U.S. Secy. of State Baker telephones PM Shamir, requests Israel to delay anticipated request for $10 billion in loan guarantees from the U.S. for settlement of Soviet Jews. Israel had indicated it would be approaching the U.S. for the guarantees so that it can approach commercial banks for loans. Bush administration has been sharply critical of Israeli settlement activity, and fears money could go toward settling Soviet Jews in the o.t. Administration officials have urged Israel not to bring up the question of loan guarantees until after the proposed peace conference is underway. In March 1991, Israel agreed to delay requests for more U.S. aid until September, in attempt to secure U.S. aid to cover Israeli expenses in the Gulf war. (NYT, WP 9/5; WP 9/12)
Irish UNIFIL contingent protests to Israel over continued SLA shelling of UNIFIL troops in Bra'shit, one of several villages subjected to recent SLA attacks. (HaAretz 9/2 in FBIS 9/3)
Israeli army extends closure of Bir Zeit University for additional three months. (Qol Yisra'el 9/1 in FBIS 9/6)