              Wednesday, September 16, 1992
 
 
French Foreign Minister Meets with Syrian President Stating A More
Active French Role in Peace Process
 
Today's HA'ARETZ reports that French Foreign Minister Roland Dumas
met secretly on Monday with Syrian President Hafez Assad and
Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa in Syria. According to Dumas,
this meeting was carried out as a mediation between Damascus and
Jerusalem. Dumas made this information public upon returning to
France in a radio broadcast of Europe 1, which is considered to be
the most important radio station in France. He said that his visit
to Syria came following the visit to Paris of Israeli Foreign
Minister Shimon Peres last week, and Peres' request that France
take a more active role in the peace process. The newspaper quotes
the spokesman of President Assad, who said that the Syrian
President told Dumas he supports a greater European involvement in
the peace process. HA'ARETZ quotes a  Foreign Ministry spokesman in
Jerusalem who said that Dumas' visit was a French initiative and
that it was not discussed in his meeting with Foreign Minister
Peres. The spokesman added, "We do not view Dumas as our emissary,
but we welcome the French efforts to bring the parties closer
together." According to the spokesman, Peres did not relay any
message to the Syrian leadership, but that ,"Dumas could have
reported his impressions to the Syrians, in regard to the Israeli
peace policy."
 
 
Peres: Syrian and Jordanian Statements of Dissatisfaction with
Israeli Papers are Part of the Tactics of Negotiation
 
Today's DAVAR quotes Foreign Minister Shimon Peres who spoke
yesterday at a press conference after his visit to the Gaza Strip.
Peres referred to statements made by the Syrians and Jordanians in
regard to the latest Israeli papers that were submitted saying,
"Every statement is a part of the bargaining, and when you bargain
no one gives compliments to the other side. This is why we regard
the Syrian and Jordanian statements, claiming that they were
disappointed with the new Israeli stand in the current round of
talks, as part of the negotiations' tactics. I believe that Israel
proposed good and explicit proposals and I hope that both the
Syrians and Jordanians learn them with great care." Referring to
the anti-Israeli terrorist attacks which continue despite new
gestures made by the government toward the Palestinians in the
territories, Peres said, "the government will not surrender to the
dictate of those who bring terrorism into the Territories. We'll
continue in the policy of gestures and continue to take care of the
terrorist nests."
 
 
No Compromise Yet to be Reached Allowing Israeli Participation in
the Multilateral Talks on Refugees and Economic Development
 
Today's DAVAR reports that no compromise has yet been reached that
will allow Israeli participation in the multilateral talks on
refugees and economic development. This was relayed yesterday by
Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Yossi Beilin after he met with U.S.
Administration officials. He added that the proposed Israeli
compromise in regard to the participation of Palestinians from
outside the Territories in the multilateral talks on these issues
was rejected by the Palestinians. According to the newspaper, in
contrast to Israel's previous government, the current Israeli stand
is that Palestinians from outside the Territories will be able to
participate in the working groups meetings. This, on two
conditions: that they are not members of the Palestine National
Council and that they don't raise to discussion the questions of
the "right of return" and Jerusalem.
 
 
Rabin Concluding Visit in Germany
 
Today's HA'ARETZ quotes Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin who concluded
his talks in Bonn yesterday saying, "not every visit brings 10
billion dollars [i.e. referring to the agreement on the loan
guarantees reached during Rabin's visit to the U.S], but the visit
in Germany brings the potential of future assistance in different
fields. When and how much I can't tell." Rabin was speaking to
Israeli reporters escorting him in Germany. The newspaper quotes
German sources who said that during his meetings with Germany's
Chancellor and President on Monday, Germany expressed its
willingness in principle to assist in the Israeli absorption of
Jews from the former Soviet Union.
Today's MA'ARIV reports that Rabin told reporters escorting him on
his visit to Germany that Israel has thanked Germany for its
assistance in the issue of POWs and MIAs through its connections
with Iran.
 
 
Israel Proposes a "Hot Line" with Arab Countries
 
Today's YEDIOT AHRONOT reports that Director General of the Israeli
Defense Ministry, David Ivry, has proposed to the Arab participants
in the multilateral peace talks on arms control in Moscow that a
"Hot Line" be set between Israel and its neighbors in order to
prevent surprises. The Arabs, headed by Egypt, demanded to first
and foremost discuss reduction of weapons of mass destruction in
the Middle East. The representative of the European Community
proposed an approach similar to the one presented by Israel,
suggesting slow and moderate steps in regard to the issue of
disarmament. The newspaper notes that Syria is boycotting these
talks and thus, causing people in the conference in Moscow to say
that there is no real usefulness to the meetings there.
 
 
Today's Israel Line was prepared by Gideon Sa'ar and Robert
Socolof.