Secy of State Christopher visits Jericho, commends "skill and efficiency" of Palestinian self-rule area. After mtg. local admin., Christopher is escorted by Faisal Husseini on tour of Hisham Palace. (MM 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/18; TJT 5/20)
Christopher meets twice with PM Rabin, discusses Israel-Syria negotiations. "Officials" report 3-stage Israeli withdrawal plan, to take place over 5-8 yrs. National Security Advisor Anthony Lake, in Washington speech, says U.S. seeks "real peace" btwn. Israel and Syria, will "participate in the security arrangements" reached by the parties. (NYT 5/18, 5/19)
IDF formally turns over Gaza Strip civil admin. to Palestinians in exchange of papers at Erez checkpoint btwn. Israel, Gaza Strip. (MM 5/17; NYT, WP 5/18; Yediot Aharonot 5/18 in FBIS 5/18)
Israeli motorist kills Palestinian when he fires on stone-throwers in Nablus. (TJT 5/20)
2 settlers killed, 1 wounded when their car ambushed nr. Bet Hagai settlement, south of Hebron. Hamas claims responsibility for attack. (MM 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/18; JP 5/28)
Israel Radio broadcasts recording of 5/10 speech by PLO Chmn. Yasir Arafat to Muslim congregation in Johannesburg, South Africa, in which Palestinian leader calls for "jihad to liberate Jerusalem." PM Rabin calls speech "a clear violation" of PLO commitments under 5/4 agreement. (MM, WP, WT 5/18)