December 25, 1996

U.S. special envoy Ross returns to Washington, will head back to the Middle East region next wk. PA, Israeli negotiations continue talks on Hebron. (NYT, WP, WT 12/26; IDF Radio 12/26 in WNC 12/30)

In anticipation of the resumption of final status talks, PM Netanyahu's inner cabinet begins debate on the government's plan for a permanent arrangement with the PA. (IDF Radio 12/25 in WNC 12/27)

In Hebron, IDF, Israeli police block, arrest 20 Jewish settlers attempting to seize 2 vacant houses in the Arab section of town. 5 Palestinians are arrested after 3 firebombs are thrown at an IDF position in the city center. (NYT, WP, WT 12/26; MEI 1/10)