January 2, 1998

Israeli DM Mordechai says that Israel accepts UN Res. 425 of 1978, which orders Israel to withdraw fr. s. Lebanon; claims Res. 425 does not require unconditional withdrawal, allows Israel to insist that any pullout be accompanied by security guarantees. Despite qualification, this marks the 1st time an Israeli government rep. has publicly and officially accepted Res. 425. (al-Watan al-Arabi 1/2, ITV 1/3 in WNC 1/6; YA 1/4 in WNC 1/7; WT 1/7; RE 1/7 in WNC 1/10; JP 1/10; MM 1/13; RMC 1/15 in WNC 1/20; MEI 1/16)

Unidentified assailants throw 2 pipe bombs at a school in the Jewish area of Hebron causing no injuries but sparking clashes btwn. settlers, Palestinians. (WJW 1/8)