Military Action:
Heavy mortar, artillery, machinegun fire exchanged between LAF and unidentified militiamen in southern Beirut suburbs; Marines reposition main entrance to base, strengthen security.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF closes Bethlehem University for two months after two days of confrontations with students; demonstrations, strikes, rock throwing and curfews mark anniversary of Balfour Declaration in West Bank, East Jerusalem.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Geneva conference particpants agree on statement defining Lebanon's national identity, discuss proposal to freeze May 17 troop withdrawal agreement; Nabih Berri calls for removal of US forces from southern Beirut suburbs.
US and Other Countries: House rejects by 274-153 measure to cut off funds for Beirut operation by March 1, passes by 328-97 largest ever defense appropriation bill, $247 b.