In New York, U.S. Secy. of State Albright meets with Israel's Ben-Ami, Sher. After this mtg. and a mtg. with Egyptian FM Musa, she phones Arafat to request he send negotiators to the U.S. to meet with the Israelis. The PA agrees but says it is surprised by the change of plans (see 9/9). (MENA 9/12, AYM 9/14 in WNC 9/18; MM 9/18)
Barak briefs Labor/One Israel mbrs. on his plans to try to stave off early elections by forming a coalition government with the Am Ehad, Center, Democratic Choice, Meretz, One Israel, Shinui parties, plus Arab MKs. If that fails, he will consider inviting Likud, Yisrael Ba'Aliya to join. (MM 9/12; VOI 9/12 in WNC 9/14; MM 9/13, 9/15) (see 8/24)
Israeli police announce they have recently arrested 41 Israeli Arabs fr. Umm al-Fahm, 4 West Bank Palestinians on suspicion of forming an illegal organization, arms trafficking, plotting attacks on police and soldiers. (MM, WT 9/13; MA [Internet], MM 9/14)