Israeli DM Mordechai, PA Planning M Shaath meet, discuss Rafah airport. Egyptian amb. Basyuni attends, says no progress is made. (MM 7/16; IDF Radio 7/17 in WNC 7/18)
In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, Labor Chmn. Barak discuss future of the peace process. (MM 7/16; IDF Radio 7/16 in WNC 7/17)
Israeli administration informs ministries to prepare for "action plans" to increase Israeli control in East Jerusalem. (MA 7/17 in WNC 7/18)
The IDF declares PA-controlled cities in the West Bank closed military zones. Technically this means that no Israelis may enter; in practice it is little different from sealing the cities, when no one is allowed in or out. (ITV 7/16 in WNC 7/17)
Senate passes version of the 1998 foreign aid bill that includes $1.3 b. in military aid, $850 m. in economic aid for Egypt. (al-Ahram al-Masa'i 7/19 in WNC 7/29) (see 6/18)
ILMG discusses 2 Lebanese complaints regarding the death of 3 civilians during Israeli shelling (7/12, 7/14), 2 Israeli complaints regarding 7/15 katyusha attack; concludes that all 4 incidents were unintentional violations of the 4/96 understanding. Before the mtg. convenes, Hizballah fires some 30 katyushas toward n. Israel. (RL 7/16 in WNC 7/17; RL 7/17 in WNC 7/18)