The offer was made in Jerusalem earlieryesterday by Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin, in anannouncement broadcast on state-run Israel radio.

Higgins' reported killing triggered an instantdebate in Congress over Israel's role in theevents.

"Perhaps a little more responsibility on behalfof the Israelis would be refreshing," said SenateGOP Leader Bob Dole (R-Kansas). But Rep. CharlesSchumer (D-N.Y.) countered that blaming Israelwould be "turning the world on its head."

At the White House, officials carefully avoideddirect criticism of Israel, but Fitzwater said,"It is fair to say that many people do share thesenator's concerns." He would not elaborate.

There are nine Americans in captivity in theMiddle East, including Terry Anderson, Middle Eastcorrespondent for The Associated Press.

Bush said, "Somehow there has got to be areturn to decency and honor, even in matters ofthis nature."

He also said he had spoken by telephone withHiggins' wife, "a wonderfully stoic individual whois going through sheer hell."

A sister of Higgins said she was in a state ofshock after the announcement yesterday.

"Yes, I've just spoken with the StateDepartment and I will not reveal what they said,"Mary Fischer said at her home in the Louisville,Ky., suburb of Okolona. "Right now, I'm in a stateof shock. I just don't know.