1.   An inspection has been impossible because the city cannot risk closing either tunnel, since the other might not be able to handle the load alone.

2.   Arafat had sought an Israeli pledge to close the tunnel, which exits near sites regarded as holy by Muslims as well as Jews.

3.   As it happens, the tunnels are closed, having been rendered unsafe by the new excavation.

4.   Above all, Netanyahu was unequivocal in several interviews in saying he had no intention of closing the tunnel at a site sacred to Jews and Muslims.

5.   After closing the tunnel on Friday and Saturday, Israel reopened it today, defying world opinion and fueling further clashes between Palestinians and Israeli riot police.

6.   But Clinton had little leverage with which to move Netanyahu toward a decision to close the tunnel, as demanded by Arafat and his allies.

7.   Eurotunnel shares fell in Paris and London after a train fire forced the company to close its tunnel linking France and the U.K.

8.   Experts say the damaged tunnel may be closed for months, cutting a major artery of north-south European traffic.

9.   In closing the tunnels in which the Soviets conducted hundreds of tests, Washington sensed opportunity.

10.   Netanyahu refused to close the tunnel, as Arafat and Arab leaders demanded.