Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Anatoly Shcharansky states his concern for human rights remains undiminished, extends to his adopted country, Israel; states he would like to compare Israeli prison life to Soviet prison life, learn Arabic, visit West Bank [WP 2/19].
Other Countries: European Court of justice upholds Britain's right to ban North Sea oil exports to Israel [WSJ, JC 2/19].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Grenade is thrown at Israeli foot patrol in Gaza City, wounding 5 soldiers [JP 2/19].
Arab World: Israeli army moves large numbers of reinforcements into S. Lebanon, well beyond the "security zone," in search for 2 soldiers captured 2/17; tanks and helicopter gunships are employed [WP, LAT 2/19]. Iranian-linked Muslim faction warns it will kill 2 captured Israelis if army does not withdraw from S. Lebanon within 24 hours [NYT 2/19].