The Palestine Chronology

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Israel, meets with PM Netanyahu, heads to Gaza for talks with Arafat. (ITV 12/21 in WNC 12/24; NYT, WP, WT 12/22; NYT 12/23; JP 12/28)

In Hebron, a scuffle btwn. settlers, Palestinian children escalates into a melee btwn. 100s of settlers, Palestinians. IDF soldiers intervene; hit, kick, punch Palestinians, leaving 1 unconscious; arrests 2 Palestinians. (NYT, WP, WT 12/22; JP 12/28)

A group of Christian churches, nongovernmental organizations, individuals forming the coalition of Churches for Middle East Peace takes out an ad in the NYT calling for a shared Jerusalem, assuring the rights of all religions in the city. (NYT 12/21)

Ignoring U.S. appeals (see 12/20), Turkey, Iran sign 7 trade accords, granting each other most favored nation trading status, increasing the annual volume of trade btwn. the countries fr. $960 m. to $2 b., establishing a joint chamber of commerce, outlining maritime cooperation. Agmts. were drafted by the joint economic commission 12/16. (NYT, WP, WT 12/22; IRNA, VIRI 12/22, IRNA 12/23 in WNC 12/24; CSM, 12/24; WT 12/25)

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Pres. Mubarak on talks with Israel. (WT 12/22; WJW 12/26)

Israel stops entry of a 40-ft. pine tree donated to the PA by Finland for the Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem (see 12/10), saying the tree could be diseased, "could affect all the trees in Israel." (PR 2/20; CSM 12/23)

U.S. "strongly advises" Turkey not to improve its relations with Iran. (WP, WT 12/22) (see 12/19)

PM Netanyahu hold discussions with the FM, DM, national infrastructure M, defense officials regarding a document submitted several days ago by U.S. Amb. Indyk. The document constitutes a compromise document on Hebron, incorporating understandings reached so far btwn. the Israel, the PA; including clauses relating to continued implementation of Oslo, incl. Israeli commitment to a timetable for redeployment. Netanyahu says he has no intention of adhering to a timetable. (YA 12/19 in WNC 12/20)

Secy. of State Christopher says that special envoy Ross will soon return to the Middle East to "reenergize" the PA-Israeli talks; claims that the Israelis have made some concessions (unspecified) and it is time for the PA to reciprocate. PA denies Israel has made concessions. (NYT 12/20)

Israel expresses concern that the PA will expand the Gaza port beyond the agreed upon plans to create a commercial, rather than a fishing, port, in which case Israel would have no control over entering and departing craft. (MA 12/20 in WNC 12/23)

Arafat has private audience with the Pope at the Vatican. (WT 12/20)

Israeli FM Levy meets with King Hussein, PM Kabariti in Jordan. Levy, who is the 1st Israeli official to visit since the 9/24 tunnel opening, inaugurates the new Israeli embassy in the Rabiyya neighborhood of Amman. On arrival, He is met at the airport by a subcabinet-level official. (RJ 12/19 in WNC 12/20; JTV, RJ 12/19 in WNC 12/23; JP 12/28)

YESHA settlers' council ends 2-day convention; announces 3 "red lines" which, if crossed, will put an end to their support for Netanyahu. Action will be taken if Netanyahu does not go ahead with construction of housing units in East Jerusalem, Hebron; implements further redeployment fr. area C; does not allow "extensive and comprehensive" settlement. (IDF Radio 12/19 in WNC 12/23)

In Tripoli, Lebanon, an explosive device detonates nr. the regional Syrian intelligence headquarters, injuring 2 Syrian officers. Syria says that a civil-war era bomb detonator was accidentally burned with other trash, exploded. (MM 12/19; RL 12/19 in WNC 12/20; al-Sharq al-Awsat 12/19 in WNC 12/23; MA 12/22 in WNC 12/24) (see 12/18)

Iran's Pres. Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, his 240-mbr. delegation begin 3-day visit to Turkey. Iran and Turkey will discuss economic, defense cooperation. (MM 12/19; Milliyet [Istanbul], VIRI 12/19, IRNA, VIRI 12/20 in WNC 12/23; MM 12/20; IRNA 12/20, VIRI 12/21, 12/22 in WNC 12/24)

PA-Israeli talks on Hebron continue in Taba. Progress is made on municipal issues, hot pursuit, but talks stick on Israel's demand to establish buffer zones btwn. H1, H2 areas. (MM 10/17; QY 10/17 in IL 10/17; IDF Radio 10/17 in WNC 10/19; RMC 10/17 in WNC 10/22; WT 10/18) (see 10/16)

PM Netanyahu appoints Tourism M Qatzav as M for Israeli Arab affairs, a position canceled under the Labor government. (MA 10/18 in IL 10/18; JP 10/26)

In Washington, Secy. of State Christopher tells Lebanese PM Hariri that the time is not right for the U.S. to lift its travel ban on Lebanon. (MM 10/18)

KDP threatens to ask for Iraqi military support if PUK continues to press its offensive around the city of Salahudin. Meanwhile in Washington, Asst. Secy. of State Robert Pelletreau holds talks with KDP officials. UN officials in n. Iraq say that Iran is aiding the PUK logistically, but KDP reports of 1,000s of Iranian troops fighting along PUK mbrs. is exaggerated. (WP, WT 10/18) (see 10/16)

Arafat, Netanyahu end 2-day summit in Washington without resolving their differences, agree to begin nonstop intensive negotiations at Erez 10/6 on disputed issues. (MM 10/2; al-Dustur [Amman], ITV, JTV 10/2, MA, RE 10/3 in WNC 10/4; CSM, MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 10/3; RE 10/3 in WNC 10/4; ITV, QPAR, al-Quds, al-Quds al-Arabi, VOA 10/3, al-Ra'i 10/4 in WNC 10/7; MM, WP 10/4; ITV 10/8 in WNC 10/11; PR 10/11; MEI 10/25)

Israeli, PA officers meet to discuss reopening Qarni crossing export of Palestinian goods into Israel. Israel demands that Palestinians at the checkpoint be unarmed. PA refuses. No agmt. is reached. (ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

Anticipating possible failure of Washington talks, IDF moves more troops and heavy weapons, incl. tanks, helicopters, sniper squads, to the outskirts of zone A areas. (YA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4; WP, WT 10/3; MA 10/4 in WNC 10/7)

In Hebron, IDF fires on Palestinian protesters, killing 1 boy, wounding 2 men. 4 other Palestinians are wounded during protest nr. Halhul. (ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3)

In Jerusalem, 50,000 Israelis march in support of Netanyahu. (WT 10/3)

Turkey's PM Necmettin Erbakan arrives in Cairo on 1st leg of 6-day regional tour. Meanwhile in Tripoli, Turkish, Libyan delegations begin talks on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on economic, industrial issues. (WT 10/2; JANA [Tripoli] 10/3 in WNC 10/4)

Turkey announces plans to increase its electricity purchases from Iran to 3 b. kw/h. (IRNA 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

Lebanon's Council of Ministers grants al-Manar Television, al-Nur Radio temporary exclusion fr. the new media law (see 9/17), allowing them to continue broadcasting news of the resistance. They will both still be banned fr. broadcasting other political news, programs as of 11/30. (RL 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

In s. Lebanon, 2 IDF officers are wounded in clash with Hizballah. (ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

In Hebron, 400 Palestinians clash with IDF troops, who keep them fr. reopening vegetable market that has been sealed since 1994. (CSM, MM 9/17; PR 9/20)

Shin Bet says that several wks. ago it managed to apprehend a Hizballah mbr. who arrived at Ben-Gurion airport fr. Europe. The alleged Hizballah mbr. is currently being held in a n. Israeli security facility. (MA 9/16 in WNC 9/17)

Kuwait gives approval for 3,300 U.S. troops to deploy in its territory. (MM, NYT, WP 9/17) (see 9/15)

Iranian delegation arrives in Ankara for 13th assembly of the Iran-Turkey security commission. (IRNA 9/16 in WNC 9/19; IRNA 9/22 in WNC 9/27)

In Izmir, Turkey's PM Erbakan, FM Ciller, Iran's FM Ali Akhbar Velayati discuss bilateral cooperation, proposed Turkish "security zone" in n. Iraq. Turkey asks for Iran's assistance in curbing the PKK. (IRNA 9/15 in WNC 9/17; Sabah [Istanbul] 9/14 in WNC 9/24; Iran News 9/18 in WNC 9/27)

Syrian Economics Min. announces new rules allowing Syrian citizens to deposit foreign currency in Syrian banks without being asked about the origin of the currency. (SARR 9/14 in WNC 9/17)

EU grants Jordan $128 m. toward the kingdom's economic reform program. (JT 9/14 in WNC 9/19)

Turkey gives 3 guarantees to U.S. concerning "security zone" it plans for n. Iraq (see 9/5): it will be temporary, bases will not be established, Turkey will not broaden the zone it establishes. U.S. Secy. of Defense William Perry says that the U.S. will support Turkey on the basis of these assurances. FM Ciller says zone is a priority, not simply to keep out PKK but also to prevent subversion fr. Iran, Iraq, Syria. (MM 9/6; Hurriyet [Istanbul], Milliyet [Istanbul], TDN 9/7, Turkiye [Istanbul] 9/8 in WNC 9/12; MEI 9/20)

On his way fr. Gaza to the weekly PC session in Ramallah, Arafat's helicopter is forced to hover for 45 mins. before being permitted to land. At the PC, Arafat accuses Israel of "declaring a state of war against the Palestinian people," rejects U.S. appeal for an Abbas-Gold meeting. For 1st time since 1993, he calls for 1-day general strike 8/29, prayer rally in Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque for 8/30. PM Netanyahu warns Arafat against an escalation of rhetoric, violence. (MM 8/28; ITV 8/28 in WNC 8/30; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/29; ITV 9/2 in WNC 9/4)

UN Coordinator Larsen leaves Paris for Israel immediately after Arafat speech to attempt to "serious crisis" btwn. PA, Israel. (WP 8/29)

Israel, Turkey sign defense industry deal, stepping up military cooperation. Agmt. includes technology exchanges, is expected to pave way for $650-m. deal for Israel to overhaul 54 Turkish F-4 Phantom jets. Iran expresses concern. (CSM, MM, WP 8/29; VIRI 8/29, TDN 8/30 in WNC 9/3; VIRI 8/29 in WNC 9/4; RJ 9/4 in WNC 9/6 JP 9/7)

In Tulkarm, IDF demolishes 5 Palestinian homes built without permits. (PR 9/6)

Israeli police release Human Rights Watch employee Tarabiyya, arrested 8/19. (IDF Radio 8/28 in WNC 8/30; JP 9/7)

Unidentified gunmen open fire on an Israeli bus traveling on a Israeli-only bypass road to the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba in the West Bank, slightly wounding 2. (MM, NYT, WP 8/29; MA 8/30 in WNC 9/5)

Israeli police arrest 3 Palestinians who pitch tents at site of clinic in East Jerusalem which was demolished 8/27. (WT 8/29)

Amal attacks 2 SLA patrols in s. Lebanon, killing 1 soldier, wounding 5. (RL 8/28 in WNC 8/30)

Iran, Turkey connect electricity grids in keeping with agmt. signed by Turkish PM Erbakan during his 8/11-13 visit. (VIRI 8/18 in WNC 9/3)

In n. Iraq, KDP, PUK fighting intensifies, with the PUK gaining the upper hand. Iran calls for talks to end fighting, is generally seen as being the winner of the current crisis. (MM 8/27) (see 8/25)

In response to a letter fr. Arafat asking him to "save the peace process," Israeli Pres. Ezer Weizman invites Arafat to meet him in Israel, says he would postpone mtg. if PM Netanyahu agreed to meet Arafat himself within 10 days. PM Netanyahu reluctantly endorses Weizman-Arafat mtg., says he will meet with Arafat soon. (CSM, NYT, WP 8/26; WT 8/28; WJW 8/29; MM, PR 8/30; JP 8/31; MM 9/2; MEI 9/6; JP 9/7)

In Amman, Japanese FM Ikeda signs memorandum of understanding with Jordan under which Japan will grant Jordan $7 m. to finance building new King Hussein bridge, travelers terminal once the sovereignty/legal status of West Bank has been determined. Japan has given Jordan $340 m. in aid, loans in the past yr. (RJ 8/25 in WNC 8/29; JT 9/14 in WNC 9/19)

Israel moves first 11 of 298 mobile homes into 2 West Bank settlements. (WP 8/26; PR 8/30)

2d round of Lebanese voting is held in n. Lebanon. Observers report sharp drop in electoral abuses after opposition charged widespread fraud in 1st round 8/18. Hizballah does not run a slate; all 4 al-Jama` al-Islamiyya candidates are defeated. Most of the 28 elected are progovernment, although the 1 Syrian Ba'th party candidate loses. (CSM 8/26; MM 8/28; RL 8/28 in WNC 8/30; MEI 9/6)

As Kurdish fighting in n. Iraq enters its 9th day, Baghdad comes out in support of KDP, accuses Iran of manipulating the PUK to destabilize the north. (MM 8/27) (see 8/22)

In 2d day of bread riots in Jordan, demonstrations spread fr. Karak to Amman, Ma'an, Tafila, where 1,000s of protesters clash violently with police, burn buildings. King Hussein visits Karak, blames Iraq for instigating the protests. Iraq denies the accusation. (JTV, RJ 8/17, MBC 8/18 in WNC 8/21; RMC 8/17, 8/18 in WNC 8/22; NYT, WP, WT 8/18; JT 8/18 in WNC 8/22; CSM, MM 8/19; MEI 9/6)

In Hebron, IDF arrests 19 mbrs. of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) for having knowledge of armed attacks in Israel. (PR 8/23)

In Alexandria, Pres. Mubarak, Kuwaiti heir apparent Shaykh Sa`d Abdullah al-Sabah discuss peace process, implementing decisions taken at Arab Summit 6/22-23. (RE 8/19 in WNC 8/22)

Syrian PM Mahmud al-Zu'bi arrives in Tehran with delegation for 3-days of talks on political, economic, cultural, technical relations with Iranian officials. Syrian, Iranian Trade Ms discuss expanding economic ties. (VIRI 8/17, IRIB Television [Tehran] 8/18 in WNC 8/21; IRNA 8/18 in WNC 8/22; Tehran Times 8/18 in WNC 8/29; MM 8/19; CSM 8/23)

Israel fortifies IDF, SLA positions in s. Lebanon. (RL 8/17 in WNC 8/21)

Worst fighting since 1995 erupts btwn. rival Kurdish factions, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), in n. Iraq. At issue are border trade with Turkey (currently worth $250,000/day in tariffs) and informal taxes, which are expected to increase dramatically when the 5/20 UN oil-for-food deal goes into effect in 9/96; control of the provincial administrative center of Irbil, considered the capital of Kurdish Iraq. The PUK accuses the KDP of collaborating with the Saddam Hussein government, initiating clashes. KDP accuses Iran of backing the PUK, starting the fighting. (MM 8/19, 8/20, 8/27)

In Israel's 1st move to expand settlements, DM Mordechai approves placement of 298 government-owned mobile homes in Jewish settlements for public, educational use; admits units will be used primarily as living quarters. PM Netanyahu claims interim agmt. with PA does not prohibit Jews fr. building settlements on occupied land. PA protests. (QY 8/12 in FBIS 8/13; MM, WT 8/13; VOP 8/13 in FBIS 8/13; CSM, MM, WP 8/14; JP 8/24)

Israel demolishes 6 Palestinian homes: 1 in Jerusalem built without a permit, 2 n. of Jerusalem to make way for a bypass road, 3 nr. Ramallah. (PR 8/23) (see 8/6)

Israel's Interior M Eliyahu Suissa says $5 m. will be reallocated fr. local governments to settlements to help Jewish settlers pay expenses resulting fr. the Oslo agmts. (QY 8/12 in FBIS 8/12; MM 8/13; WT 8/14; WJW, WP, WT 8/15; JP 8/24)

PA arrests Adameer Exec. Dir. Muhammad Dahman, accuses him of fabricating 8/11 story of Dahlan's death in custody. (MM 8/15; PR 8/16)

Turkish PM Erbakan signs $23-b. natural gas deal with Iran; says Iran may use the Turkish ports of Trabzon, Iskenderun for trade with foreign countries. U.S. considers this a provocative challenge to its policy on Iran. (CSM, MM 8/12: MM 8/13; Hurriyet [Istanbul], Turkish Daily News 8/13 in WNC 8/21) (see 8/5, 8/11)

Republican National Convention adopts party platform, incl. paragraph on the Middle East. (NYT 8/13)

In Cairo, Fatah Central Comm. ends 2-days of talks on conditions in the West Bank, Gaza; discusses plans for promoting candidates in upcoming municipal elections; rejects proposal to effect partial redeployment in Hebron. (MENA, RMC 8/11, VOP 8/12 in FBIS 8/12; VOP 8/12 in FBIS 8/13)

Palestinian Naher Dahlan dies while in PA custody. PA says he committed suicide. Adameer human rights organization says he died as a result of abuse during interrogation. (MM 8/15; PR 8/16) (see 8/10)

Turkish Pres. Erbakan arrives in Iran for 3-day official visit; holds talks on political, economic ties with Pres. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. U.S. is angered. (MM 8/12) (see 8/5)

Israeli PM Netanyahu, King Hussein meet in Amman. Jordan regrets that Netanyahu's 25-mbr. entourage includes no FMin. officials, high ranking diplomats. (MM 8/5; AFP, JT, RJ 8/5 in FBIS 8/5; JTV, RJ 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/6; CSM, MM, WT 8/7; WJW 8/8; NYT 8/9)

Israel allows another 5,000 Palestinian workers to enter Israel, bringing total number of permits issued to 37,000. (NYT, WP 8/6; WJW 8/8)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah fires on IDF post, wounding 2; captures 1 SLA mbr. (QY 8/5, SARR 8/6 in FBIS 8/6; MM, WP 8/6; WT 8/7; WJW 8/8)

In Washington, Pres. Clinton signs legislation imposing sanctions on foreign companies that do business with Iran, Libya. Bill is expected to strain U.S. relations with the EU, which has threatened retaliation. In particular, France, Germany, Italy do significant trade with Iran, Libya. (NYT, WT 8/6; NYT 8/7; MEI 8/16)

Fmr. Israeli negotiator and Peres aide Yossi Beilin confirms Hirschfeld's 7/14 report. PA confirms Beilin's statement. (MM 7/31; QY 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; CSM, NYT, WT 8/1; QY 7/31, JP 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; CSM 8/2; WT 8/7; PR 8/9; JP 8/10)

Arafat says PA has reached agmt. with Israel for release of Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, is awaiting implementation. (QY 7/31 in FBIS 8/1)

Palestinian prisoner Mahmud Jumayil dies, becoming the 7th to die in PA custody. In Bethlehem at its weekly session, PC sets up comm. to investigate the death; Arafat says 3 officers already have been detained. (VOP 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; VOP 8/1 in FBIS 8/2; MM, NYT, WT 8/2; Houston Chronicle 8/5; PR 8/9; MEI 8/16; WP 8/20) (see 7/30)

CIA tells Congress's Select Comm. on Intelligence that 6 countries (China, Cuba, France, Iran, Israel, Russia) are involved in industrial espionage against the U.S. Israel denies the charge. (ITV 7/31 in FBIS 8/1; WP 8/16)

Hizballah attacks IDF, SLA position in s. Lebanon. IDF, SLA return fire, killing 1 Hizballah mbr. (JP 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; VOL 8/1 in FBIS 8/2)

Israeli allows 10,000 more Palestinian workers fr. Gaza into Israel, raising total number of permits issued fr. 25,000 to 35,000; allows more trucks carrying goods into, out of the self-rule areas through Israeli checkpoints. (QY 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; JP 7/27; WJW 8/1)

PSF releases `Abd al-Salam al-Hirbawi. (JMCC 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; WT 7/22; MEI 8/2) (see 7/20)

Under a deal brokered by Germany, Israel swaps bodies of 123 Arab militiamen for the remains of 2 IDF soldiers, Yossi Fink and Rahamim Alshaykh, who were captured by Hizballah in s. Lebanon in 2/86. Hizballah also frees 21 SLA mbrs. in return for 45 prisoners held in al-Khiyam prison. PM Netanyahu calls return of the dead "a step in the right direction." DM Mordechai thanks Iran, Lebanon, Syria for their cooperation. (IDF Radio, QY, RL, VOL 7/21, QY, RL 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/22; MA, RMC 7/22 in FBIS 7/23; CSM, WT 7/23; JP 7/27; MM 8/2) (see 7/10)

PM Netanyahu finalizes creation of infrastructure portfolio for Sharon. Among Sharon's new responsibilities are development in the s. Negev, n. Galilee; construction of homes outside cities; bypass roads; water; sewage; railroads. (MM, WP 7/4; QY 7/4 in FBIS 7/5; CSM, WP, WT 7/5) (see 7/3)

PSF arrests 4 Islamic Jihad mbrs. for Tahayna murder, blames Islamic Jihad infighting for his death. (QY 7/5 in FBIS 7/5) (see 7/3)

Shin Bet announces that, after 2 mos. of questioning, Hamas's Salameh recently "broke down" and admitted being trained in Iran (see 5/17); sees this as "further proof" Iran is behind terrorist activity; says it has been "unsuccessful" in extracting a similar confession fr. Husayn Maqdad, wounded 3-mos. ago in an East Jerusalem explosion (see 5/16). (YA 7/4 in FBIS 7/5)

Calling it the hardest decision of his life, Israeli Arab political leader Ahmad Tibi withdraws his candidacy for a Knesset seat, endorses Peres for PM--despite the closure on the self-rule areas, the 4/96 assault on Lebanon--in hopes of uniting Israeli Arab voters behind propeace candidates, against Netanyahu. United Arab List head `Abd al-Wahhab Darawshah also endorses Peres. (MM, NYT 5/21; QY 5/21 in FBIS 5/21; VOP 5/28 in FBIS 5/29)

In Washington, France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. continue talks on cease-fire monitoring comm. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz says parties have agreed the comm. will be security/military, not political. Issue of chairmanship, structure, decision making, cooling-off period following incidents still not resolved. (RL 5/21, 5/22 in FBIS 5/22; MM 5/22) (see 5/20)

U.S. Secy. of State Warren Christopher charges Iran with planing attacks in Israel before the Israeli election 5/29. (MM 5/22)

Based on information obtained fr. Hamas's Salameh, Israel arrests 19 suspected Hamas mbrs. in the West Bank. (CSM 5/22; PR 5/31) (see 5/17)

Lebanese army reports that Israel's 4/96 offensive targeted 147 Lebanese towns, villages; 11,000 civilians suffered material loss; direct damage to personal property (i.e., not incl. damage to infrastructure, public utilities) totalled $24 m. (MM 5/21)

Israel says its unofficial trade with Iraq is expected to increase significantly (to as high as $100 m./yr.) thanks to the 5/20 UN-Iraq deal. Israel currently sells $2 m. of food, medicine to Iraq. (JP 5/22 in FBIS 5/22; JP 6/1)

PA military court orders Sarraj, arrested 5/18, to be held for 15 days. (NYT 5/22; PR 5/24; NYT 5/28; JP 6/1)

In Jerusalem, PA, Israel begin 4 days of talks on Rafah airport. (VOP 5/19 in FBIS 5/21; PR 5/24; NYT 8/15)

Syrian, Lebanese FMs brief Syrian Pres. Asad in Latakiyya, Lebanese Pres. Ilyas Hrawi in Beirut on cease-fire monitoring group draft. Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri discusses the draft with French Pres. Jacques Chirac in Paris. (RL, SARR, VOL 5/19 in FBIS 5/20) (see 5/16)

In Beirut, Iranian FM Dir. Gen. for Middle East and North Africa Sayyid Muhammad Kazim Khonsari meets with Lebanese Speaker Nabih Birri to discuss ways Iran could assist with Lebanon's reconstruction. (IRNA [Tehran] 5/20 in FBIS 5/21)

Hamas issues leaflet, threatening to continue attacks against Israelis. (ITV 5/19 in FBIS 5/20) (see 5/18)

Hizballah attacks IDF targets inside the Israeli self-declared security zone, killing 2 soldiers, wounding 1. In response, Israel shells civilian areas in s. Lebanon for the 1st time since the 4/26 cease-fire agmt. took effect, injuring 1 woman. Syria accuses Israel of violating the agmt. Israel says Hizballah is to blame for operating fr. a "built-up area," withdrawing to a village. (IDF Radio, MBC, QY, RL 5/19 in FBIS 5/20; SARR 5/19 in FBIS 5/22; MM, NYT, WP 5/20)

At a time when Likud's PM Benjamin Netanyahu is presenting himself as a "mainstream" candidate for PM, Likud's Ariel Sharon writes a strongly-worded article for JP outlining Likud's hard-line views. He says Israel should not accept Oslo; IDF should be allowed to operate anywhere in the West Bank, Gaza; negotiations with Syria should be postponed until Pres. Hafiz al-Asad is out of power; Golan should never be returned. (NYT 5/25)

In an interview published simultaneously in Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, PM Peres calls on Gulf states to join forces with Israel against Iran. (MM 5/17)

IDF shoots, wounds most-wanted Hamas mbr., Hassan Salameh, as he flees fr. a vehicle inspection point nr. Hebron; later captures him at the Hebron hospital; also arrests passenger in Salameh's car, Raziq Rajub, a relative of PA Preventive Security Forces (PSF) head Jibril Rajub. Salameh is suspected of ordering, planning 3 of the 4 2+n3/96 suicide bombings. (QY, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/20; NYT, WT 5/19; PR 5/24; JP 5/25)

Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades issue leaflet, calling for national unity dialogue with the PA. (JMCC 5/17 in FBIS 5/20)

3,000 Palestinians attend National Islamic Salvation Party (NISP) rally in Gaza in support of Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq, currently detained in the U.S. Speaking at the rally, Hamas leader Mahmud Zahhar calls on Qassam Brigades not to take any violent actions before the Israeli elections 5/29, calls on leaders abroad to be sensitive to conditions in the territories. (VOP 5/17, AFP, QY, RMC, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/20) (see 11/18/95, 3/7)

Arab Parliamentary Union Council closes its 27th session in Qana, Lebanon; issues statement condemning Israel's attack on Lebanon, refusal to sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, occupation of s. Lebanon. (RL 5/17 in FBIS 5/20)

Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Amnon Shahak meets with Arafat at Erez checkpoint, gives him list of 13 wanted Hamas men, instructs the PA to break the movement's organization, warns IDF may not withdrawal fr. Hebron if action is not taken. Arafat says he has no intention of attacking Hamas leaders or institutions not linked to the armed wing. (MM 2/27; Davar, IDF Radio, QY 2/27, JP, QY 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; MM, NYT, WT 2/28; WP 2/29)

In Gaza, 2 more leaflets signed by Hamas's Qassam Brigades are issued, 1 claiming and 1 denying responsibility for the 2/25 bombings, increasing speculation that there is a split within the movement. (AFP, PBC, RMC 2/27 in FBIS 2/28) (see 2/25)

In a ceremony televised on Israeli networks, a conservative MK awards a plaque of gratitude to one of the settlers who shot, killed Palestinian-American 2/26. (NYT 2/28)

A Palestinian woman dies when the ambulance taking her to a hospital outside Gaza is delayed at Erez checkpoint for 5 hrs. (MM 3/20)

In Damascus, Pres. Asad, Iranian VP Hassan Habibi discuss boosting bilateral ties. Habibi expresses Iran's support for armed struggle against Israel by Palestinian rejectionist groups, incl. Hamas. (MM 2/27; Voice of Iran 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; RMC, SARR 2/27, SARR 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; WT 2/28; AFP, SARR 2/28 in FBIS 2/29; WT 4/25)

The Lebanese Cabinet passes decree outlawing gatherings and demonstrations "in order to prevent any acts that could disturb security and public safety." (RL 2/28 in FBIS 2/29)

U.S. extends its travel ban on Lebanon for 6 mos. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz protests. (RL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; WT 3/2)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb nr. an SLA patrol, killing 1 SLA mbr. (RL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28)

IDF declares Jericho a closed military zone after a settler is slightly injured by rocks thrown at his car. (QY 2/18 in FBIS 2/20)

Hizballah initiates a series of cross border raids into Israel fr. s. Lebanon. IDF attacks Hizballah positions in retaliation. (WT 2/18)

In Damascus, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan meets with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad. Farrakhan is on a controversial 27-day tour of the Middle East and Africa. Stops include, Libya, Iraq, Iran, the Sudan. State Dept. threatens to confiscate his passport upon his return. (WP, WT 2/18)

Israel expels to Jordan Muhammad Rujub Salama Muhammad, a Palestinian fr. Bayt Jala, on charges of spying on military bases for Iran. (QY 1/31 in FBIS 2/1; IDF Radio 2/2 in FBIS 2/2; JT 2/3 in FBIS 2/5; JP 2/10)

Jordan signs agricultural trade deals with Iraq, Syria. Under the agmt. with Iraq, Jordan will export $250 m. of foodstuffs left over fr. its 1995 trade protocol's account, meaning food exports to Iraq will slightly increase for 1996 (see 1/22). (Akhbar al-Usbu` 2/1 in FBIS 2/1)