July 29, 1983

Military Action:

Rival militias occupy positions vacated yesterday by Syrian Army in Tripoli; rockets hit IDF position on Beirut-Damascus highway.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fighting continues between rival PLO factions in the area of Jdita; Phalangist militia calls an end to demonstrations in South Lebanon against IDF order to close bases, negotiations underway between IDF and Phalange in Beirut.

US and Other Countries: McFarlane leaves Washington on first regional tour as special envoy, will visit Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia; Weinberger meets Arens.