The Palestine Chronology

Deported Palestinians attempt to cross back south into Israeli-controlled territory, SLA fires warning shots and mortars, injuring 3. Deportees issue statement calling for continued Lebanese refusal to admit the deportees, comprehensive Arab withdrawal from the peace talks, and intl. pressure on Israel. Meretz mins. call on govt. to allow deportees to enter "security zone." (Qol Yisra'el 12/21, al-Rajv 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; MM 12/21; NYT 12/22)

HADASH MK Hashim Mahamid informs Labor party that his party's 3 MKs will no longer supporthe govt. in upcoming votes, to protest the deportation decision. (Qol Yisra'el 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

Lebanon bars all intl. relief agencies from supplying the deportees. (VOL 12/21 in FBIS 12/21)

10-year-old Palestinian boy killed by IDF during clashes in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. (Qol Yisra'el 12/21 in FBIS 12/23; NYT 12/22)

Israeli govt. submits proposed amendment to Knesset that would permit contacts with the PLO. (Qol Yisra'el 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Ramallah-based Palestinian Public Opinion Research Center releases poll of 1,000 o.t. residents on peace process. 68% said the negotiations have "a chance" for achieving peace; 25% see no hope in negotiations, whatever the terms. 76% accept autonomy if it leads to Palestinian sovereignty, 61% say rejectionists have no reliable agenda to confront the peace process. (al-Fajr 12/1 in FBIS 12/3)

Peace Now releases o.t. demographic survey, concluding that settlement movement in o.t. has failed, with inflated govt. investment over the years resulting in a small number of settlers who only provoke violence. Yesha Council (of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza) charges Peace Now with tailoring facts to fit their political orientation. (IDF Radio 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; MM 12/1)

Al-Quds al-Arabi publishes interview with Chmn. Arafat criticizing Syria for "adopting" the ten rejectionist factions, Iran and the Gulf states for supporting Hamas. (MM 12/1)

Katyusha rocket fired at IDF post in "security zone" (first such firing since 11/12), followed by bombardment of SLA positions north of zone. Israel, SLA shells Iqlim al-Tuffah region. (Radio Lebanon, VOL 12/1 in FBIS 12/1)

UN Development Program announces it will invest $20 million in W. Bank and Gaza Strip projects in the coming year, "hopefully" to be increased to $35 million the following year. Activities are to be coordinated with Israel. (MM 11/10)

IDF kills Palestinian gunman in Gaza Strip. (MM 11/10)

Hamas calls for "days of escalation" on 11/19 (date of 1935 death of Shaykh 'Izz al-Din al-Qassim), 11/22 (25th anniv. of UNSC 242), 11/25 and 27, general strike on 11/29 (date of 1947 UN partition res.). (QPAR 11/10 in FBIS 11/10)

Israel overflies, drops flares over S. Lebanon all night, shells targets, amasses armor and artillery along northern border, concentrates positions in eastern "security zone" overlooking Nabatiyya and Jazzin. Hizballah fires rockets into "security zone" and Israel, attacks Israeli patrol in Jazzin, 10 mi. north of "security zone." SLA detains Lebanese Army sergeant in Khiyam prison. (Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon, VOL 11/10 in FBIS 11/10)

IDF confirms 11/4 UN findings of Syrian disengagement violations, choosing, as they have in the past, to turn a"blind eye" to these longstanding violations. (Hadashot 1 1/1 1 in FBIS 11/13)

Jordan sentences 2 Muslim Brotherhood MPs to 20 years hard labor, 2 shopkeepers to 10 years hard labor, for membership in outlawed, Iranian-backed dissident orgs. (MM 11/10; NYT, WP 11/11

PLO pol. dept head Faruq al-Qaddumi says PLO and Arab states must carefully examine the proposal to hold next round of multilateral refugee talks in Tunis. Israel accepted the Tunisian offer, which he says is a "U.S. demand" (see 10/22). (SANA 10/31 in FBIS 11/2)

IDF kills Hamas mbr. in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. Demonstrations erupt throughout Strip. (al-Fajr 11/9)

Lebanese PM-designate Rafiq al-Hariri meets with Pres. Asad, other Syrian officials in Damascus, then returns to Beirut to announce new govt. Chamber of Deputies speaker Nabih Birri criticizes the new cabinet, will travel to Damascus for consultations. (Radio Lebanon, VOL 10/31 in FBIS 11/2)

Hizballah mbr. is killed after exploding a roadside bomb near SLA patrol inside "security zone." Israel shells villages north of "security zone." (Qol Yisra'el 10/31, Voice of the Oppressed 11/1 in FBIS 11/3)

In interview with Middle East Insight magazine, Pres. candidate Bill Clinton says Arab states should end boycott against Israel. (WT 11/12)

Bilateral talks in Washington adjourn until 11/9. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Two-day multilateral conference on economics opens in Paris, with World Bank suggesting establishment of Middle East reconstruction bank modeled on similar European bank. Dr. Fayiz al-Tarawina, head of the Jordanian delegation, says the Arab states will reject any joint projects with Israel before withdrawal from the o.t. Syria and Lebanon boycott, London-based businessman Zayn Mi'asi heads the Palestinian team, and Bank of Israel gov. Ya'akov Frenkel heads the Israeli delegation. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/29; MM 10/30)

Chmn. Arafat sends Madrid conf. anniversary messages to leaders of U.S., Russia, China, France, Japan, Austria, Great Britain and Sweden urging them to help remove Israeli obstacles to progress in peace talks. (Akhbar al-Usbu' 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Fateh Cent. Comm. mbr. Hani al-Hassan issues statement praising Saudi Arabia's support of the Palestinian cause and the kingdom's treatment of its Palestinian community. (Saudi Arabian TV 10/29 in FBIS 10/30)

King Hassan of Morocco meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus. (MM 10/30)

Israel shells Iqlim al-Tuffah, western Biqa' regions, overflies Sidon and surrounding refugee camps. SLA soldier is wounded in bomb attack north of "security zone," southern Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Israel unleashes over 1,000 shells and bombs on Hizballah target villages north of "security zone," S. Lebanon, killing at least 13 civilians and forcing evacuation of villages. Israeli gunboats shell Nahr al-Barid and al-Baddawi Palestinian refugee camps, 110 mi. north of Israeli border. Three SLA militiamen are wounded in Hizballah bomb attack in Jazzin, east of Sidon. Israeli farmer is wounded in firebomb attack in W. Bank and taken to hospital by local Palestinians. (MM 10/26; Qol Yisra'el, VOL 10/26, 10/27 in FBIS 10/27; NYT, WP 10/27, 10/28)

Palestinian delegation head Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi affirms UNSC 242 as basis for negotiations, noting linkage of transitional and final stages as an "inseparable single unit." (al-Quds 10/26 in FBIS 10/27)

Ten Palestinian rejectionist factions (see 9/18, 10/15) organize mass protest of peace talks in Damascus, issue statement calling for "day of rage" on 10/28, the anniversary of the convening of the Madrid conference, consisting of marches, demonstrations, and sitins throughout o.t. (QPAR 10/26 in FBIS 10/27; MM 10/28)

Multilateral talks on the environment open in the Hague, Holland. (Qol Yisra'el 10/26 in FBIS 10/27)

French FM Roland Dumas meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, then meets separately with PM Rabin and FM Peres in Jerusalem. The U.S. has reportedly sent word to Israel that the Dumas initiatives, centered on arranging a Rabin-Asad summit, do not advance the peace process. Palestinian and Jordanian sources are "suspicious" of Dumas' efforts, as he has made no effort to meet with the PLO, and appears to be working toward only a partial settlement. (Ha'Aretz al-Quds, al-Dustur 10/5 in MM 10/5)

Al-Sharq al-Awsat reports that Chmn. Arafat has solicited the help of Pres. Mubarak in curbing Syrian support of oppositionist Palestinian factions. Ten such orgs. signed a statement attacking the peace process 9/18 in Damascus. Mubarak reportedly promised to speak to Pres. Asad on the matter. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 10/4 in FBIS 10/8)

Hizballah gunmen attack Bayt Yahun crossing point in central "security zone," S. Lebanon, kill SLA security chief Hussein 'Abd al-Nabi, 1 other SLA militiaman. Hizballah loses 2 in the fighting. Israel shells and strafes the area. (Radio Lebanon, AFP 10/4 in FBIS 10/5; al-Nahr 10/5 in MM 10/5

As negotiations break for 10 days, Palestinian head delegate Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi gives Israeli delegates 2 letters for PM Rabin - one urging Israel to address the 10 issues in the Palestinians' 9/1 framework, the other concerning East Jerusalemite Raja Shehadeh (see 9/3). (MM 9/4)

PM Rabin says he is prepared to meet Pres. Asad "any time, any place." (Yedi'ot Aharonot 9/4 in MM 9/4, FBIS 9/8)

Lebanese Christians begin 3-day strike to protest 3rd round of elections (9/6); SLA commander Antun Lahd seals borders of "security zone" to prevent those travelling north to vote from returning. (NYT 9/5; WP 9/7)

Lebanon holds 2nd round of elections in the central part of the country, heavily boycotted by Christians; Muslims register heavy turnout. (NYT, WP 8/31)

SLA unit clashes with Hizballah fighters in S. Lebanon "security zone"; bomb is exploded under an SLA patrol; Israel shells Litani river basin, Zawtar region north of "security zone." (VOL 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek says Palestinians from East Jerusalem should be allowed to participate in the peace talks, and should be given the right to vote for the Palestinian "autonomy council." (Ma'Ariv 8/14 in MM 8/14)

Two katyusha rockets are fired at SLA post in eastern "security zone," Israel responds by shelling Iqlim al-Tuffah region, north of "security zone." (Qol Yisra'el 8/14 in FBIS 8/17)

Israeli Police Min. Moshe Shahal says changes are not necessary to 8/5/86 amendment to antiterror law outlawing meetings with the PLO; clause should be deleted completely as rest of law already deals with "those who endanger Israeli security." (Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/6)

Israel Lands Admin. orders temporary freeze on all new private settlement construction in o.t. while scope of private construction is assessed. (Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; MM 8/5)

Palestinian, Jordanian delegation mbrs. meet in Amman. Sa'ib 'Urayqat and Zakariya al-Aghannounce that their delegation will arrive in Amman 8/20 to travel with the Jordcanian delegation to Washington. PLO pol. advisor Nabil Shaath arrives in Amman for 5-day working visit. (Radio Jordan, JTV 8/5, Al-Ray 8/6 in FBIS 8/6)

Labor MK Avigdor Kahalani, a tank commander on the Golan Heights during the 1967 war, is named to head the Golan Heights lobby in the Knesset; says with the voting power of the expected 70 adherents to the lobby's principles, only minor border adjustments are possible through negotiations. (Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/5)

Islamic Resistance fighter is killed in clash with SLA patrol in eastern "security zone." SLA, Israel shell, seriously damage PFLP target in Rashidiyya region. (Voice of the People 8/5 in FBIS 8/5; Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/6)

Arab foreign ministers meet with President Asad, conclude meeting in Damascus, issue final statement endorsing new round of peace talks, calling for participation of PLO and diaspora Palestinians, acknowledging Israeli "change of tone" but lack of commitment to peace. (NYT 7/26)

Secretary of State Baker says he would like to reconvene peace talks in Washington, D.C. on 8/10. (NYT 7/26)

IDF soldiers shoot at vehicle, killing 4- year-old Palestinian boy; vehicle reportedly was suspected of carrying "wanted" activists. (Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

Amal fighters clash with Israeli, SLA patrol in South Lebanon; Israeli artillery and helicopters shell and strafe Litani river basin, al-Tayyiba, Zawtar regions (Voice of the Mountain 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

PM Rabin meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, first meeting of Egyptian and Israeli heads of state in 6 years. Leaders exchange views on the peace process, bilateral relations; Mubarak accepts invitation to visit Israel. (WP 7/22)

Housing Min. Benyamin Ben-Eliezer and Fin. Min. Avraham Shochat expand 7/16 settlements freeze to cancel plans for total of 6,681 settlement units "in blueprint stage," but will proceed with construction of 10,467 units in more advanced stages. Work will definitely continue on the 1,686 of these that are in the "Greater Jerusalem" area, and the other 8,781 will be subject to "further review." Work was also halted on several "political roads"; no mobile homes may be moved into the o.t., nor may they be moved from current sites in the o.t. (Ha'Aretz 7/21 in FBIS 7/21; Davar 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; NYT, WP 7/24)

King Hussein meets with Secy. of State Baker in Amman, denies Jordan is shipping supplies to Iraq in defiance of UN sanctions. Leaders also discuss peace process. Baker says the U.S. opposes all settlements, but that "security installations are something different." (WP 7/22, 23)

Palestinian leadership continues meeting in Tunis, criticizes Rabin's "partial step" settlement halt; leadership sends messages regarding peace process to Pres. Mubarak and Asad, King Hussein. (Tunisian Republic Radio, MENA 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; Algiers VOP 7/22 in FBIS 7/23)

Palestinian man is killed by Border Police near Janin. (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/23)

Activists slated for deportation 1/2 appeal to PLO leadership to mobilize int'l condemnation of Israel's "voluntary exile" rulings used against them, as well as against 6 activists in al-Najah University siege compromise. Families of the 11 deportees have sent similar message. Israel's state attorney has asked High Court to delay appeal hearings of 11 deportees untilate August. (MM 7/30)

One IDF soldier is killed, 3 wounded as Islamic Resistance bomb explodes under an Israeli tank near north-central "security zone" border village of Bayt Yahun. Three nearby SLA outposts are mortared as fighting escalates in Bra'shit, Haddathah areas. Israel shells Wadi al-Akhdar, Jabal Safi, Malita areas. (VOL 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; Radio Lebanon 7/21, 22 in FBIS 7/22; IDF Radio 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; NYT 7/24)

As part of effort to disarm all factions in Lebanon, min. of state Nazih al-Bizri states that "time is not right" to collect weapons from the Palestinians. Palestinians in Lebanon possess mostly light weapons. (Radio Lebanon 7/21 in FBIS 7/22)

Secy. of State Baker continues talks with PM Rabin, joined by fin. min. and Bank of Israel gov. concerning loan guarantees. Baker also proposes U.S.-Israeli defense pact in return for Israeli readiness to withdraw from Golan Heights, parallel with Syrian readiness for peace agreement. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 7/21 in FBIS 7/21, 7/23 in FBIS 7/23; NYT, WP 7/21)

Baker then meets with 5 members and advisors of the Palestinian delegation, led by Faisal Husseini and Hanan Ashrawi. Ashrawi says the Palestinians would "tolerate" a near-total settlement freeze, as well as an accountable loan guarantee package. (NYT, WP 7/21)

Palestinian leaders submit memorandum to Baker calling on U.S. to resume dialogue with the PLO and halt all settlement construction in the o.t., including East Jerusalem. (Algiers VOP 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

PLO Exec. Comm., PNC chairmanship, and general secretariat of Palestinian factions meet in Tunis to discuss Baker visit, Rabin govt., and peace process. (MENA 7/21 in FBIS 7/22)

Islamic resistance fighters attack SLA post in Tayr Harfa, S. Lebanon, damaging 1 tank, killing 1, wounding 4 Israeli soldiers. Israel shells villages of Haddathah, 'Ayta al-Jabal, Haris north of "security zone," conducts helicopter mock raids. (VOL, Radio Free Lebanon 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

Standoff at al-Najah University, Nablus, ends with peaceful compromise. Army lifts 4-day encirclement of campus and curfew on city, 6 Palestinian men agree to give up weapons, accept 3-year expulsion to Jordan. (MM 7/17; WP, NYT 7/18)

Hanan Ashrawi and Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi are interrogated in police HQ in Jerusalem on 6/18 meeting with PLO Chmn. Arafat in Amman. (IDF Radio 7/17 in FBIS 7/17)

SLA soldiers clash with DFLP members in central "security zone," S. Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 7/17 in FBIS 7/21)

Israeli charge d'affaires to Austria Peter Aran is elevated to rank of ambassador as Israel ends its protest of Austria's election of Kurt Waldheim as president. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 7/17 in FBIS 7/17)

Up to 1,000 Muslims demonstrate, bum U.S. and Israeli flags in Istanbul in protest of Israeli Pres. Haim Herzog's current visit. (MM 7/17)

Israeli govt. declares 1-week freeze on signing contracts for govt.-subsidized housing, including those affecting construction i the o.t. Freeze also is called on planning and early proceedings of new roads in o.t. About 3,000 units in early stages in o.t. are affected by the freeze, and govt. is still unsure about what to do with 4,000 completed units unattached to infrastructure, 12,000 in various stages of construction, and about 500 completed units that have been populated in the o.t. About 60% of these 16,500 scheduled units are in "political settlements." Financial incentives encouraging settlement will be ended. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; MM, NYT, WP 7/17)

The Jerusalem Report states that 100 of the 142 settlements in the o.t. are "political settlements" according to PM Rabin, and can therefore expect significant cuts in govt. aid. These include all 16 settlements inthe Gaza Strip, as well as large W. Bank settlements of Qedumim, Elqana, and possibly Ariel. (Likud MK and Ariel mayor Ron Nahman claims freeze will have "opposite result" in his settlement, plans to increase its pop. from 11,000 to 20,000 in a year.) (Al Hamishmar 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; HaAretz 7/17 in MM 7/17)

Fateh gunman shoots, wounds 3 unarmed Hamas supporters in Rafah, Gaza. Hamas gunmen shoot, wound 1 unarmed Fateh supporter. Some 1,000 Fateh supporters then raid mosque in Yibna camp, Hamas gunmen inside open fire, wound 8. IDF troops impose curfew on Yibna. Two-week total for Fateh-Hamas violence is 1 dead, about 150 wounded. (MM, WP 7/17)

Palestinians throughout o.t. stage commercial strike called for by PLO-backed UNLU to protest seige at al-Najah University. Palestinian-Israeli leaders including all 6 MKs meet to discuss strategy, form delegation to meet with PM Rabin concerning al-Najah. Some 250 prominent Palestinians begin hunger strike in Nablus to protest siege. (MM 7/16, 17; Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

U.S. State Dept. calls for "restraint" from Israel in its handling of situation at al-Najah University, Nablus. IDF soldiers continue to surround campus, searching all students who leave; students refuse to leave until army withdraws. (WP 7/17)

Faisal Husseini announces Israeli defense establishment proposal to deport wanted men in al-Najah University for 3 years as step to lifting siege; Palestinians are drafting counter-proposal, and have sent a letter to PM Rabin to lift siege and curfew of Nablus. (Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

PLO representative calls on UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali to provide int'l. protection for Palestinians in o.t., implementation of res. 681 to deal with siege at al-Najah University. (Radio Algiers Network 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

PM Rabin agrees to meet with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo after U.S. Secy. of State Baker's upcoming visit; meeting would be first such visit since 1986. (WP 7/17)

Palestinian "rejectionist" groups - Hamas and the Palestine National Salvation Front (PFLP-GC, Fateh Uprising, Communist Revolutionary Party, and Sa'iqa) - meet in Damascus to discuss strategy of blocking the peace process and escalating the intifada. (MM 7/16)

King Hussein arrives in Damascus for visit with Pres. Asad. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)

Islamic Resistance attacks Israeli, SLA roadblock in Kafr Huna, S. Lebanon. Israel overflies Arqub region, strengthens positions in al-Qantara, al-Tayyiba with armored vehicles. (Radio Lebanon 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam says Syria will not withdraw to eastern Lebanon in September, states that Taef accord requires withdrawal within 2 years of constitutional adoption of political reforms. (VOL 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)

Israeli soldiers surround al-Najah University in Nablus. Some 3,000-4,000 students and others refuse to submit to searches; IDF imposes curfew on Nablus and 4 nearby refugee camps. (WP 7/16; NYT 7/17)

PLO Exec. Comm. issues statement criticizing Rabin's "iron fist policy," and calling for int'l. action to lift the siege. (Algiers VOP 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Construction and housing min. Benyamin Ben-Eliezer "cancel[s] endorsement" of approved but unsigned contracts for 3,000 housing units in the o.t. Council of Jewish Settlements of Judea, Samaria, and Gaza considers this a "declaration of war." (Qol Yisra'el, IDF Radio 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Fateh official Abu-Nidal al-Asmar narrowly escapes death as a bomb destroys his car in Sidon. (AFP 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Israeli undercover unit shoots dead Hamas-'Izz al-Din al-Qassim faction mbr. in Gaza City. (MM 7/16)

Amal claims an attack on an SLA patrol in al-Qantara, S. Lebanon, kills 6 Israeli soldiers and 1 Amal militiaman. SLA responds by shelling "security zone" border villages of al-Qantara, al-Qabrikha. (VOL 7/15 in FBIS 7/15; Radio Lebanon 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

PM Rabin "rules out" Palestinian legislative elections as outlined in Camp David Accords. (WP 7/16)

Pres. Herzog leaves for 2-day visit to Turkey, firstrip to Turkey by an Israeli president. (Qol Yisra'el 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

PM Rabin addresses new Knesset, offering to travel to Arab capitals, inviting Palestinian delegation and Arab country leaders to Jerusalem, and calling for Palestinian acceptance of autonomy. Yitzhak Shamir addresses Knesset, offers praise for old admin., warnings and criticism for the new. Knesset approves new cabinet by a vote of 67 to 53, 17 new cabinet mbrs. sworn in. Pres. Bush congratulates Rabin, invites him to Kennebunkport, Maine, announces Secy. of State. Baker will travel to the region to meet with Rabin, Arab leaders. (ITV 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; NYT, WP 7/14)

Faisal Husseini, not considered part of the Palestinian negotiating team by PM Rabin because he is from Jerusalem, and therefore not among Rabin's 7/13 "invitees," offers counter-invitation fr Rabin to call him at home in Jerusalem. Husseini's position is seen as direct challenge to Syria, which sees Rabin as "carbon copy" of Shamir. (MM 7/14)

Fateh and Hamas sign new, more elaborate agreement to end violence in Gaza Strip as a result of NRC mediation (see 7/8, 10). Eightteen committees have been set up to enforce the agreement. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli undercover unit disguised as Arabs infiltrate, join 20 Hamas marchers in Gaza city. Hamas activist attacks 1 soldier, IDF opens fire; in ensuing confusion, 1 Hamas activist dies (from IDF bullets) as Hamas reportedly believes undercover IDF are Fateh activists. (Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/22)

Pres. Asad meets with Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi, joined later by VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam and FM Faruk al-Shara' in Damascus. (Syrian Arab TV 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

SLA commander Antun Lahd categorically rejects Lebanese elections given current circumstances. (MM 7/14)

Israel, SLA shells Hizballah target, UNIFIL village of Yatar killing 1 civilian, in response to Islamic Resistance mortaring of "security zone" village of Bayt Lif. (MM 7/13; Radio Lebanon 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; WP 7/14)

PM-designate Rabin announces new cabinet to the Labor party Cent. Comm. He named himself DM, Mordechai Gur dep. DM (in charge of "day-to-day" affairs), Avraham Shochat fin. min., Benyamin Ben-Eliezer construction and housing min., Shulamit Aloni education min. Labor has 13 minister portfolios, Meretz 3, and Shas 1-interior. (NYT 7/13)

Labor issues separate letters of commitment on social and political matters to HADASH (Democratic Front) and Arab Democratic Party, two Arab parties supporting but not part of new coalition who have a total of 5 Knesset seats. (ITV 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

Chmn. Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo. (MM 7/13)

PLO political advisor and delegation advisory comm. mbr. Nabil Shaath says Egypt is "the" Arab state capable of restoring Arab solidarity and boosting Palestinian negotiating strength, aswell as materially aiding the Palestinan people. (MENA 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

Palestinian delegation spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi is detained for several hours upon crossing the Allenby bridge from Jordan, regarding the delegation's 6/18 public meeting with PLO Chmn. Arafat. (Qol Yisra'el 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; NYT 7/13)

Israel, SLA heavily shells Iqlim al-Tuffah region in S. Lebanon, reportedly in retaliation for bomb attack on Israeli patrol. (MM 7/13)

UNLU issues addendum to call no. 84 (issued 7/4) commending and supporting efforts to end intra-Palestinian violence in Gaza Strip.

Israeli attomey gen. postpones hearings to discuss proposed building of 200 Jewish homes in Silwan, East Jerusalem, following appeal by Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek (MM 6/5)

Israeli Central Elections Comm. approves 25 party lists for the upcoming 13th Knesset elections. (Davar 6/4 in FBIS 6/5)

IDF lifts 5/27 curfew of Dayr al-Balah, Gaza. (Qol Yisra'el 6/4 in FBIS 6/4)

IDF helicopters attack PFLP-GC base in al-Rashidiyya refugee camp near Tyre, S. Lebanon. IDF-SLA shells Malita, Luwayza, Wadi al-Akhdar north of "security zone." (Radio Free Lebanon 6/4 in FBIS 6/4; MM 6/4)

Israeli Border Guard stabbed and wounded in Bethlehem; his Palestinian assailant is shot and killed. (MM 6/4)

Iranian FM 'Ali Akbar Velayati concludes visit to Syria. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 6/4 in FBIS 6/5)

Pres. Mubarak, FM 'Amr Musa, presidential advisor Usamah al-Baz meet with Pres. Asad in Damascus to discuss continued fighting between Islamic Resistance, combined SLA-IDF forces in S. Lebanon. At a press conference, Mubarak and Asad call for 8 signatories to 1991 "Damascus Declaration" to meet. (MM 6/3, 4)

Iranian FM Velayati meets with Hizballah officials in Damascus. (MM 6/3; NYT 6/4)

IDF closes al-Najah University in Nablus for one week, lifts curfew imposed 5/24 on Maghazi refugee camp in Gaza. (Qol Yisra'el 6/2 in FBIS 6/3; MM 6/4)

Israeli housing min. halts work on plans to build 200 Jewish residences in Muslim quarter in East Jerusalem. (MM 6/5)

Guerrillas from Lebanese Resistance, coalition of forces headed by Communist Party, attack SLA position in Qantara. (MM 6/3

IDF declares state of alert in "security zone" and N. Israel as artillery and rocket attacks continue between Hizballah-led Islamic Resistance Movement and IDF, SLA forces in S. Lebanon. (MM 5/20)

International Committee of the Red Cross calls on Israel to halt mistreatment of detainees in o.t. (MM 5/21)

Jordan's acting PM notifies UNESCO that it has historical responsibility for maintaining Islamic shrines in East Jerusalem, states that all funds must be channeled through Jordan. Political battle deepens between Jordan and Saudi Arabia over which country will fund repairs to Islamic sites in Jerusalem (see 5/16, 5/18). Jordan also announces that Chmn. Arafat sent letter to King Hussein thanking him for pledging funds to restore the shrines. (AFP, Radio Jordan 5/20 in FBIS 5/21; MM 5/21)

Strike observed in o.t. to commemorate May 1990 killing of 7 Palestinians workers in Rishon le Zion by an Israeli soldier. (MM 5/20)

Gunbattle breaks out between Palestinians and IDF undercover troops posing as Hamas activists in Rafah refugee camp, Gaza. The troops, wearing captured Hamas uniforms, were challenged by suspicious residents who demanded that the group speak to them in Arabic. At least 1 IDF soldier was wounded. Clash breaks out between Israeli settlers and residents of Husan, W. Bank, after settlers rampage through village, smashing automobile windows and attacking villagers. (MM 5/20)

Hizballah-led Islamic Resistance fighters capture SLA position inside Israeli "security zone" in 'Alman-Shumariya region of S. Lebanon - first time SLA position has been overrun in 4 years. 2 SLA troops killed, 4 others captured; 2 attackers died. Islamic Resistance forces later withdraw. IDF, SLA shell Jabal al-Safi, several villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah and Nabatiyya region, S. Lebanon. Hizballah forces fire rockets into "security zone." (MM 5/20, 5/21)

Chmn. Arafat, Fateh leaders meet with Nayif Hawatima, leader of one faction of DFLP, and other DFLP officials to discuss differences in advance of PLO Central Council meeting [see 5/4 for similar talks between Fateh, PFLP]. (al-Ray 5/6 in FBIS 5/6)

PFLP leader Riyad Malki and DFLP-Hawatima faction leader 'Ali Abu Hilal, hold joint press conference in Jerusalem at which they state their conditional support for municipal elections, which have been proposed in different form by Israel but rejected by Fateh and Palestinian delegation to peace talks [PFLP, DFLP-Hawatima and Hamas have now called for supporting municipal elections if held under international supervision, a condition which Israel has rejected. See 4/27, 4/28, 4/30]. PFLP, DFLP also issue joint statement in o.t. calling for unified Arab position regarding participation in multilateral talks [PFLP had formerly opposed the talks]. (al-Ray 5/6 in FBIS 5/6)

Following 4/29 Saudi disclosure that King Fahd will pay for repairs to Islamic sites in E. Jerusalem, Jordanian cabinet announces Jordan will pay for repairing Dome of the Rock [Jordan has traditionally assumed responsibility for shrine's maintenance]. (Jordan Television 5/5 in FBIS 5/6; MM 5/6)

Amnesty International issues report criticizing conditions in al-Khiyam prison camp run by SLA in Israel's "security zone." (MM 5/5)

4 Israeli citizens arrested by Egypt in February on charges of espionage are released, deported to Israel [see 3/10]. (Qol Yisra'el 5/6 in FBIS 5/6; MENA 5/6 in FBIS 5/7)

3 IDF troops injured by a Palestinian wielding a knife at a roadblock. The attacker is killed. (Qol Yisra'el 5/6 in FBIS 5/6)

Chmn. Arafat, Fateh leaders meet with PFLP Asst. Gen. Secy. Abu al-'Ali Mustafa and other PFLP leaders in Tunis to discuss differences in advance of upcoming PLO Central Council meeting. (al-Ray 5/6 in FBIS 5/6)

Israel, Nigeria restore diplomatic relations suspended by Nigeria in 1973. (MM 5/5)

Disturbances break out in Dayr al-Balah refugee camp in Gaza after IDF arrests 3 "wanted" suspects. At least 9 Palestinians were injured. (HaAretz 5/5 in FBIS 5/6)

Responding to attacks from Islamic resistance, IDF, SLA artillery barrages kill 5, wounds 4 in Mashghara, S.Lebanon, northeast of Israeli "security zone." Bombardment of 5 villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah region wounds additional 11. (NYT 5/5)

After discussing plans with Jerusalem Mayor Kollek, Housing Min. Sharon confirms government is buying land and planning to build homes for Jews in several E. Jerusalem neighborhoods, including Muslim Quarter, Silwan, Wadi Jawz, and Mt. of Olives. (MM 4/7)

IDF convoy ambushed in Hula, S. Lebanon, inside Israeli "security zone" and less than 2 kilometers from Israeli-Lebanese border. 2 soldiers killed, 5 wounded, including 3 officers; 2 SLA soldiers are also wounded. Additional 2 IDF troops are wounded as reinforcements storm the building from which 3 gunmen fired, killing them. Islamic Jihad in Palestine, Islamic Resistance Movement claim joint responsibility for attack. SLA head Gen. Antoine Lahad was reportedly riding in convoy but was not injured. Maj.-Gen. Yitzhak Mordechai, commander of IDF Northern Command, had also been riding in convoy but left shortly before attack occurred. IDF heavy artillery bombards villages of Kabrikha, Shaqra, Majd al-Salim in retaliation. (WP, MM 4/7; Qol Yisra'el 4/7 in FBIS 4/8)

Following fist-fights with UNIFIL troops trying to halt their advance, IDF troops, tanks bulldoze through UNIFIL barriers and move out of "security zone" to attack villages in S. Lebanon suspected of sheltering Islamic Resistance Movement bases which have been shelling N. Israel. Villages of Yatar, Kafra are captured. Several more rockets are fired at N. Israel, "security zone" and are answered with heavy IDF, SLA bombardment. Amal, communist party, armed civilians join the battle against Israeli forces. Two Israelis are killed and three wounded; at least 7 Hizballah fighters are killed and 17 wounded. In addition, 3 civilians and 4 Fijian UNIFIL troops are wounded. UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali demands Israeli withdrawal while State Dept. calls on Israel, Syria, Lebanon to "exercise restraint." (Qol Yisra'el 2/20 in FBIS 2/20, FBIS 2/21; IDF Radio, Voice of Lebanon 2/20 in FBIS 2/21; WP 2/21)

PM Shamir wins renomination as head of Likud party. FM David Levy finishes second, Housing Min. Ariel Sharon third. (WP 2/21)

Arab League council begins emergency meeting on Israeli settlements. (MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21)

Hanan Ahhrawi announces that following discussions with State Dept. in wake of arrest of 2 negotiators [see 2/17], Palestinian delegation will attend next round of negotiations (IDF Radio 2/19 in FBIS 2/20)

Yitzhak Rabin elected head of Labor party, defeating incumbent Shimon Peres. (WP 2/21)

Islamic Resistance continues rocket attacks against Israeli targets. Most fall within "security zone," but 13 Israelis are injured when rockets land in N. Israel. IDF, SLA artillery continue bombarding S. Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 2/19 in FBIS 2/19, FBIS 2/20)

Hanan Ashrawi, spokeswoman for Palestinian delegation, announces delegation will not participate in upcoming negotiations due to recent Israeli arrest of 2 persons associated with the delegation [see 2/17]. PLO confirms the announcement. (AFP 2/18 in FBIS 2/18)

Islamic Resistance Movement fires more rockets into N. Israel and the "security zone." IDF, SLA artillery return fire. SLA radio orders villagers living immediately north of "security zone" to evacuate their homes before 5:00 A.M. on 2/19. (IDF Radio, Radio Free Lebanon 2/18 in FBIS 2/19; MM 2/20)

Tehiya, Moledet parties resign from cabinet as announced [see 1/16]. (NYT 1/20)

Iran paid kidnappers of American hostages in Lebanon between $1-2 million for each hostage released since August and financed their incarceration, according to article published in Washington Post based on information supplied by senior U.S. officials. (WP 1/19)

Hizballah claims responsibility for two bomb attacks in Tayr Harfa, a village lying inside Israeli "security zone." Israeli, SLA artillery later retaliate by shelling Hadath, Humin, Ayta al-Jabal, Sirbin, Kafra. (NYT 1/20)