Tuesday, October 5, 1999

Israel says that is considering legalizing casinos in the Negev in light of the success of the Palestinian casino in Jericho and the Egyptian casino in Taba, which cater primarily to Israelis, who spend millions of dollars there every mo. (NYT 10/6; MM 10/7; WJW 10/14; JP 10/15)

Israeli, PA trade Ms preside over the inauguration of an industrial estate in Jinin, on land recently transferred fr. area C to area B. Companies should begin operating in the zone in the nr. future. (HJ 10/5 in WNC 10/11)

In Tehran, Iranian, Saudi Arabian officials hold talks on expanding bilateral investment. (WT 10/6)

IDF says that since 6/99, it has scaled back deployment of ground troops in s. Lebanon and increasing airstrikes in order to reduce its casualties. Today, Israel conducts 6 strikes on Hizballah targets, destroying 1 Lebanese home, injuring 1 civilian. (RL, YA 10/5 in WNC 10/8; MM, NYT 10/8; MEI 10/15) (see 9/21)