Israel retreats somewhat on teacher-oath demand

Israel dropped its demand that foreign university teachers on the West Bank sign a pledge not to support the Palestine Liberation Organization, but an official said the government is incorporating similar conditions in work-permit regulations.

Officials at West Bank universities said they were unsure whether the change would dampen criticism of the pledge both in Israel and abroad. The work permits will be issued on condition applicants do nothing to harm Israeli security and public order, an official in the occupation administration said.