Israeli-Palestinian clashes abate significantly for the 2d day. No fatalities, major clashes are reported. (WT 12/26)
Barak says Israel is prepared to accept Clinton's parameters (see 12/23) without changes if the PA does the same; his security cabinet will issue a formal reply on 12/27. The PA Negotiation Affairs Comm. begins 2 days of debate on the U.S. proposals. Clinton phones Egyptian pres. Mubarak to discuss the proposals before Mubarak meets with Arafat later in the day. (MENA, XIN 12/25 in WNC 12/27; MA [Internet], NYT, WT, YA 12/26; AFP, ATL, DUS, al-Quds 12/26 in WNC 12/28; AYM 12/26, SA 12/31 in WNC 1/2; NYT, WT 12/28; NYT 12/29)
King Abdallah of Jordan warns "elements within Jordan as well as outside it" not to exploit the al-Aqsa intifada to try to destabilize the kingdom, says the army is prepared for confrontation. (IsRN 12/25; al-Ra'i 12/25 in WNC 12/28; MENL 12/28; MEI 1/12)