Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Cabinet votes to give $6 million to Arab and Druze local councils, whose accumulated debt is $8.5 million; P.M. Peres states Arab councils receive 30 percent of what Jewish councils receive, Israeli govt. funds are not invested in industry and sewage in Arab sector, Arab education system is very bad [JP 12/30]. Attorney General Yitzhak Zamir reveals a govt. bill has been drafted to impose strict regulations on media, journalists; bill is discussed in cabinet meeting [JP 12/30].
Other Countries: Austrian Interior Min. Karl Blecha states he "rules out" any involvement by Fateh organization in airport attacks, group responsible has not yet been identified [NYT 12/20]. U.S. officials clarify position on Israeli response to attacks, ask that it be "measured," not provoke war in M.E. [NYT 12/30].