BETHLEHEM MERCHANTS CONCERNED -- Following several consecutive days of rioting last week and a travel advisory issued by the United States Department of State on Friday, merchants in Bethlehem are concerned that the current situation could have a negative impact on the expected large numbers of Christian pilgrims expected to visit the city during the millennium. (Andra Brack: IsraelWire)

  ISRAEL BUSINESSES NOT Y2K READY -- It was learned last week that government inspectors have discovered that many businesses have not done anything or enough to prepare for the critical New Years deadline. The government officials indicated that as a result of their inaction, closure orders for three days, from December 31 to January 2, would be issued to avoid possible computer failures.  (Andra Brack:  IsraelWire)