The World - News from Sept. 12, 1988

Israel is reportedly pressing the Reagan Administration to extend limited diplomatic immunity to as many as 47 members of its 250-person military purchasing office in New York, which is suspected of involvement in two cases of illegal export of U.S. military technology in the last two years. The Washington Post said that negotiations over the politically delicate issue have been held since early this year but have intensified recently as Israel seeks a decision before President Reagan leaves office in January. Israel wants the 47 to be granted “consular immunity,” which would effectively shield them from U.S. prosecution over the illegal export of American military technology, U.S. officials told the Post.