Friday, January 24, 1997

PM Netanyahu says he is willing to have the police investigate his appointment of Bar-On as atty. gen. New allegations suggest that, during the cabinet debate on the Hebron protocol (1/16), Arye Deri's Shas party conditioned its approval of the protocol on Bar-On's appointment (see 1/12). (NYT 1/25; WP 1/26; NYT, WP, WT 1/27; MEI 2/7)

During a State Dept. press briefing and once more during a Larry King Live interview, Secy. of State Albright again refers only to securing a "comprehensive peace." (State Department transcripts [internet]) (see 1/8)

After receiving criticism fr. Jews for signing the Churches for Middle East Peace ad (see 12/21), the National Council of Churches, one of the nation's most influential Christian organizations, says it will revise its Middle East policy in consultation with American Jewish leaders. (WP 1/25)