51.   At the same time, the Gaza project has been embraced by Israeli officials eager to demonstrate some visible progress and flexibility in the talks.

52.   At the time Israeli officials disavowed any relationship with Pollard saying his contacts were with a rogue operation.

53.   At the afternoon meeting with Arafat, Ross was accompanied by two Israeli officials, including Ami Ayalon, the chief of the Shin Beit secret police.

54.   Baghdad has not threatened Israel this time, and Israeli officials have said the chances were slim of an attack.

55.   Barak called Secretary of State Colin Powell again Wednesday to give him an update, Israeli officials said.

56.   Barak and other senior Israeli officials refrained from publicly pointing their fingers at the Palestinian Authority for not doing enough to stop such attacks.

57.   Barghouti was arrested in mid-April, and Israeli officials have suggested that he is involved with the brigades.

58.   Avineri said Israeli officials were also relieved that they did not need to enter the Bethlehem areas.

59.   Because of his charitable works in Israel, Rich had won support for his pardon drive from then-Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and other Israeli officials.

60.   Because the talks on Hebron are moving so slowly, Israeli officials are concerned that Muslim or Jewish militants might try to carry out attacks to derail an agreement.