Israel further eases closure on Gaza: allows export of goods to Egypt, Jordan without restrictions; increases number of trucks permitted daily into Israel; decides to transfer control over checkpoints into Israel to Israeli civilians under the jurisdiction of the coordinator for activities in the territories. (QY 4/2 in FBIS 4/3)
In a mtg. with Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak in Cairo, U.S. Defense Secy. Perry announces the U.S. will sell Egypt 21 F-16 jets, 1 naval frigate to show its support for a key player in the peace process. Egypt will pay for part of the cost out of its $1.3 b. in 1996 U.S. military aid. (MENA, SARR 4/2 in FBIS 4/2; SARR, SATN 4/2, SARR 4/3 in FBIS 4/3; MM, WP 4/3)
Students supporting Fatah, Hamas at al-Najah University vote to boycott classes until those responsible for the 3/30 raid are punished. (WT 4/4)
Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics says Israel's military spending fell 3 percent in real terms last year to $10.2 b. (or 12 percent of 1995 GNP). (WT 4/3)
IDF sends 10 155 mm and 175 mm guns, 10 personnel carriers into s. Lebanon to reinforce troops there. (RL 4/2 in FBIS 4/2) (see 3/4)