Monday, May 3, 1999

In Washington, the U.S.-Israel Joint Political Military Group (JPMG) convenes to discuss exchanges aimed at improving Israel's defensive capabilities. (USIS Washington File 5/5)

Fmr. PLO guerrilla and current Palestine National Council mbr. Muhammad Oudeh admits to planning hostage-taking of Israelis at the 1972 Munich Olympics, says Arafat was briefed on plans, but that intention was never to kill the athletes. (WP, WT 5/4)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem. (LAW 5/5; MM 5/6)

Choosing not to contest his lawsuit, the U.S. unfreezes $24 m. in assets of Saudi businessman Idris, who owns al-Shifa pharmaceutical plant in Sudan, bombed by the U.S. in 8/98. Administration says its still has "concerns" about Idris based on sensitive intelligence sources. (NYT, WP 5/4; MM 5/14) (see 2/25)

Hizballah stages 3 attacks against IDF, SLA targets in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, injuring 5 IDF soldiers and SLA mbrs. (RL, VOL 5/3 in WNC 5/4; MM 5/4; WT 5/5; MEI 5/7)