May 1, 1998

Fmr. Israeli PM Peres says that Israel began developing a "nuclear option" in the 1950s, but stops short of admitting the state has nuclear weapons. International experts estimate that Israel has 100 "ready-to-use" nuclear weapons. (WT 5/2)

5,000 supporters welcome Abu Abbas's return to Gaza to celebrate anniversary of Palestine Liberation Front, the group behind the 1985 Achille Lauro hijacking. Abbas, who now supports Arafat and the peace process, is still based in Iraq but occasionally visits Gaza, with Israel's permission. (YA 5/4 in WNC 5/6; WT 5/10)