The Palestine Chronology

IDF completes withdrawal fr. Bethlehem. (MM 12/21; QY, VOP 12/21 in FBIS 12/22; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/22; JP 12/30)

At PISMC mtg. in Jerusalem, PA demands Israel withdraw immediately fr. Abu-Dis, Sawahirah villages nr. Jerusalem, both part of Bethlehem municipality under Oslo II. Israel says there was a mistake on the Oslo II maps, incorrectly placing the 2 villages in the withdrawal zone; it expects the PA to agree to the corrected maps that exclude them fr. the municipality. (QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

Samiha Khalil, fmr. gen. secy. of the General Union of Palestinian Women and head of a respected West Bank charity, announces she will run against Arafat for the presidency as an independent in 1/20 elections. A PNC mbr., she says she will vote against amending the PLO covenant. (WT 12/28; CSM 1/4; WP 1/19)

PA, Hamas closed 4 days of their 1st formal, high-level reconciliation talks in Cairo, agree talks were positive but fail to reach accord. Hamas refuses to sign pledge to participate in Palestinian elections, cease attacks on Israeli targets, but agrees not to call for election boycott. (MM 12/18; MENA, VOP 12/18, MENA 12/19 in FBIS 12/19; CSM, WT 12/19; MENA, VOP 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20; MBC, RE, VOP 12/20, MENA, VOP 12/21 in FBIS 12/21; MENA, RMC, VOP 12/21, RE, SA 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; CSM, NYT 12/22; al-Quds 12/22 in FBIS 12/26; JP 12/30) (see 11/18)

Likud MK and fmr. DM Ariel Sharon announces that he will not run for PM, endorses party chmn. Benjamin Netanyahu. (QY 12/21, JP 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; JP 12/30)

Ahmad Tibi, Arafat adviser and head of the Israeli Islamic Movement, says his movement has created a party, the Arab Movement for Change, to participate in the 10/96 Knesset elections. (ITV 12/21 in FBIS 12/22) (see 9/10)

In s. Lebanon, IDF clashes with Amal, killing 3 Amal mbrs. (WT 12/26)

IDF declares Nablus area a closed military zone, begins final redeployment 6 days ahead of schedule. IDF arrests 13 yeshiva students who refuse to leave Joseph's tomb, inside the closed zone; 40 others settlers who arrive at the tomb to confront the IDF are detained. After withdraw, Jewish settlers who attend yeshiva in the city will continue to receive IDF protection. (IL, NYT, WP 12/12; QY 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; CSM 12/13; MEI 12/15)

Pres. Clinton holds positive telephone conversation with Pres. Asad, then meets with PM Peres. Peres asks for assurances that money fr. its $3 b. 1996 aid package will be received by 1/1/96 even if the foreign aid bill has not been passed (aid for FY 1996 was to begin 10/95); gives Clinton a letter, asking for Pollard's release (see 11/21). (ITV, QY, SARR 12/11, QY 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/12; MM 12/13; MA, SARR 12/13 in FBIS 12/13; WJW 12/14; MM 12/15; HA 12/15 in FBIS 12/15; CSM 1/4; WJW 1/18)

Israel Amb. to the U.S. and chief negotiator with Syria Rabinovitch says Israel is ready to make unspecified "significant concessions" to Syria. (WT 12/12)

In Paris, PA, France sign $15-m. cooperation agmt. (VOP 12/11, 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; PR 12/29)

PA announces creation of National Dialogue Office (NDO) to be headed by fmr. Hamas mbr. Faluji. At the same time, Faluji announces the indefinite closure of al-Watan. NDO will promote dialogue btwn. the PA, other political, social forces amid recognition of the "changed reality" following fr. the Oslo process. (HA 12/12 in FBIS 12/14)

In Gaza, Arafat, Hamas delegation meet to discuss of Hamas-PA talks on elections scheduled for 12/18-21 in Cairo. (VOP 12/12 in FBIS 12/12)

In Gaza, Arafat discusses joint ventures opportunities with Poland's Construction M Barbara Blida, delegation of Polish businessmen. (VOP 12/11 in FBIS 12/12)

Syria grants special amnesty to fmr. secy. gen. of Syria's Muslim Brotherhood `Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah, allowing him to return to Damascus after 16-yrs. exile. (RMC 12/11 in FBIS 12/11; MM 12/14) (see 11/30)

Arafat arrives in Cairo for talks on Israeli redeployment, elections, transfer of authority with Egyptian FM Musa. (RE 7/7, MENA 7/8 in FBIS 7/10)

FM Peres says 7/4 agmt. calls for phased Israeli pullout fr. West Bank over 2 yrs, starting with 4 towns (Jenin, Nablus, Qalqiliyya, Tulkarm), adding Ramallah, Bethlehem after bypass roads are built; elections to be held end of 1995. PA official says initial pullout will begin 4 wks after agmt. is signed, end 25 days before elections. IDF would temporarily pullout of Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah during voting. PLO will amend charter. Peres warns 7/25 date for signing agmt. might be delayed several wks. Israel's Savir, PA's Qurai` meet in Jerusalem to compose subcomms. to address individual issues. (MM 7/5; HA, VOP 7/5 in FBIS 7/6; WP, WSJ, WT 7/6; PR 7/9) (see 6/27)

In Cairo, technical comm. on Palestinian refugees opens 2d mtg. (MENA 7/4 in FBIS 7/5)=

Arafat, UN Sec. Gen. Butros Butros Ghali meet in Jericho to discuss international presence, joint Israeli-PA patrols in West Bank during interim phase, possibility of Arafat speaking at UN's 50th anniversary conference. (VOP 7/6 in FBIS 7/7)

Addressing the Israeli-American Chamber of Commerce in Tel Aviv, U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk demands Israel abolish import barriers that discriminate against U.S. imports; notes that, while the U.S. gives Israel $3 b./yr. in loans, grants, $10 b./5 yrs in loan guarantees as incentive to by U.S. products, Israel last yr. ran $1-b. trade surplus with the U.S. and a $7.5-b. trade deficit with the EU. (MM, WSJ 7/6; MM 8/2)

In protest over 7/4 agmt., Jewish settlers begin work on new 600 unit West Bank settlement 6 miles w. of Ramallah. (WT 7/6)

100s of women march in Ramallah, demanding Israel free Palestinian prisoners. Clashes erupt with Israeli border police. (WP 7/6)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin arrives in Russia for talks aimed at dissuading Russia fr. concluding nuclear arms deal with Iran. (QY 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

In Washington, Syria, Israel reopen negotiations with military advisers. Israel ask Syria to make several confidence-building gestures, but Syria rejects taking such measures before signing an agmt. (FT, MM, WP, WT 6/28; SARR, 6/27, MA 6/28 in FBIS 6/28; WT 6/29; MEI 7/7; MEI 7/21)

In Cairo, PA, Israeli talks on transfer of authority reopen. Sides say Arafat has agreed to accept partial Israeli troop pullback in the West Bank, to be followed by elections and further withdrawal but is still calling for binding timetable. 1st pullout would be fr. Jenin, followed by Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqiliyya by 11/15. Elections would be held within 22-35 days. 2d stage of withdrawal covering Ramallah, Bethlehem would take place 4-5/96. Areas of IDF, PA control would follow 6/17 zones proposal. No agmt. reached on size of proposed council. (JT, MENA 6/28 in FBIS 6/28; VOP 6/28, MENA, QY 6/29 in FBIS 6/30)

Likud head Binyamin Netanyahu submits to the Knesset what he claims to be a copy leaked to him of Israeli position paper on the Golan to be given to the Syrian delegation in talks in Washington. PM Rabin, FM Peres believe text to be a working paper drafted by the army, not given to Gen. Shahak. (MM 6/27; QY 6/27, 6/28 in FBIS 6/28; MM 6/28; ITV 6/28, QY 6/29 in FBIS 6/29; MM 6/29)

In Cairo, PA-Israeli talks on expanding self-rule close. Sides form permanent comms. to discuss labor, communications; agree on 95% of articles for communications accord but reach no final agmts. (MENA 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; MM 5/31; MENA 5/31 in FBIS 6/1; CSM 6/1; PR 6/4)

In Cairo, talks on elections and redeployment close. PA, Israel agree East Jerusalem Palestinians can vote, but Israel says voting stations must be outside of Jerusalem. Talks continue on size of elected council. (MM 5/31; QY 5/31 in FBIS 6/1)

At close of 2-day visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss Jerusalem land issue, Arafat says King Fahd has promised the PA $21 m. in aid. (MM 5/31; VOP 5/31 in FBIS 5/31; NYT 6/1; PR 6/4)

Israeli undercover unit kills 2 Palestinians (a "wanted" man and his companion) north of Jerusalem. (Birzeit Human Rights Record 3/95)

Shin Bet say it has detained 30 Hamas mbrs. in Bethlehem in recent days under suspicion of plotting anti-Israeli attacks. (ITV 5/31 in FBIS 6/1; NYT 6/6; JP 6/10)

Following PA protests against Hamas activity in Amman, Jordan ordered 2 Hamas leaders, Musa Abu Marzuq and `Imad al-`Alami, to leave the kingdom by 6/1; their families must leave by end of the scholastic yr. (ITV, RMC 5/31 in FBIS 6/1; MM 6/2; al-Ra`y 6/3 in FBIS 6/5)

In Cairo, PA-Israeli talks open on transferring 8 spheres of authority (see 5/22). (VOP 5/29 in FBIS 5/3)

Jordan suddenly bans antinormalization rally just before it begins, sending scores of police to disperse 100s of demonstrators. (JT, QY, RJ 5/29 in FBIS 5/30; CSM, MM 5/30; JT 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; MM 6/6; MEI 6/9; WP 7/14) (see 5/18)

Arafat rejects Fatah request to ban return of `Atallah `Atallah to Gaza. (QY 5/29 in FBIS 5/31) (see 3/2)

In Amman, King Hussein opens mtg. btwn. Arafat, 120 Jordanian businessmen to encourage investment in Palestine. Arafat then meets with PM Sharif Zaid Bin Shakir to discuss bilateral relations, leaves for similar talks with Pres. Mubarak, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid in Cairo. (JTV, RJ 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; VOP 5/25 in FBIS 5/26; MEI 5/28; MENA 5/29 in FBIS 5/30)

In Brussels, PA, Israeli negotiators meet with EU officials to discuss EU sponsorship, financing of 700-mbr. international monitor team for forthcoming elections. (MM 5/24; SA 5/25 in FBIS 5/26) (see 5/17)

In Tel Aviv, Russian Dep. FM Viktor Posuvalyuk meets with FM Peres, Dep. FM Beilin; offers to host next mtg. of Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control. (QY 5/24, HA 5/25 in FBIS 5/25)

Israeli Housing Min. approves construction of 1,500 units in East Jerusalem for Palestinian families. Units would be the 1st ever built by Israel for Palestinians in annexed East Jerusalem. (AFP 5/24 in FBIS 5/24)

In student council elections at Birzeit, Fatah wins 21 seats, Hamas 18, PFLP 8, PPP 3, DFLP 1. Islamic Jihad did not run. Fida received 16 of the 2,385 votes. Islamic bloc wins majority of seats in al-Bireh Medical College, `Abdallah Bin Husayn College elections. Fatah wins at Bethlehem University. (ITV 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; MEI 6/9)

3-days of elections talks close in Cairo. Sides agree PA will be in charge of maintaining security during elections, joint patrols will be used. PM Rabin says Palestinians fr. Jerusalem will not be allowed to run; Israel, not the PA, will carry out population census using 5,000 Palestinian teachers (see 4/28). A tripartite (EU, Israel, PA) comm. will be set up to discuss international monitors during elections. (AFP, IDF Radio, MENA, VOP 5/16, MENA 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; AFP, MENA, QY, VOP 5/17 in FBIS 5/18; PR 5/21)

2-day multilateral steering comm. mtgs on peace process open in Montreux, Switzerland. Syria, Lebanon boycott. Working groups on water, arms control, refugees, economic development, environment meet. (HA, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18)

For 1st time since 1990, U.S. vetoes UN resolution criticizing Israel. U.S. Amb. Madeline Albright calls veto "a matter of principle." Last-minute Russian proposal for UNSC presidential letter reproving Israel is rejected by U.S. as too strong, by PLO as too weak. Resolution would have invalidated Israel's 4/27 seizure of 134 acres of Arab-owed land in East Jerusalem. (MENA, VOP 5/17, MENA, QY, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; MM, NYT, WT 5/18; AFP, ITV, MENA, RE, RMC, VOP 5/18, MENA, VOP 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; MM, WT 5/19; MEI 6/9, 6/26) (see Doc. D7 in JPS 96)

PM Rabin says Israel would not object to having Syria deploy an early warning station on Israeli territory if Israel can maintain an equivalent system on Syrian soil. (MM 5/17)

60 of 80 mbrs. of the Jordanian parliament, incl. deputies who had approved the Jordan-Israel treaty, ask the government to freeze or cancel the treaty, recall Jordan's amb. to Israel, expel the Israeli amb. in protest over Israel's land confiscations. (MM 5/18; QY, RJ, SARR 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; SA 5/19 in FBIS 5/23; JP 5/27)

In Rabat, Arab League Secy. Gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid talks with King Hassan on holding summit to discuss Israeli confiscations of Palestinian land in Jerusalem, leaves for Cairo to confer with Pres. Husni Mubarak. Mubarak, Syria's Pres. Hafiz al-Asad discuss plans by phone. (MKR, RE 5/18, RE 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; RMC 5/19, AFP, RMC 5/21 in FBIS 5/22)

PA police raid 5 Gaza mosques in search of "inflammatory material," tear pro-Hamas placards off walls; issue order banning "provocative actions in mosques." (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17)

MK `Abd al-Wahhab Darawshah, head of Israel's Arab Democratic Party (ADP), says Arafat has urged him to withdraw ADP's no confidence motion over the Jerusalem land confiscation. Arafat's office denies it, saying PA does not interfere in Israeli domestic affairs. (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18) (see 5/15)

1 IDF soldier, 1 Hizballah mbr. are killed, 7 Hizballah mbrs, 3 IDF soldiers, 1 SLA mbr. are wounded in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. (MM 5/17; CSM, MM 5/18; JP 5/27; MEI 6/9)

PA, Israeli teams arrive in Cairo for round of elections talks. Parties will try to come to an agmt. that would permit PA to conduct a "quasi-census" in o.t. to update population registry, prepare voter registry. (IGPO 5/14; MENA, VOP 5/15 in FBIS 5/16; CSM 5/16)

At White House, Pres. Clinton, Secy. of State Christopher hold talks with Syrian FM Shara` on Golan, confidence-building measures, reportedly present Shara` with U.S. "bridging" proposal to spur talks btwn. Syria, Israel. Christopher says Syria, Israel have narrowed differences over security arrangement, discusses possible shuttle mission to Middle East at end of June. (SATN 5/15, SARR 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; NYT, WP, WT 5/16; YA 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; WT 5/17; WP 5/21)

PM Rabin tells Knesset that most of Syria's demands are unacceptable, talks are effectively deadlocked. (WT 5/16, 5/17)

UN begins debate on recent Israeli land confiscations. Arab states call for united front against Israel's seizures. (CSM 5/15; WT 5/17, 5/18)

Israel's Arab Democratic Party, HADASH each file no confidence motion over Jerusalem land seizures. (QY 5/15 in FBIS 5/15)

Israeli FMin. bars Swedish Dep. PM Mona Sahlin fr. mtg. with Arafat advisor Husseini at Orient House. In protest, Sahlin cancels all mtgs. with Israelis and PA, returns home. (JP, QY 5/15 in FBIS 5/15)

In s. Lebanon, 7 IDF soldiers are wounded in roadside bombing by Hizballah. (CSM 5/16)

Syrian, Israeli ambs. resume talks on security issues in Washington. Mtg. is attended by Secy. of State Christopher but does not include military advisers. (QY 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; MM 4/27; WT 4/28)

PA, Israel resume talks on elections in Cairo, focus on allowing East Jerusalem Palestinians to vote, nature, structure, jurisdiction of projected legislative council. (MENA 4/25, MENA, VOP 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; WT 4/26; MENA, QY, VOP 4/26 in FBIS 4/27)

Preliminary donor mtg. opens in Paris. PA Planning M Shaath suggests donor states commit to timetable for meeting pledges for 1 yr., but several states (Shaath refuses to say which) oppose. (RMC 4/26 in FBIS 4/28)

In 1st such incident since signing of DOP, Palestinian arrested 4/22 on charges of being a sr. military leader in Hamas dies of injuries sustained during interrogation by Shin Bet. (MM 4/25; QY 4/25 in FBIS 4/25; CSM, NYT, WP 4/26; WP 5/4)

Jordan's amb. to Israel Muasher meets with Arafat advisor Husseini, frmr. PLO negotiator Hannan Ashrawi at Orient House in East Jerusalem, says Jordan, PA have resolved their differences over Jerusalem. (QY 4/25 in FBIS 4/25; QY 4/25 in FBIS 4/26; MM 4/26)

PA signs $65 m. contract with OPIC, Washington-based General Resources and Design Group to build Marriott hotel in Gaza. Hotel will have independent infrastructure (incl. water desalinization, communications, electricity). (MM 4/27)

Jordan's Dentists' Association bans mbrs. fr. treating Israelis, who have been coming to Jordan for cheaper medical attention since signing of peace treaty. Move seen as part of growing disenchantment with normalization with Israel. (MM 4/26, 5/2)

In retaliation for Yassin killing 3/31, Hizballah suicide bomber crashes explosive-rigged car into IDF, SLA convoy in s. Lebanon, wounding 9 IDF soldiers, 1 SLA mbr., 12 civilians. IDF reinforces troops in south, sweeps area, arrests 40 Lebanese. IAF overflies Beirut, is fired on by Lebanese Army again. (AFP, IDF Radio, QY, RL, VOL 4/25, RL 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/26; VOL 4/26 in FBIS 4/27; JP 5/6; MEI 5/12)

2 days of PA-Israeli talks on elections, redeployment close in Cairo without progress. PA Planning M Shaath says Israelis are not taking talks seriously. (MENA 4/10, 4/11 in FBIS 4/11; IDF Radio, MENA 4/11 in FBIS 4/12)

In closed military trial held at night, without prior notice, PA sentences Omar Shalah, mbr. of Islamic Jihad, to life in prison for planning 1/22 Beit Lid bombing, "harming the peace process." PA Planning M Shaath acknowledges closed-door trials are controversial but calls them "necessary to protect the national interest." Islamists fire on PA security mbrs. wounding 2. Hamas, Islamic Jihad warn Arafat is going too far. Israel says he is doing better but still not doing enough. (MM 4/11; QY 4/11 in FBIS 4/11; AFP 4/11 in FBIS 4/12; CSM, NYT, WP 4/12; NYT 4/13; JP 4/22; NYT 5/3)

Israeli Police M Shahal presents PM Rabin with final conclusions to separation proposal submitted 3/17; calls for "fixed  closure" (incl. vehicles) in which entry to Israel will be permitted only by licensing, through regulated points only, with "assumption . . . that anybody who crosses into Israel otherwise is coming to commit an offense and is held to be a suspect from the outset." (ITV 4/11 in FBIS 4/12; MM 4/12)

Arafat, Pres. Mubarak meet in Cairo to discuss peace process, Palestinian opposition. Arafat accuses Israel of fomenting Palestinian civil war by continuing occupation, delaying negotiations. (AFP, MENA, RE, VOP 4/11 in FBIS 4/12; NYT, WP 4/12)

Pres. Mubarak's political advisor Ossama al-Baz says Egypt does not seek to withdraw fr. NPT, wants 5-yr. reviews, is against unlimited extension. (MENA 4/11 in FBIS 4/12)

PM Rabin tells VP Gore Israel will not discuss a Middle East nuclear-free zone until it has peace agmts. with all its neighbors, Iran; hints Israel will not meet 7/1 deadline on elections talks with PA (see 3/9) if Arafat does not prevent incidents like 3/19 shooting, 3/21 truck incident. PA Planning M Shaath says he "never believed that date in the first place." (MM 3/23; QY 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; IDF Radio, QY 3/23, HA 3/24 in FBIS 3/24; MM 3/24; NYT, WP 3/25; MEI 3/31; JP 4/1)

Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak meet in Cairo to discuss peace process, asks him to relay message to Pres. Clinton regarding impediments to implementing DOP. Arafat then meets with U.S. Foreign Relations Council delegation, discusses economic aid. (MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; MENA, VOP 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Syrian FM al-Shara`, Egyptian FM Musa meet in Cairo to discuss Syrian-Israeli negotiations. (MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; SATN 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Arab League passes resolution supporting indefinite NPT renewal but saying 22 mbr.-states are free to vote how they will; does not link renewal with Israel's joining NPT. U.S. official says "if the Egyptians were lobbying [against renewal], the Arab League resolution would never have passed." (AFP 3/22, 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/24; WT 3/31)

Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert says PA has violated Israeli authority over the city by taking control of all 20 Waqf schools (previously run by Jordan). PA funding for schools is part of $27 m. raised by Arafat advisor Husseini fr. Saudi Arabia. Remaining money is slated for Jerusalem housing (see 3/13). (JP 3/24 in FBIS 3/27; JP 4/1; WJW 5/5; JP 5/13)

To date, 93 senators have signed on to Sen. Alfonse D'Amato and Sen. D. Patrick Moynihan's letter, calling on the pres. to move the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (WJW 3/23) (see 2/3)

IDF, Hizballah exchange fire in s. Lebanon, leaving 1 civilian dead, 1 wounded. (AFP, RL 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on expanding self-rule resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation head Yo'el Singer says target date for Palestinian elections is 6/15, Israel will not object to any party's participation. (MENA 3/13, MENA, VOP 3/14, VOP 3/15 in FBIS 3/15; CSM 3/15; AFP 3/14, MENA, QY 3/15, VOP 3/16 in FBIS 3/16)

Secy. of State Christopher stops in Damascus briefly on his return to Washington, meets with FM Faruq al-Shara`, announces talks btwn. Israel, Syria will resume in Washington soon. (WP 3/14; SARR 3/14 in FBIS 3/14; SARR, SATN 3/14 in FBIS 3/15; MM, NYT, WP 3/15; AN, CSM 3/16; MEI 3/17)

British PM Major meets with Arafat in Gaza, discusses developments in peace process, economic issues. Arafat expresses urgent need for aid. Major then meets with Arafat advisor Faisal Husseini at British consulate in Jerusalem, while Asst. British FM Andrew Green meets with a Palestinian delegation at Orient House. Major then meets with PM Rabin, discusses bilateral relations, leaves for mtg. with King Hussein. (IDF Radio, VOP 3/14 in FBIS 3/14; JTV, QY, VOP 3/14, RJ, VOP 3/15 in FBIS 3/15) (see 3/6)

Arab League issues statement at close of seminar on Jerusalem, says Jerusalem issue is key to peace process, calls on nations to uphold 1980 UNSC Res. 478 asking nations not to move diplomatic offices to the city. (MENA 3/14 in FBIS 3/17)

U.S., Israeli forces begin 3 wks of war games in Negev desert. (MM 3/14; WT 3/15; JP 4/1)

PA releases Shaykh al-Safadi, arrested 4/12. (QY 4/14 in FBIS 4/15)

Israel-PA talks on elections close without progress in Cairo. PA negotiator Local Government M Saeb Erakat gives Israeli delegation 6 proposal papers on international supervision of elections. (IDF Radio, MENA 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; WP 2/23; JP 3/4; MEI 3/17)

PLO Executive Comm. mtg. closes without suspending talks with Israel. Arafat calls for emergency Arab summit, says PLO will send delegations to China, EU, Japan, Russia, U.S. in diplomatic effort to pressure Israel to set date for troop withdrawal, elections. Arafat begins by meeting with Pres. Mubarak, flying to Saudi Arabia to perform lesser hajj, coordinate with King Fahd. (MENA, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; MENA, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; CSM, FT, NYT 2/23; MEI 3/3; JP 3/4)

U.S. House Appropriations subcommittee increases Jordan's debt forgiveness fr. $99 m. to $149 m. for its support of peace process. (WT 2/23)

Clinton administration submits draft of FY 1996 budget, incl. $44.2 m. military, economic aid to Jordan. (JT 2/25 in FBIS 2/28)

PA Atty. Gen. Khalid al-Qidra says Palestinian security services are detaining 6 mbrs. of Abu Nidal Organization found in Gaza for "disturbing national security." (QY, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/23)

Israeli Labor Bureau says number of foreign workers replacing Palestinians in Israel has reached 70,695--860% more than last yr. PA estimates unemployment in Gaza to be 52%. (NYT, WT 2/22)

IDF says it will open 20 houses in Nablus that were sealed because of security offenses by owners. (QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23)

11th round of Israel-PA talks on elections start in Cairo. Both sides suggest bringing international observers into o.t. to help organize elections. (MENA 2/20, MENA 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; MENA, VOP 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; CSM, NYT 2/22; MEI 3/3)

Arafat convenes PLO Executive Comm. in Cairo to reassess peace process, detainees and elections issues, configuration and functioning of PA. 9 mbrs. attend; DFLP, PFLP boycott. Chief PLO spokesman and PA Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbu calls for suspension of talks with Israel. PM Rabin asks PLO not to suspend talks. (AFP, MENA, RMC, VOP 2/20, VOP 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; CSM, MM 2/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/22; MENA 2/21, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; al-Sharq al-Awsat 2/21, QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; JP 3/4)

4-way (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) ministerial mtg. on refugees scheduled for 2/26 is postponed until further notice at Israel's request. (al-Aswaq 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; RJ 2/24 in FBIS 2/24; JT 2/25 in FBIS 2/27)

Arab League condemns Israel for recent attacks on civilians in s. Lebanon, calls on UN to do the same. (RE 2/21 in FBIS 2/21) (see 2/19, 2/20)

PM Rabin gives Shas 2 unassigned portfolios--interior and religious affairs--giving Shas significant influence over ruling coalition of which it is not a part. Meretz M Yossi Sarid threatens to resign. (MM 2/20 QY 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; JP 3/4)

IDF arrests Hamas political leader Shaykh Jamil Hamami in his home in the West Bank following the "seizure of a very large quantity of inflammatory material . . . that incriminated him" during 1/27 raid on Abu Dis College of Science and Technology. (ITV 2/21 in FBIS 2/22)

Frmr. Nablus mayor Bassam al-Shak`a announces establishment of new group, Palestinian National Grouping (PNG; al-Tajammu` al-Watani al-Filistini), opposed to Oslo Accord, calls on Arafat to resign. Group includes independents, mbrs. of Islamic Jihad, DFLP, PFLP. (QPAR, QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; RMC 2/25 in FBIS 2/26; ITV 2/25, QY 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; MA 2/26 in FBIS 2/28; al-Quds, SARR 2/28 in FBIS 3/1)

In response to German reports that Israel, Iran are negotiating release of Israeli airman Ron Arad, PM Rabin admits Germany has been talking to Iran on Israel's behalf but has had no success. (ITV 2/20, QY 2/21, 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; MM, WP 2/21; IDF radio 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; MM, NYT 2/22; WT 2/27; JP 3/4, 3/11; WJW 3/16)

PM Rabin, Arafat, King Hussein each meet with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, then meet together. Syria, Lebanon refuse to attend. Parties focus on settlements but cannot get Rabin to curb construction; issue communiqué, condemning political violence, calling for adherence to DOP, establishment of regional bank. Rabin complains that IDF has arrested over 200 in West Bank since 1/22 bombings while Arafat has only arrested 7 in Gaza. (CSM, MM, WP, WT 2/2; MENA, QPAR, QY, RE, SARR, VOL, VOP 2/2, AFP, IDF Radio, JP, MENA, QY 2/3 in FBIS 2/3; CSM, MEI, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/3; NYT 2/5; CSM, MM, NYT 2/6; QPAR, RMC, SATV, VOP 2/3, 2/4, JP, QY, VOL, VOP 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; JP, Yedi'ot Aharonot 2/5 in FBIS 2/7; JP 2/11; MEI 2/17)

Israel gives Lebanese Army ultimatum, demanding it cease surveilling, pursuing, detaining, searching, interrogating Lebanese citizens with ties to Israel. (VOL 2/2 in FBIS 2/3; al-Hayat 2/3 in FBIS 2/7)

Frmr. AIPAC researcher Martin Indyk "sails through" Senate hearings on his appointment as U.S. amb. to Israel. No mbr. of Foreign Relations Comm. opposes his appointment; only 3 mbrs. show up to question him; Sen. Helms, the comm. chair, is not among them. (WP, WT 2/2; MM, WT 2/3; WJW 2/9)

10s of Palestinians demonstrate outside Arafat's office in Gaza, protesting PA demolition of several homes built illegally on public land. Palestinian police break up protest, arrest 10. (QY 2/2 in FBIS 2/3; WP 2/27)

Arafat arrives in Cairo to discuss with Pres. Mubarak; his mtgs. with King Hussein, peace process, relations with Egypt. (JTV, MENA 1/27 in FBIS 1/27)

PA disarms 60 Palestinian policemen belonging to Hamas, Islamic Jihad, gives them administrative duties. (QY 1/27 in FBIS 1/27)

1,000 IDF soldiers raid College of Science and Technology at Abu Dis, West Bank, arrest 30 Palestinians for suspected membership in Hamas, Islamic Jihad. Damage estimated at $33,000. (QY 1/27 in FBIS 1/27; WP, WT 1/28; MEI 2/3; JP 2/11)

Shin Bet requests greater leeway in fighting terrorism, incl. right to enter any West Bank area without permission, control of electricity and water, reestablishing network of informers, rejection of joint patrols with PA. (JP 1/27 in FBIS 1/30) 

U.S. State Dept. Historian releases documents on Middle East, incl. memo on 1/1961 closed-door mtg. of Near East subcommittee mbrs., discussing Israel's Dimona plant, atomic projects. Memo shows senators agreed that "it would be unfair to publicly brand Israel as a villain," doing so would encourage Arab states to take actions against Israel. (WT 1/28)

PM Rabin gives television address on bombings. (MM 1/23; ITV 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; MM, WT 1/24; MEI 2/3)

Clinton sends personal letter to PM Rabin condemning 1/22 bombings, saying he was "personally sickened" by Palestinians that supported it. (IDF Radio 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; NYT 1/25)

Jordan, Palestinians agree on draft accord to settle difference over Jerusalem before Arafat's visit to Amman 1/25. Palestinians will recognize Jordanian custody of Muslim holy cites; Jordan will support Palestinian sovereignty over Jerusalem. Also agree on postal services, telecommunications, financial issues. (JTV, RJ 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; VOP 1/23, AFP, RJ 1/24, JT, RJ 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; WT 1/25; RJ 1/24, JT 1/25 in FBIS 1/26)

FM Peres says Israel will outlaw Hamas, Islamic Jihad charities, mosques in West Bank; says Israeli needs to "adopt draconian measures," incl. against attackers' families, to prevent further attacks. (IDF Radio 1/23 in FBIS 1/24)

Israeli Amb. David Sultan suggests Egyptian People's Assembly invite Knesset delegation to visit Cairo to ease tensions btwn. Israel, Egypt. Assembly declines. (MENA 1/23 in FBIS 1/23)

Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak meet, discuss bilateral relations. Mubarak says Egypt will not back down on NPT issue. (MENA 1/23 in FBIS 1/23)

PM Rabin's security advisors extend waiver of restrictions on Shin Bet for combatting terrorism. Health M Efraim Sneh comments "There are no limitations for the security services--[We have given them] a free hand." (WP, WT 1/24)

2 explosions at bus stop at Beyt Lid junction, Israel, kill 19, wound 65. 2 more later die of wounds, leaving 21 Israelis dead. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility as retribution for murder of Hani Abed 11/2, settlement construction. For 1st time, Israeli Pres. Weizman calls for government to stop talks. Arafat denounces attack. (AFP, IDF Radio, ITV, QPAR, QY, RMC, VOP 1/22, HA, QY 1/23 in FBIS 1/23; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/23; ITV, QPAR, VOP 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; SARR, VOP 1/23 in FBIS 1/25; WJW 1/26; JP 1/28; WJW 2/2; MEI 2/3; WP 2/5)

PM Rabin calls emergency cabinet mtg. to discuss explosions at Beyt Lid; delays release of Palestinian prisoners, opening of safe passage btwn. Gaza, Jericho; announces Palestinians will be barred fr. entering Israel for "a number of days"; reiterates idea of national separation (see 10/19). (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/23; ITV 1/22, QY, VOP 1/23 in FBIS 1/23; MM 1/23; CSM 1/24)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher calls Syrian FM al-Shara`, demands Syria stop providing safe haven to "terrorists," esp. Islamic Jihad leader Fathi Shiqaqi. Shiqaqi issues statement "reminding" U.S. he is in Syria only because Israel deported him. (MM 1/23; NYT, WT 1/24)

PA, Egypt, Jordan hold mtg. in Cairo to coordinate stance on 1967 refugees, discuss definition of "refugee" and requirements for right of return in preparation for negotiations with Israel. (MENA 1/22 in FBIS 1/24)

Multilateral talks steering comm. opens 2-day session in Cairo to discuss accomplishments of 5 working groups. Delegations fr. Egypt, Jordan, PA, Israel, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Japan, EU, U.S., Russia attend. (MENA 1/22, 1/23 in FBIS 1/23; RE 1/23 in FBIS 1/24)

PA Economics M Qurai` leads PA delegation to Amman for talks on bilateral relation with Jordanians in advance of Arafat visit 1/25. (JTV, RJ 1/22 in FBIS 1/23)

PM Rabin holds cabinet mtg. on settlement issue; creates comm. of 6 cabinet Ms, headed by him, to approve all housing plans for o.t., incl. privately financed construction. Building will be suspended until comm. meets later in wk. (IGPO, ITV 1/22 in FBIS 1/23; NYT 1/23; JP 1/28)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin meets with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak in Cairo to discuss bilateral relations and NPT. (MENA 1/22 in FBIS 1/23; MM 1/23; WT 1/25)

Hizballah's political chief Shaykh Hassan Nasrallah states for 1st time that all 6 Israeli MIAs are dead. Israel asserts air force navigator Ron Arad is still alive. (RL 1/23 in FBIS 1/25; WT 1/24)

Cabinet mbrs., settlers criticize PM Rabin for temporarily halting settlement construction, giving assurances to Arafat 1/19. Settlers groups say if halt includes construction around Jerusalem, they will attempt to bring government down. (NYT 1/21)

Syrian FM al-Shara` meets with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, gives him letter fr. Pres. al-Asad regarding peace talks. (SARR 1/20, 1/21 in FBIS 1/23; WP 1/22; JP 1/28)

Hizballah, PFLP-GC launch joint attack against IDF, SLA in southern Lebanon. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed. (VOL 1/20 in FBIS 1/20; QPAR 1/20 in FBIS 1/24)

Israeli-PA Supreme Liaison Comm. meets in Cairo, makes no progress but agrees to 2 mtgs. btwn. PM Rabin, Arafat in coming wks. Each side presents list of other side's DOP violations. PA Planning M Shaath threatens to quit as negotiator unless Israel moves forward on releases of Palestinian prisoners. (MM 1/3; HA, MENA 1/3 in FBIS 1/4; CSM, MM 1/4; VOP 1/4 in FBIS 1/5; VOP 1/5 in FBIS 1/6; CSM 1/6)

Egyptian FM Musa meets with Israeli FM Peres on sidelines of Supreme Liaison Comm. mtg. to discuss peace talks, settlements; hosts luncheon for Peres and Shaath. (IDF Radio, MENA 1/3 in FBIS 1/4; MM 1/4; QY 1/3 in FBIS 1/5)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Israeli FM Peres meet to discuss negotiations. Peres says both agreed to eliminate all trade, tourism restrictions btwn. the 2 countries. (RE 1/3 in FBIS 1/4; QY 1/4 in FBIS 1/5; MM 1/5)

IDF claims Palestinian policemen involved in clash with IDF 1/2 were really Hamas mbrs. who had joined police force with intent of attacking Israelis inside Israel. (IDF Radio, QY 1/3 in FBIS 1/3; MM 1/4; QY 1/5 in FBIS 1/5)

Germany grants additional $13.8 m. to PA for job creation, for workers returning fr. abroad to start businesses. (WT 1/4)

Head of IDF planning branch, Maj. Gen. Uzi Dayan, suggests Israel will make preemptive strike on Iran to halt its nuclear program if it is found to pose a threat. (MM 1/4, 1/10, 1/11)

David Ivri, director-general of Israeli DMin., says he is investigating U.S. accusations that Israel illegally provided China with U.S. technological secrets, says Israeli spinoffs of U.S. technology may have been given. (WT 1/4; CSM 1/6; MEI 1/20) (see 11/28)

1000s of Palestinians rally against Israel at funeral for policemen killed by IDF 1/2. (MM 1/3; WP 1/4)

Poll of Americans conducted by Luntz Research shows 34% strongly opposed to U.S. deployment in Golan; 24% opposed; 35% favor; 11% strongly favor. 44% of those in favor would change their minds if troops could be target of terrorists. (WT 1/10)