The Palestine Chronology

In Nablus, IDF tries to break up demonstrations marking 4th anniversary of IDF killing of 4 Fatah Black Panther leaders, sparking massive riots, wounding 18 Palestinians. (MM 11/30; QY 11/30 in FBIS 11/30; IDF Radio, QY, VOP 11/30, QY 12/1 in FBIS 12/1; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/1; WT 12/2; WJW 12/7; JP 12/9; MEI 12/15)

In Qabatiyya, Black Panthers temporarily kidnap 2 Israeli border policemen to prevent the rearrest of a recently released Palestinian prisoner. (MM 11/30; QY 11/30 in FBIS 11/30; IDF Radio, QY, VOP 11/30, QY 12/1 in FBIS 12/1; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/1; WT 12/2; WJW 12/7; JP 12/9; MEI 12/15)

Nr. Janin, Palestinian gunman fires on Israeli army jeep escorting settlers' bus, wounding 2 soldiers. (MM 11/30; QY 11/30 in FBIS 11/30; IDF Radio, QY, VOP 11/30, QY 12/1 in FBIS 12/1; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/1; WT 12/2; WJW 12/7; JP 12/9; MEI 12/15)

Informal Ad Hoc Liaison Comm. mtg. is held in Washington to prepare for 1/9 Paris donor mtg. (MA 12/5 in FBIS 12/5)

Arafat holds separate mtgs. with Norwegian, Irish, British delegations, regarding bilateral relations, joint venture projects with the PA. (VOP 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

In Hebron, PA police demand the IDF remove all roadblocks in the city. IDF refuses, say settler security would be jeopardized. Sides agree to send matter to the Palestinian-Israeli Steering and Monitoring Comm. (PISMC) for review. (QY 11/30 in FBIS 11/30)

Amnesty International confirms that Syria has released some 1,200 political prisoners (most mbrs. of the Muslim Brotherhood) in the last 2 wks. in a step to improve its human rights record. (MM 11/30; WT 12/1; MM 12/14) (see 11/16)

2 IDF soldiers are wounded in gunfight with Hizballah fighters. UNIFIL forces report IDF has been using internationally banned phosphorous shells in recent attacks on s. Lebanon. (AFP 11/30 in FBIS 11/30)

In Nablus, 3 Fatah Hawks capture, kill alleged Palestinian collaborator, drug dealer. (JP 12/9; MEI 12/15) (see 11/14, 11/24)

In wake of Hizballah attack 11/28, PM Peres meets with cabinet, sends more troops into s. Lebanon. Officials decide against a major strike. IAF hits Hizballah targets, killing 1, wounding 2. (IDF Radio, QY 11/29, HA 11/30 in FBIS 11/30; MM, NYT, WT 11/30; JP 1/29)

15 PA officers arrive in Qalqilya to open DCO as 1st stage of IDF redeployment fr. the city. (IDF Radio, VOP 11/28 in FBIS 11/29)

PA takes over property tax collection for Tulkarm; announces Palestinian stamp has been released by the 7 West Bank, Gaza post offices under PA control. (VOP 11/28 in FBIS 11/29; PWR 12/5, 12/29)

PM Peres decides joint Israeli-PA industrial parks may straddle the Green Line, need not be fully in the self-rule areas, making operations in the parks more attractive to entrepreneurs who fear the economic ramifications of Israeli closures of the West Bank, Gaza. (IDF Radio 11/18 in FBIS 11/29) (see 6/8)

Israel's Yedi'ot Aharonot reports that for the past several days, at the request of PM Peres, FM Dir. Gen. Savir has been holding secret talks with a high-ranking Syrian official in a European capital, possibly Brussels. Savir refuses to comment. (QY 11/28 in FBIS 11/28; JP, YA 11/29 in FBIS 11/29)

PA police arrest manager of Hamas's al-Watan, Ramzi Hamad, owner and editor of Islamic Jihad's al-Istiqlal. (RMC 11/28 in FBIS 11/28)

In Bursa, Turkey, unidentified gunmen kill Jewish businessman Nesim Malki, claim retaliation for Fathi Shiqaqi killing in Malta 10/26. (NYT 11/29)         

Nr. Hebron, IDF fires rockets at Palestinian house, shoots and kills wanted Hamas mbr. `Abd al-Karim Masalma when he emerges. (WT 11/29)

Hizballah mbrs. in s. Lebanon fire 10s of rockets into n. Israel, wounding 8 Jewish settlers, causing considerable material damage. PM Peres blames Syria for failing to prevent the attack. Hizballah security comm. mbr. Hajj Sa'id Harb is killed in IAF retaliatory air strike. (MM 11/28; QY, RL, VOL 11/28 in FBIS 11/28; IDF Radio 11/28 in FBIS 11/29; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/29; WT 11/30; JP 12/9)

PM Peres address the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comm.; says next stage of redeployment will begin in 8/96. Options then will be to move land fr. zone B to zone A, fr. zone C to zone B, or fr. zone C to zone A, based on the notion of "blocazation"--creating blocks of settlements to be linked by bypass roads. Under no circumstances will land currently under PA control be remanded to Israel control. (QY 11/27, HA 11/28 in FBIS 11/28)

In Barcelona, 2-day Euro-Mediterranean economic conference opens. (MM 11/27; VOP 11/27 in FBIS 11/27; AFP 11/27, SARR 11/28 in FBIS 11/28; MM, NYT, WT 11/28; SARR 11/28 in FBIS 11/29; MM 11/29; JP 12/9)

NISP publishes list of mbrs. of its political bureau; 2 are women, 95 percent are Hamas mbrs. Party has not decided if it will participate in elections. (al-Hayat 11/27 in FBIS 11/28; al-Quds 12/8 in FBIS 12/8)

Damascus-based Alliance of Palestinian Forces issues joint statement calling on Palestinians to boycott 1/20 elections. (QPAR 11/27 in FBIS 11/28)

Hizballah fires 3 rockets into n. Israel, causing no damage. (MM 11/27; QY, RL 11/27 in FBIS 11/27; RL 11/27 in FBIS 11/28)

Israel eases travel restrictions on Arafat. (QY 11/26 in FBIS 11/28)

Islamic Jihad announces it will not take part in elections. Islamic Jihad-Al-Aqsa Brigades faction says it will participate. (QY, VOP 11/26 in FBIS 11/27)

Israeli police question 2 West Bank rabbis, David Kav and Shmuel Dvir, suspected of giving Yigal Amir religious sanction to kill Rabin. (NYT, WP, WT 11/27; HA 11/27 in FBIS 11/27)

In s. Lebanon, Amal units attack IDF patrol. IDF fires back, killing 1 Amal mbr., wounding 3. (RL, VOL 11/26 in FBIS 11/27; MM 11/27)

In Amman, Joint Chiefs of Staff delegation meets with PM Bin Shakir, discusses bilateral military relations. (JTV 11/25, JTV, RJ 11/26 in FBIS 11/27)

IDF detains 14 Islamic Jihad mbrs. on suspicion of plotting attacks on Israeli targets. (QY 11/26, 11/27 in FBIS 11/27)

Lebanese Pres. Ilyas Hrawi begins 2d 3-yr. term. (WP 11/26)

In Nablus, Fatah Black Panthers mbrs. detain, beat up 4 Palestinians for allegedly dealing weapons, drugs. (MEI 12/15) (see 11/14)

Nr. Janin, IDF arrests 11 Islamic Jihad mbrs. (NYT 11/26)

1st 150 IDF soldiers withdraw fr. Nablus in initial redeployment. (VOP 11/23 in FBIS 11/24)

In his 1st interview as FM, Barak says Israel plans to separate the Jewish and Palestinian populations, retain control of greater Jerusalem, Jordan valley, Etzion areas in final settlement. (QY 11/23 in FBIS 11/24; MM, WP 11/24; WT 11/26)

IDF raids PSF headquarters in Salfit. The IDF evacuated the Civil Administration offices in Salfit 10/10. (PR 12/1)

The Palestinian Arab Socialist Ba`th Party says it will run candidates in the 1/20 elections. (VOP 11/23)

Arafat claims 2 Islamic Jihad mbrs. who carried out the Beyt Lid bombing 1/22/95 spent time in IDF camps for Palestinians collaborators; warns of cooperation btwn. Israeli, Palestinian extremists opposed to the Oslo process. (EFE [Madrid] 11/23 in FBIS 11/24; Le Nouvel Observateur 11/23 in FBIS 11/27)

Eyal mbr. Dror Adani, being held in connection with the Rabin assassination, says Yigal Amir sent him to obtain halakic approval for the assassination fr. Rabbi Moshe Tzuri'el. (ITV 11/23 in FBIS 11/24)

Peres is sworn in as Israel's 12th PM after winning Knesset approval (62 to 8, with 38 abstentions) for his new cabinet, coalition, and platform. Coalition comprises Labor, Meretz, Yi'ud; commands 63-57 majority, incl. Arab parties. In his speech, Peres presents his policy statement; says he will try to complete a deal with Syria before next year's elections. Syria praises his comments. (MM 11/22; NYT, WP 11/23; SARR 11/22, 11/23, 11/24 in FBIS 11/24; SARR 11/25 in FBIS 11/27; WT 11/26; JP 12/2)

IDF raids PA's Palestinian Bureau of Statistics in Ramallah. (PR 12/1)

Additional international observers arrive in Janin to monitor elections process. (QY 11/22 in FBIS 11/22)

On private visit to London, King Hussein holds 2 mtgs. with Iraqi opposition leaders to discuss current conditions in Iraq. (SA 11/23 in FBIS 11/24; MM 12/3) 

Acting PM Peres presents his new cabinet to the Labor Central Comm.; says he will also take the position of DM in the new government, make frmr. army chief of staff and current Interior M Ehud Barak FM. Economics M Yossi Beilin will become "Minister in the Prime Minister's Office," a new position that will place him at Peres's disposal for critical assignments; the Economics Min. will be eliminated, melded into the premiership. Yehuda Amital, who is not an MK but a settler rabbi who advocates returning West Bank land to Palestinians, will joint the cabinet as minister without portfolio. To give Police M Moshe Shahal more power, Peres expands the Police M into a new Internal Security Min. (MM 11/21; CSM, NYT, WP 11/22; QY 11/21, 11/22 in FBIS 11/22; JP 11/25; JP 11/28 in FBIS 11/29)

Israeli Interior M Barak says investigations are underway to identify Jewish extremists in the U.S. to prevent their entry into Israel. (QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/21)

Israel grants citizenship to American spy Jonathan Pollard, arrested in 1985 for giving Israel 1,000s of classified U.S. intelligence documents. Though largely a nod to domestic constituents, some Israeli officials want to use the citizenship grant to extradite, free Pollard. (NYT, WP, WT 11/22; QY 11/21, ITV 11/22 in FBIS 11/24; WJW 11/30; JP 12/2)

IDF soldier on border patrol is wounded by attacker firing fr. Jordan. Later, IDF shoots, kills armed man trying to cross border into the West Bank in the same area. (IDF Radio, QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/21)

Ohad Skornik, Michael Epstein, arrested 11/9 in connection with the Rabin assassination, are released on bail, placed under house arrest. 6 other suspects remain in custody. (MM 11/21)

IDF releases 5 detainees fr. al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon. (RL 11/21 in FBIS 11/22)

In Brussels, acting PM Peres signs trade accord with the EU. (MM 11/20; IDF Radio 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; JP 11/25)

Fatah Central Comm. sets up council, subcommittees to oversee the its election campaign. (VOP 11/21 in FBIS 11/21; al-Hayat 11/22, SA 11/29 in FBIS 11/30; MEI, PR 12/1)

Arafat meets with Australian FM in Gaza; holds telephone conversation with Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan regarding Palestinian-Saudi Arabian relations. (VOP 11/20 in FBIS 11/21)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with acting PM Peres in Jerusalem. (MM 11/20; CSM 11/21; JP 11/25)

Arafat convenes weekly PA cabinet mtg. in Janin for 1st time. 1,000s of Palestinians turn out to rally in his support. Cabinet discusses PLO Exec. Comm.'s suggested amendments to the PA election law. (VOP 11/19 in FBIS 11/20; NYT, WP 11/20; JP 11/25)

The Shamgar Commission of inquiry into the assassination of PM Rabin holds its first day of hearings. (MM 11/20)

Israeli cabinet approves formation of a special comm. to handle right-wing Jewish extremists, incitement, sedition; measures restricting the Law of Return to prevent supporters of illegal organizations to come to Israel. National Religious Party calls decision a violation of the freedom of expression. (QY 11/19 in FBIS 11/20; MM 11/20)

In continuing naval blockade of s. Lebanon, Israeli gunboats stop fishing vessel of the Tyre coast, detain 2 crew mbrs. (RL 11/19 in FBIS 11/20) (see 9/6)

In Tel Aviv, U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross meets with heads of Israeli, PA negotiating teams (Israeli FMin. Dir. Gen. Uri Savir, PA Economics M Ahmad Qurai`). (QY 11/18 in FBIS 11/20)

In Doha, Israeli, Qatari end 2 days of positive talks toward reaching an aviation agmt. Saudi Arabia says it will give authorization for overflights to Qatari jets headed to Tel Aviv. (MM 11/17; AFP 11/20 in FBIS 11/21)

Syria welcomes Israeli acting PM Peres's recent statements that he is willing to resume stalled peace talks. (WT 11/19)

PA approves formation of National Islamic Salvation Party (NISP). Hamas spokesman Mahmud Zahhar says NISP is not officially a Hamas arm but confirms that Hamas mbrs. have set up the party with the movement's knowledge, approval. Hamas issues leaflet reaffirming it will not take part in elections, calls Palestinians to boycott. (HA, QPAR 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; SA 11/23 in FBIS 11/24; al-Hayat 11/27 in FBIS 11/28)

At the opening of the Jordan Press Foundation Company, Jordanian PM Sharif Zaid Bin Shakir warns that the government will "support views and accept constructive criticism aimed at safeguarding national interests and achievements" but any "destructive criticism" denying these achievements "is tantamount to treason" and will not be tolerated. (JT 11/19 in FBIS 11/21)

Israeli security officials say Eyal head Avishai Raviv, arrested 11/8 in connection with Rabin's assassination and released 11/15, was a paid informer for Shin Bet. (NYT 11/19; NYT, WP, WT 11/20)

Israel agrees to begin pullout fr. Bethlehem 12/18, 3 days earlier than planned, to allow for preparations for the city's 1st Christmas celebrations under PA control. (NYT, WT 11/18)

Lebanon establishes diplomatic relations with South Africa. (RL 11/17 in FBIS 11/20)

Israeli FMin. Dep. Dir. Gen. Eytan Bentzur, Syrian FMin. Political Dept. head Rafiq Juwayjati meet on the sidelines of the Barcelona conference preparatory mtg. in Brussels. (MM 11/17; MA 11/17, QY 11/19 in FBIS 11/20)

In Damascus, PLO's Faruq Qaddumi meets with Syrian-based opposition groups to coordinate positions in advance of 1/20 elections. DFLP, PFLP call on their mbrs. to boycott. (SA 11/17 in FBIS 11/17; al-Nahar 11/16 in FBIS 11/22)

Bank of Israel reports that foreign investment in Israel more than doubled during the 1st 3 quarters of 1995, but foreign investment in real estate fell to $123 m. (2d quarter 1995) fr. $429 m. (2d. quarter 1994). (JP 11/25; MA 12/8 in FBIS 12/8)

On the 25th anniversary of the "Corrective Movement" that brought him to power, Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad sends to parliament a draft law providing general amnesty for certain political crimes. (MM 12/15)

On the recommendation of 111 of 120 MKs, Israeli Pres. Weizman gives Peres 21 days to form a new government as PM. (NYT, WP, WT 11/16)

Israeli police arrest 8 suspect, Margalit Harshefi, a 20-yr.-old law student fr. Beit El settlement, for conspiracy in aiding Yigal Amir; issue 48-hr detention orders for Kach mbrs Baruch Marzel, Noam Federman; release Eyal's Raviv on bail, place him under house arrest, forbid him to enter West Bank; also arrest 2 ultraorthodox seminary students for desecrating Rabin's grave. (NYT, WP, WT 11/16)

Arafat cancels speech at Gaza rally after PA police arrest 5 Abu Nidal followers fr. Algeria, Libya on suspicion of plotting his assassination. All 5 were detained after arriving in Gaza last wk. (MENA, QY 11/15 in FBIS 11/15; NYT, WT 11/16)

First joint IDF-PA patrols of Janin area begin. Israel gives PA control over the empty al-Fari`a prison nr. Nablus. (QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/13)

In continuing crackdown on right-wing extremists, Israeli police indict 29 more Jewish settlers, say 50 other indictments will be issued soon. (WP, WT 11/15) (see 11/13)

In Nablus, frmr. Fatah Hawks mbrs shoot, wound 4 Palestinians in 2 separate incidents. Frmr. Fatah Hawks have acted as self-styled custodians of moral standards in Nablus since May, killing 2, wounding at least 22 for such offenses as running lotteries. (AFP 11/14 in FBIS 11/15) (see 10/12)

IDF completes redeployment fr. Janin. 1,000 PA policemen take up posts. (CSM 11/13; QY, VOP 11/13 in FBIS 11/13; QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14; NYT, WT 11/14; WT 11/15)

PA receives control over transportation, communications, meteorological spheres for Nablus, Tulkarm. (VOP 11/12 in FBIS 11/13)

Israel allows Fatah rejectionist Hani al-Hassan into Gaza. (QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

In gesture to Hamas, PA releases 24 Hamas mbrs fr. PA prisons. (AFP, QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

Over 1,000 Labor party mbrs vote to support the party's central comm. decision to make Peres party head, form government. (ITV, QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14; NYT, WT 11/14)

Israeli police indict 24 Jewish settlers--incl. head of Hebron settlers Rabbi Moshe Levinger, head of Kach Baruch Marzel, spokesman for Eyal Itamar Ben-Gvir--on charges of disturbing the peace, assaulting police, attacking Palestinians over the last 2 yrs. (WP, WT 11/15)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir meets with immigration officials to discuss banning entry, citizenship to some radical American Jews; notes that Jewish groups in the U.S. have raised over $100,000 for Yigal Amir's defense fund. (CSM, WT 11/14) (see 11/8)

Official mourning period for Rabin ends. Labor party central comm. unanimously confirms Peres as their new head, clearing the way for Pres. Weizman to ask him to form a new govt. (QY 11/12 in FBIS 11/13; NYT, WP, WT 11/13; CSM, NYT 11/14)

PA's 3-wk. voter registration campaign begins. (VOP 11/12 in FBIS 11/13; WP 11/13)

Israeli Housing Min. approves plans to build new 132-unit Jewish neighborhood on 15 dunams of land in East Jerusalem owned by an Israeli developer. (VOP 11/12 in FBIS 11/13)

Shin Bet says a friend of Yigal Amir, Shlomo Halevy, told them in June that someone fitting Amir's description was plotting an assassination. In a court appearance, Amir's brother Hagai admits he received weapons from the IDF soldier arrested 11/10. (NYT, WP, WT 11/13; NYT 11/14; WJW 11/16)

British Foreign Secy. Rifkind arrives in Beirut for talks with Pres. Hrawi, PM Hariri, Speaker Birri, FM Buwayz. (RL 11/11, 11/13 in FBIS 11/13)

Israeli police arrest IDF soldier fr. elite unit, his father in connection with Rabin's assassination. Police also say they believe Yigal Amir began mobilizing a group of young religious nationalists, mbrs of Eyal, nearly 2 yrs ago, with plans of attacking Palestinians, preventing redeployment; claim to have found rabbi who acted as their spiritual leader; say Rabin had been targeted on at least 3 other occasions. (MM 11/10; NYT, WP, WT 11/11; NYT 11/12; CSM 11/13)

In Cairo, British Foreign Secy. Rifkind meets with Pres. Mubarak, FM Musa. (MENA 11/10, RE 11/11 in FBIS 11/13)

Civil rights groups criticize letter issued by Israeli Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir, saying media could be prosecuted in connection with Rabin assassination for publishing statements seen as inciting violence. (WT 11/11)

In his 1st visit to Israel, Arafat flies to Tel Aviv to pay his condolences to Leah Rabin. (MM, NYT, WP 11/10; QY 11/10 in FBIS 11/13; WT 11/11; CSM 11/13)

British Foreign Secy. Malcolm Rifkind meets with PM Peres in Israel; then meets with Arafat. (JTV, VOP 11/9, JTV, RJ 11/10 in FBIS 11/13; NYT 11/11)

Israeli police arrest 3 friends of Yigal Amir--Drori Adini, Michael Epstein, Ohad Skornik--in connection with Rabin's assassination; say they believe Amir did not act alone. In the yard of the nursery school in Herziliya run by Amir's mother, police uncover crates of arms, grenades, explosives, detonator, fuses. Of the 5 arrested thus far, all are native-born religious nationalists, in their 20s, fr. middle-class backgrounds; all completed military service, 2 in elite brigades; 4 attended Bar-Ilan University. (MM 11/9; QY 11/9 in FBIS 11/9; CSM, NYT, WP 11/10; NYT, WT 11/11)

Israel turns over post and telecommunications sphere to the PA. (VOP 11/8 in FBIS 11/8; VOP 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

Acting PM Peres opens a commission of inquiry into Rabin's assassination. Chief Justice Aharon Barak will head the comm., which will limit its probe to the act itself, not investigate Jewish extremism. The comm. will have subpoena powers. (NYT, WP, WT 11/9; CSM 11/10)

As a result of the 11/7 Shin Bet report presented to the cabinet today, head of Israel's bodyguard unit resigns; head of the VIP security unit is fired; 2 bodyguards are suspended. (MM 11/8; QY 11/8 in FBIS 11/8; WP, WT 11/9; CSM 11/10)

Israeli police arrest Eyal's Raviv on charges of failing to prevent a crime and conspiracy in Rabin's assassination. Raviv admits he heard Yigal Amir speak of killing Rabin but did not take him seriously. (NYT, WP, WT 11/9; CSM 11/10)

In Jerusalem, Israeli religious, settler, Yishuv leaders hold public mtg. to discuss whether or not the religious right, settlers movement, or religious schools bear responsibility for Rabin's assassination. (NYT 11/9; WP 11/10)

Calling him a "great Jewish hero," Orthodox Jews in New York set up hot line to raise funds for Amir's legal defense. Hot line director Moshe Gross says his 20 volunteers are receiving 60-70 calls an hour. Asked if his group is connected with Kahane Chai, Gross says: "We [believe] he wasn't religious enough." (NYT 11/10; CSM 11/14)

In Jerusalem, Acting PM Peres says he will not call early elections. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/8)

Shin Bet gives cabinet a preliminary report on security guarding PM Rabin at the peace rally; says there were not enough bodyguards, guards failed to form a phalanx around Rabin, intelligence had inadequate information on Jewish extremists. (WP, WT 11/8; MM, NYT, WT 11/9)

In television, press interviews, Leah Rabin, Rabin's widow, accuses Netanyahu, Likud of inciting violence; blames them for Rabin's death. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/8)

Justice M Liba'i says the government is writing legislation to crack down on militants, tightening restrictions against inciting violence and perhaps banning demonstrations outside elected officials' homes. (IDF Radio, YA 11/7 in FBIS 11/8; WP 11/8)

Israeli police search Kfar Tapuah, a settlement nr. Nablus which has a large Kahane Chai following, looking for links btwn. the Amir brothers and the banned movements Kahane Chai, Kach. 4 rightist nationalists who praised Rabin's assassination are arrested, questioned, but released for lack of evidence. (MM 11/7; IDF Radio, QY 11/7 in FBIS 11/8; NYT, WP, WT 11/8)

Eyal, Kach leaders go underground, fearing their arrest by the IDF. Eyal head Avishai Raviv admits Yigal Amir was a mbr. of his organization. (NYT, WP 11/8) (see 11/4)

IDF eases closure, allowing Gaza laborers over 35 yrs old, West Bank laborers over 30 yrs old into Israel. (IDF Radio 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; NYT, WT 11/8) (see 11/4)

World leaders, incl. Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Jordanian King Hussein, Omani FM Bin-`Alawi, Qatari Culture M Hamad Bin `Abd al-Aziz al-Kuwari, attend PM Rabin's funeral. Arafat--who Israel officials stressed was "not welcome" at the funeral, held in Jerusalem--does not go. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/6; FBIS supplement, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/7; CSM 11/8)

After Rabin's funeral, Pres. Clinton holds separate mtgs about continuing the peace process with Mubarak, King Hussein, Acting PM Peres, Pres. Weizman. Peres holds private mgts with King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak, Omani FM Bin-`Alawi to discuss bilateral relations, peace process. (IDF Radio, QY 11/6, RJ, QY 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; WP 11/7; MM 11/8; HA 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

After repeated requests fr. the PA, the Arab League permanent representatives hold a discussion on the congressional decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem; consider convening mtg. of all Arab FMs. (MENA 11/6 in FBIS 11/8) (see 10/26)

IDF announces 2-day halt to redeployment during mourning period for Rabin. (QY 11/5 in FBIS 11/6)

Israeli police arrest Hagai Amir, Yigal Amir's brother, on suspicion of complicity in Rabin's assassination. Hagai admits giving his brother the illegal hollow point bullets fired at Rabin but denies he knew of Yigal's plans. (NYT, WP 11/7; CSM 11/10)

PM Rabin is assassinated by an Israeli Jew while leaving peace rally attended by 100,000 in Tel Aviv. The gunman, Yigal Amir, a 25-yr.-old law student fr. Bar-Ilan University, is captured, admits to shooting, says he acted alone. Amir is also a reserve soldier in the elite Golani brigade, frmr. emissary to Russia for immigration affairs at the Jewish Agency, and an a mbr. of Eyal--a right-wing settler group, known for violence against Arabs, protesting expanded Palestinian self-rule by setting up makeshift encampments in the West Bank. Security officials say Rabin's bodyguards mistook Amir for a limousine driver. (NYT, WP, WT 11/5; FBIS special supplement, NYT, MM, WP, WT 11/6; WJW 11/9; JP 11/11)

Arab leaders (excl. Libya's Qaddafi, Iran's Pres. Hashemi Rafsanjani condemn Rabin's assassination. In the territories, Palestinians generally express respect for Rabin, concern over his death, fear for the future of the peace process and their safety fr. settlers. In s. Lebanon, Palestinian refugees, Hizballah mbrs. celebrate Rabin's death. (WT 11/5; CSM, FBIS supplement, MM, NYT, WT 11/6)

In the West Bank, Palestinians clash with IDF troops after Jewish settler apparently kills a Palestinian boy. (NYT 11/5)

In Gaza, 1000s of Palestinians stage rally in commemoration of Shiqaqi. (HA 11/5 in FBIS 11/7)

Following the assassination, IDF order the closure of the West Bank, Gaza. (QY 11/5 in FBIS 11/6; NYT 11/7)

Portuguese Pres. Mario Soares meets with Pres. Weizman in Israel; requests Portugal's forgiveness fr. Jewish people for the Inquisition. (IL 11/7)

PA bans distribution of the Jordanian weekly paper Al-Bilad because it does not have a PA distribution license as required by the 7/18 media law. Others say ban is in retaliation for editorial accusing the PA of being behind Shiqaqi slaying. (RMC 11/3 in FBIS 11/3; HA 11/5 in FBIS 11/7)

Based on complaints of conflict of interest presented by CAMERA, Newsday fires Middle East stringer Maureen Meehan, wife of PA official Jiryis Atrash. Christian Science Monitor, NBC Radio decide to keep her on their staffs. (JP 11/4) (see 10/9)

In Janin, Israeli police turn over their station to 24 Palestinian policemen to use as a temporary headquarters. (VOP 11/2 in FBIS 11/3)

In 2 incidents in Gaza, car bombs explode nr. Israeli busses, killing the 2 Palestinian drivers, wounding 11 Israelis. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility. IDF closes all Gaza roads to Palestinian traffic. (MM 11/2; AFP, IDF Radio, QPAR, QY, VOP 11/2 in FBIS 11/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/3; JP 11/11)

Bronze bust of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, famous for helping Jews escape Nazi occupied Hungary, is placed in the Capitol Rotunda. (WJW 111/2)

DFLP, Fatah, PFLP, PPSF, FIDA, PPP, Arab Liberation Front form permanent committee on Jerusalem to pressure Pres. Clinton to block embassy move. (VOP 11/1 in FBIS 11/2)

In Ramallah, settler rabbi is shot, seriously wounded when his car is ambushed. DFLP claims responsibility. IDF closes Jericho area. (AFP, QY, VOP 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; CSM 11/2)

In retaliation for Islamic Jihad leader Shiqaqi's assassination 10/26, Hizballah strikes IDF, SLA convoy in s. Lebanon, killing 2 SLA mbrs, wounding 3 SLA mbrs and 5 IDF soldiers. Meanwhile, 40,000 mourners attend Shiqaqi's funeral in Damascus; 1,000s more hold memorial rally in Tehran. (MM 11/1; QY 11/1 in FBIS 11/1; QPAR, RMC, SANA, SARR 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/2)