81.  A top Israeli military official snorted at that argument.

82.  Abu Maizar then sought political asylum in the United States, stating that Israeli officials had falsely accused him of being a member of the terrorist group Hamas.

83.  According to an Israeli official, the government is not pressing for early elections because these will raise difficult questions about power and jurisdiction.

84.  According to Israeli military officials, Israel notified the United States four years ago of its intent to offer airborne radar surveillance systems to China.

85.  According to Israeli officials, Peres would like to make major progress on the Syrian track as soon as possible, perhaps signing a declaration of principles before summer.

86.  According to Israeli officials, the agreement on Hebron is virtually concluded.

87.  According to Israeli officials, the documents show that Arafat and his deputy approved cash payments to Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade.

88.  According to Israeli officials, none of these groups have ties to the al-Qaida network.

89.  Across the political spectrum, Israeli officials said that words were fine but that the Palestinian leader finally had to translate denunciations of terrorism into action.

90.  After that agreement, Israeli officials voiced rare public thanks to Syria and Iran, and some have suggested that Schmidbauer could serve a broader peacemaking role.