PM Netanyahu meets with Pres. Clinton in Washington. Talks focus on resuming negotiations with Syria. U.S. promises to look into South Africa's proposed arms sale to Syria (see 1/22), to upgrade Israeli weapons if a U.S. deal to sell Saudi Arabia 100 F-16s goes through (see 2/2). Saudi Arabia says U.S., Israeli positions on F-16 sale have a disturbing "cold war" ring. (MM, WT 2/13; IDF Radio, YA 2/13 in WNC 2/14; ITV 2/13 in WNC 2/18; MM, NYT, WP 2/14; WP 2/15; MM 2/17; WJW 2/20; JP 2/22; WT 2/23)
In keeping with the Hebron protocol, IDF fully reopens the Hebron central market in H2. Immediately, Jewish settlers enter the market, scuffle with Palestinians, claiming market is a security risk to local Jews. The market was partially reopened 2/12. (CSM, WP 2/14)
Iranian military delegation arrives in Damascus for 5 days of talks with Syrian DM Mustafa Tlas. (SATN 2/13 in WNC 2/18; IRNA, RMC 2/15 in WNC 2/19; MM 2/18; IRNA 2/19 in WNC 2/20)