The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel denies U.S. reports of Israeli spy ring in U.S. [NYT 6/1]. Egyptian President Mubarak rejects proposal to bring self-rule to Gaza Strip without settling status of West Bank [JP 6/1].

Military Action

Arab World: Amal-Palestinian fighting intensifies in south Beirut; as many as 38 estimated dead, 120 wounded in past 12 days [PI, WP 6/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. State Department says Secretary of State Shultz might go to M.E. to revive peace process [LAT 5/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli press reports F.M. Shamir covered up actions of Shin Bet in connection with April 1984 killings of 2 Palestinians while he was P.M. [PE 5/29]. Secret commission of inquiry to investigate allegations against Shin Bet is proposed in Knesset, instead of police inquiry [LT 5/29]. 'Osman Bani Hassan, 19, and 'Azza Sa'adi, 18, both of Afula, are given life sentences plus 20 years for murdering 2 Israeli teachers [BG 5/29].

Other Countries: Tass reports that Gorbachev-Khaddam meeting agreed to intensify efforts to convene intemational conference on M.E. with participation of all parties concemed, including the PLO.

Military Action

Arab World: Nineteen killed, 50 wounded in Amal-Palestinian fighting at 3 refugee camps in south Beirut [BG 5/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M.: Thatcher, ending trip to Israel with news conference, says if PLO refuses to renounce terrorism and recognize Israel other negotiating representatives of Palestinian people must be found; says "ultimate solution" to Palestinian problem is federation of Jordan, West Bank, and Gaza [WP 5/28]. In Knesset, P.M. Peres survives four votes of no-confidence over Shalom crisis [LT 5/29]. Six hundred Palestinian prisoners in Junayd prison near Nablus go on hunger strike to protest conditions [FJ 5/30].

Arab World: Syrian V.P. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam arrives in Moscow to discuss possible attack against Syria and PLO bases by Israel and U.S. Syrian Pres. al-Asad ends Greek visit; joint communique with P.M. Papandreou states Greece will initiate actions within EEC to start dialogue on M.E. solution.

Other Countries: Italian judicial officials issue warrants for arrest of 14 alleged Arab terrorists, including Abu Nidal, in connection with terror incidents in Italy last year [WP 5/28].

Military Action

Arab World: Eight killed and 60 wounded in Amal-Palestinian gunfight at Burj al-Burajinah [LT 5/28].

Other Countries: In London, PLO representative Faisal 'Awayda condemns Thatcher's visit and wams of terror attacks if PLO is left out of peace process [MG 5/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Defense Minister Rabin rejects P.M. Thatcher's call for free elections in occupied territories, says EEC should contributeo material improvement of territories [BG, MG 5/27]. P.M. Thatcher later meets 8 Palestinian leaders at British consulate in Jerusalem [CT 5/27], including Bethlehem Mayor Ilyas Furayj, Rashad al-Shawwa, and Hanna Siniora [CT, LT 5/27], who give her memo. Israeli Attomey General Zamir asks police to examine evidence in case involving Shin Bet head [NYT 5/27]. Zamir will proceed with prosecution of Shin Bet head Avraham Shalom [MG 5/27].

Arab World: King Hussein travels to Baghdad to meet Iraqi President Sadam Husayn [LAT 5/27]. Al-Ahram reports Syrian plot to assassinate PLO Chairman Arafat [MG 5/27] and replace him with Syrian-backed Khalid al-Fahum, former chairman of PNC. PLO Chairman Arafat meets in Tunis with Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van den Broek, president of EEC Council of Ministers, despite Israeli protests. Hafiz al-Asad, on official visit to Greece, condemns terrorism.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At official dinner at Knesset, P.M. Thatcher asks Israel to give Palestinians living under occupation "a greater role in managing their own affairs" including right to free elections [LT, LAT 5/26] and a better standard of living, calls occupation of West Bank and Gaza "temporary" [CT 5/26]. Meanwhile, P.M. Peres and Attorney General Yitzhak Zamir reportedly dispute over whether to prosecute Shin Bet Chief Avraham Shalom over his role in alleged suppressionf evidence and obstruction of justice in April 1984 beating deaths, while in Israeli custody, of 2 of 4 Palestinians arrested in bus hijack. Peres doesn't want to prosecute [NYT 5/26]. Israeli cabinet is split over issue [WP 5/26].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli army bombards the village of Yatir (Bint Jubayl) in south Lebanon, killing 1, wounding 4 [OJ 5/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Margaret Thatcher arrives in Jerusalem, first official visit by British P.M. to Israel [NYT 5/24].

Arab World: King Hussein travels to Damascus to meet Syrian President alAsad, aiming to reconcile Syria and Iraq, isolate Fateh [LT, JP 5/26; MG 5/28]. Yasir Arafat travels to Algeria to discuss steps for intra-Palestinian reconciliation. PLO in Tunis launches appeal to "halt the new plot in which certain Arab parties are implicated againsthe Palestinian people and their camps in Lebanon."

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Report on Gaza Strip, compiled by Meron Benvenisti's West Bank Date Base Project, is published, says "the situation is hopeless," calls territory "atime bomb" [LT 5/24].

Arab World: The New York Times reports President Mubarak and King Hussein met recently to discuss Egyptian-backed Palestinian self-rule in Gaza. Deposed Gaza Mayor Rashad al-Shawwa suggested idea, which would involve Egyptian consular services in East Jerusalem, Egyptian bank in Gaza, and legislative council [NYT 5/23]. Yasir Arafat declares to al-Bayan (Dubai) that PLO has decided to end its military presence in Tunisia.

Military Action

Arab World: New combat breaks out around Burj al-Barajinah, Sabra, and Shatila camps between Amal and Palestinians [OJ 5/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Dole urges Secretary of State Shultz to deny PLO Chairman Arafat visa to visit U.S. for UN Security Council meeting in June [LAT 5/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Representatives of EEC countries are summoned to Israeli Foreign Ministry and told they will be supporting terrorism if imminent meeting in Tunis between Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van den Broek and PLO Chairman Arafat takes place [LT 5/21]. Muhammad Ahmad Tus of Jaba, leader of group that killed 5 Israelis and wounded 16, is given life sentence by military court UP 5/23]. P.M. Peres proposes in the Knesset tripartite summit with Hussein and Mubarak, opposes dismantling of Jewish settlements in the territories apart of a future peace plan. Forty Jewish families abandon settlement near Jericho due to bankruptcy [JP 5/22].

Other Countries: In Washington, Israeli envoy Ezer Weizman asks U.S. Secretary of State Shultz to return to active role in peace process, particularly to help improve Israeli-Egyptian relations [NYT 5/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Rabin, in Knesset, says Wald report on condition of IDF distorts army's ability and performance [FT 5/21]. Colonel Emanuel Wald, former head of IDF planning, had accused the army on Israel TV of having buried his 700-page report on IDF weaknesses. Four men and 2 women, all of Nablus, are indicted by military court for kidnap-murder of Israeli soldier David Manos and membership in Fateh. Ibrahim 'Abdallah of Dayr Ballut is named ringleader [JP, JTA 5/21]. Italian Foreign Minister Andreotti meets deposed Hebron Deputy Mayor Mustafa Natshah, Gaza lawyer Fayez Abu Rahmah, deposed Gaza Mayor Rashad al-Shawwa, and al-Fajr editor Hanna Siniora [FJ 5/23].

Arab World: King Hussein orders arrest of leadership of Jordanian Communist party [NYT 5/21].

Military Action

Arab World: In suburban Beirut, Amal militiamen fight Palestinians for control of Burj al-Burajinah refugee camp, killing 2 and wounding 33. (Camp population: 11,000) [CSM 5/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M.Peres, opening Knesset, says he is willing to talk peace with Jordan or a vetted Jordanian-Palestinian delegation; offers "limited self-govemment" to occupied territories [DT 5/20]. Industry Minister Ariel Sharon tours the 600 dunums of land near Hebron where he wants two new "industrial zones" built to fumish jobs to the region's settlers [JP 5/20; AA 5/25]. Histadrut chief Yisrael Kessar condemns plan [JP 5/21].

Other Countries: Reagan administration asks Syrian President al-Asad to close Abu Nidal's Damascus office, whose existence Syria denies [NYT 5/20]. Nine residents of Golan Heights condemned in military court to prison sentences ranging from 10 to 37 years for "security offenses" [AA 5/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Absorption Minister Ya'acov Tzur and Jewish Agency Aliyah Department Head Haim Aharon said level of 1986 Jewish immigration was worst in history, with only 2,600-2,800 immigrants arriving in first 4 months of 1986 [JP 5/19]. Emigration, meanwhile, is rising sharply [NYT 5/21]. Italian Foreign Minister Andreotti arrives for two-day visit to discuss terrorism and bilateral issues [JP 5/18]. In Gaza, shots are exchanged between members of Muslim Brotherhood group and secular nationalists over observance of Ramadan; 8 are arrested [JP 5/19].

Other Countries: P.M. Peres says on U.S. TV that he sees no imminent danger of war between Israel and Syria [FT 5/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Foreign Minister Shamir asks U.S. Attomey General Meese to ban a planned visit by PLO Chairman Arafat to U.S. to appear at UN General Assembly in September [JP 5/18].

Arab World: Jordanian cabinet meets to discuss riots at University of Yarmuk. King Hussein orders release of students arrested and reopening of university [JP 5/18; MG 5/19]. Yasir Arafat retums to Tunis from tour of 10 African countries, including Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Angola.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel Aircraft Industries announces $1 billion in sales for 1985/86 fiscal year [JP 5/15]. Three border policemen are charged before a police tribunal with using excessive force in the 1984 arrest of a Palestinian [JP 5/16].

Arab World: Faruq al-Qaddumi, head of the PLO political department, meets French foreign minister in Paris, the first such meeting in two years [LM 5/16]. An undetermined number are killed, and as many as 200 students and 18 police injured in clashes during protests at University of Yarmuk at Irbid in northem Jordan [GU 6/14; MG 5/16]. (Estimates of death range from 3 to 18.) Riots, involving 2,000 students, are reportedly over growing Jordanian-Syrian cooperation against PLO, though nominal causes are high tuition fees and U.S. air strikes on Libya [NYT 5/21; JP 5/16].

Other Countries: Geneva-based WHO condemns for 11th successive year Israeli seizure of Arab territories and says foreign occupation is bad for mental and physical health; condemns diversion of water and hindrance of development of Arab health organizations [JP 5/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The report of the state comptroller, Yitzhak Tunik, claims Israel's Interior Ministry has been supplying much of the money used to fund anti-Arab demonstrations in the West Bank, to pay for protection of Jewish settlers, and to follow activities of West Bank Palestinians and their Israeli sympathizers [LT 5/14].

Other Countries: The U.S. is quietly exploring with Britain, France, and West Germany the possibility of joint economic and diplomatic sanctions against Syria in the event of clearcut evidence of its involvement in violent attacks against American or European nationals or on European soil [BG 5/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians inNablus during anti-Israel protest on anniversary of formation of state of Israel [JTA 5/14; CSM, LT 5/15].

Arab World: Lebanese TV and radio report that Israel has sent a large number of tanks, escorted by helicopter gunships, into its "security zone" in S. Lebanon; border crossings into the "security zone" were reportedly closed for 24 hours because of the military moves [NYT 5/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli state comptroller's report sharply criticizes Israel's rule over 1.3 million Palestinians living in the occupied territories [WP 5/13]. P.M. Peres states in radio interview that Israel has made efforts to engage Syria in dialogue on either limited or comprehensive issues but has been rebuffed on both levels; his remarks are first indication Israel has approached Syria for talks [JTA 5/14]. Peres states he is awaiting Syria's response to a U.S. note about Syrian army movements near the Israeli border with Lebanon [BG 5/14]. Ernest Japhet, chairman and chief executive officer of Bank Leumi le-Israel, announces his resignation after govt.-appointed commission of inquiry called for his ouster [FT 3/15].

Other Countries: The U.S. Defense Department notified Congress it plans to sell Egypt 560 Sidewinder missiles in a proposed sale valued at $42 million which will also include spare parts and support equipment [WSJ 5/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three Israelis are slightly wounded by rockets apparently fired from Lebanon [BG, WP 5/14].

Social/Economic/Politica

l Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli and Westem military sources state that over the past few months, the Syrian army has been building trenches in S. Lebanon that are closer to the Israeli border [NYT 5/13].

Arab World: Thousands of Fateh fighters are returning to take up fighting positions in Lebanon; PLO officials confirm that a tacit alliance has been established between the PLO and Hizballah organization, in the wake of ongoing clashes between PLO guerrillas and the Amal militia [FT 5/12]. Syrian govt.-owned newspaper Tishrin states Syria has signs and proof of an imminent Israeli attack on Syria [LT 5/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet hears report from Hebrew U. Prof. Roberto Bacchi on falling birth rate among world's Jewish population, predictions that there will be more Palestinians than Israelis living in Israel and the occupied territories by early next century [LT 5/13; JTA 5/14; BG 5/15]. Deputy Agriculture Minister Avraham Katz-Oz stated over the weekend Israel has been overpumping from its water reserves for the past decade by over 1,000 cubic meters; he stated water quotas would be cut this year by 10% from a high of 2 billion cubic meters [JP 5/11].

Arab World: Pres. Husni Mubarak has talks in Jordan with King Hussein [BG 5/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli army spokesperson states Israeli troops kill two guerrillas in S. Lebanon "security zone" [JTA 5/13].

Socia/Economic/Political

Arab World: Salah Khalaf (Abu Iyad) states 5 Palestinian factions, including 2 opposed to Yasir Arafat, have agreed to attend proposed reconciliation conference in Algiers; sixth group has agreed conditionally, and Algeria is expected to issue invitations in about 2 weeks time [BG 5/10; JP 5/11].

Other Countries: Britain expels 3 Syrian diplomats after their govt. turns down British request to waive diplomatic immunity so that police might question them in connection with last month's attempted bombing of an El Al jet at London's Heathrow Airport [WP, PI 5/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres and the Israeli army chief of staff issue separate statements indicating that Israel has no intention of beginning a war with Syria and they see no immediate evidence that the Syrians are planning a war with Israel [NYT 5/10].

Other Countries: Yasir Arafat arrives in Togo, last stop on his 7-nation African tour in which he is discussing "Arab-African issues" [LAT 5/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops and police halt an effort by about 100 ultranationalist Israelis to etablish an unauthorized settlement in the occupied Gaza Strip near Tal Sultan [CSM 5/9].

Other Countries: West African state of Gabon and the PLO have announced they will establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level [JP 5/8]. A shipment of 50 U.S. Stinger ground-to-air missiles clandestinely bound for South Africa disappeared during shipment from Europe last year and was diverted to Libya, Syria, and Iran, according to sources close to the arms trade [BG 5/8]. An appeals court in Genoa, Italy upholds convictions of 3 Palestinians accused of hijacking the Achille Lauro last fall; court reduced some of the sentences and ordered that the fourth defendant, who was a minor at the time of the incident, be retried in a juvenile court [NYT 5/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel Aircraft Industries announces the Lavi jet fighter has passed all of its ground tests and will make its first test flight on schedule next September [JTA 5/8].

Other Countries: U.S. House of Representatives rejects by vote of 356-62 Reagan administration's requested arms sales to Saudi Arabia [LAT, BG 5/8]. British investigators are seeking to question a Syrian diplomat in connection with the attempt to smuggle a bomb aboard an Israeli jumbo jet at Heathrow Airport [NYT, MG 6/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Industry and Trade Minister Ariel Sharon has ordered strict labeling guidelines for all products made in the occupied territories, which he claims "threaten Israeli firms with unfair competition" [JP 5/6]. Israeli police and Shin Bet arrest 5 more members of alleged underground Palestinan cell suspected of 2 murders, 2 attempted murders, bringing total arrested to 25 [JP 5/7]. Israel signs agreement to participate in U.S. Strategic Defense Initiative; Israel is the third to sign, after Britain and West Germany [LAT, WP 5/7]. Police Staff Sergeant-Major Yosef Oren is charged in police disciplinary court with beating a prisoner with electric cords to force him to confess to murder [JP 5/7]. Mattityahu Drobles, co-chairman of the World Zionist Organization's settlement department, vetoes proposal by his cochairman, Nissim Zvili, that 500 Palestinian refugee families replace the Israeli settlers in Kibbutz Netzarim instead of being settled at Tal Sultan; Gaza Strip settlers joined Drobles in dismissing the proposal [JP 5/7].

Arab World: Pres. Hafiz al-Asad ends 24- hour visit to Amman after talks with King Hussein aimed at improving relations between the 2 countries; no communique or joint statement is issued [NYT 5/7].

Other Countries: U.S. Senate rejects by vote of 73-22 the Reagan administration's request to sell $354 million worth of advanced arms to Saudi Arabia [NYT, WP 5/7]. Ahmad Nawaf Mansur, a Jordanian arrested in connection with the explosion at a West Berlin discotheque last month, has reportedly confessed to an earlier bombing in the city, saying it was organized by the Syrian embassy in East Berlin [NYT 5/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Six Palestinian lawyers from the West Bank petition the High Court for permission to establish a local bar association. (In 1979 a bar association was set up in Gaza for the lawyers working there) [JP 5/6]. Israeli military court in Lod sentences 2 Palestinians from inside the Green Line to 21 years imprisonment for planting bombs in Israeli neighborhoods, finds them guilty of membership in the PFLP [JP 5/6]. Nablus military court sentences another Palestinian to 21 years imprisonment for stabbing an Israeli soldier in the chest on 12/14/85 [JP 5/6]. Presidents of Uruguay and Israel issue joint statement affirming the friendship between their countries and support for the M.E. peace process [JTA 5/6].

Arab World: Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad arrives in Amman for talks with King Hussein, his first visit to Jordan in 6 years [NYT, WP 5/6].

Other Countries: The leaders of the 7 largest industrial democracies, meeting at the Tokyo summit, adopt a joint statement condemning terrorism as an international scourge that "must be fought relentlessly and without compromise"; Libya is specifically mentioned as a source of terrorism [NYT, WP 5/6]. U.S. State Dept. calls on Syria to expel Abu Nidal organization from territory under its control [NYT 5/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three members of the Jewish underground are released from prison, with a third of their sentences left to be served, following decision by parole board to free them on grounds of good behavior; only 7 of the original 27 sentenced last July for terrorist offenses against Palestinians are still in jail [JP 5/4; LT 5/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Radio Amman reports King Hussein issued a call to Arab and Islamic countries to set up a fund to provide loans for Palestinian housing on the West Bank [JP 5/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Deputy Minister of Agriculture Avraham Katz-Oz is quoted as saying the country is facing a problem in supplying enough water; he is working on a legal way to turn all water resources in the country, including run-off water and purified sewage water, into government property [JP 5/2]. Contractor Avraham Gindi, charged with fraudulent West Bank land deals and tampering with evidence, makes a second suicide attempt by swallowing 50 tranquilizers and turning on the gas oven in his Rishon LeZion office [JP 5/4].

Arab World: Egyptian Foreign Minister 'Ismat 'Abd al-Magid is quoted as saying Egypt is appealing to the upcoming Tokyo summit to establish a $30 billion M.E. development fund to assist countries in the region suffering financial difficulties aa result of the oil price collapse [FT 5/2].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. rejects appeal of Rabbi Meir Kahane to keep his U.S. citizenship despite his service in the Knesset [LAT 5/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Julio Maria Sanguinetti, president of Uruguay, arrives for 5-day visit to Israel, receives 21-gun salute in Jerusalem, marking the first time a visiting head of state agreed to be welcomed officially in the disputed capital rather than at Ben-Gurion Airport [LT, JP 5/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Shi'ite guerrillas from the Islamic Resistance Movement say they kill 7 members of the SLA; Israeli reports say 1 Shi'ite was killed and 5 SLA members were wounded; both reports say 3 SLA members were kidnaped by the Shi'ites [NYT, JTA 5/2].