Military

DATE=10/22/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / INQUIRY (L-O)

NUMBER=2-268272

BYLINE=SHOSHANA LONDON SAPPIR

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Israeli government has launched an inquiry into the killing this month of 13 Arab citizens in clashes with police. Shoshana London Sappir reports from Jerusalem that Israeli Arabs reject the commission.

TEXT: Israel announced a public commission headed by a judge would study the deaths of 13 Arab citizens in clashes with the police in Israeli-Arab towns two weeks ago. The ethnic Palestinian citizens of Israel were demonstrating in support of Palestinians engaged in a struggle with Israeli forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Leaders of the Israeli-Arab minority, who comprise about 20 percent of Israel's population of some six million, have accused police of using excessive force in putting down the demonstrations, and demanded an inquiry leading to the punishment of those responsible.

Leaders of the community rejected the committee of inquiry announced on Sunday, saying it was aimed at concealing the truth rather than revealing it.

A government statement said the commission, which included an Arab judge, was charged with studying the details of the deaths.

The riots in the Israeli Arab towns have subsided, but clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza are now in their fourth week. (Signed)

NEB/SS/ALW/PFH