The Palestine Chronology

Israel expels 415 suspected Muslim activists, 251 from the West Bank, 164 from the Gaza Strip to Lebanon. High Court of Justice temporarily blocks the expulsions, then votes 5 to 2 to permit them. UNIFIL forces try to block buses carrying deportees from traveling through their territory. Lebanese army blocks the deportees from entering govt.- controlled territory, leaving them stranded between Israeli and Lebanese checkpoints. (WP 12/17, 12/18; Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon, VOL 12/17, 12/18 in FBIS 12/18; NYT 12/18)

Eighth round of Arab-Israeli peace talks ends. Arab parties boycott 12/17 meetings to protest deportations. PLO announces talks suspended until deportees allowed back. (Tunisian Republic Radio 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; NYT, WP 12/18)

Pres. Bush meets separately with all delegations involved in peace talks for 20-25 minutes each; he meets with Palestinians and Jordanians together, then with Jordanians alone for 15 minutes. (Radio Jordan 12/17 in FBIS 12/18)

Hamas denounces the expulsions as "total war"; their legitimate targets, previously limited to soldiers, now include "every Zionist in Palestine." Arab MKs condemn deportation ruling, threaten to withdraw support of governing coalition. UNLU issues supplement to call no. 90 condemning the deportations. (IDF Radio 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; AFP 12/17, Sanaa VOP 12/18 in FBIS 12/21)

U.S. State Department "strongly condemns the action of deportation". Pres.-elect Bill Clinton is critical, though not condemnatory of the expulsion. UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghali asks Israel to "rescind the expulsion order." (NYT 12/18

In a move destined to change the Israeli political system, Knesset votes to allow direct election of prime minister beginning with first Knesset elections after the upcoming 6/23 vote [first scheduled elections after that would be in 1996]. The law also lowers number of votes needed to bring down government from 70 to 61, and gives Knesset authority to approve cabinet. (WP, MM 3/19)

State Dept. announced Bush administration has issued a proposal to Israel whereby U.S. would grant $10 billion in loan guarantees over six years providing that Israel restrict settlement activity to completing housing started before 1/1/92. $300 million would be provided immediately under the plan, but the rest would be contingent upon a settlement freeze. Announcement also indicated that the administration is calling for a freeze on settlements throughout 1967 territories, the first time that the administration has used language suggesting that it seeks to halt settlement activity in E. Jerusalem as well as in W. Bank and Gaza. (WP 3/19)

In Beirut, Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for 3/17 bombing of Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires to avenge Israel's 2/16 assassination of Hizballah leader 'Abbas Musawi. (WP 3/19)

Leaflet allegedly distributed in Ramallah by PFLP calls for inclusion of Hamas in Unified National Command of the Intifada (Al Hamishmar 3/19 in FBIS 3/20)

IDF kills 3 Palestinians in three incidents in Gaza, West Bank. (MM 3/19)

Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi hold meeting at Islamic College of Hebron to explain what transpired at Madrid. Fights break out between supporters, opponents of peace process. (Qol Yisra'el 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

Additional members of the political committees resign (See 11/12) (Qol Yisra'el 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

In Washington, West Bank academic Sari Nusseibeh, the driving force behind creation of the political committees, meets with State Department officials, requests U.S. intervention with Israel to assure Palestinians in o.t. be given freedom to express themselves politically, an essential step if the committees and other forms of political expression are to succeed. (MEM 11/14)

In Damascus, Fateh Central Comm. mbr. 'Abbas Zaki states that Fateh, Syria have agreed to normalize relations. Fateh-Syrian discussions have been ongoing since a Fateh delegation's arrival in Damascus 11/8. (AFP 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

PLO Executive Committee begins meeting in Tunis to discuss the venue for second phase of peace talks. (MEM 11/14) 

Member of advisory committee to Palestinian delegation Ziyad Abu Zayyad confirms the existence of an eight-page document discussing the eventual transfer of power from Israeli occupation forces to Palestinians in the o.t. during the "transitional period" of self-rule envisioned as part of the peace process. The document, which he states is only a draft proposal, was written by residents of the o.t. and suggests establishing management committees to oversee administration of the territories. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Five members of the new political committees in o.t. resign, but 25 new members are added. Move seen as part of behind-thescenes conflict between the original founders of the committees and the PLO, members of the Palestinian delegation over the nature of the committees. (Qol Yisra'el 11/13, Ha'Aretz 11/13, Israel Television 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Faisal Husseini holds debate with Riyad al-Maliki, leading PFLP supporter in West Bank and opponent of the peace process, at Bethlehem University. (MEM 11/12)

Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam meets with delegation from Palestinian National Salvation Front, including PNSF head Khalid al-Fahum, PFLP-GC Gen. Secy. Ahmad Jibril, Fateh-Uprising leader Sa'id Musa Muragha (Abu Musa), other top PNSF figures. Meeting comes in wake of improved Fateh-Syrian, PLO-Syrian relations. (al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio [clandestine] 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Pres. Bush, speaking before ameeting of Jewish American leaders in New York, regrets language he used during his 9/12 comments about the loan guarantees to Israel [in which he obliquely referred to the power of the Jewish lobby]. (MEM 11/13, 11/14)

Meeting of Israeli Labor party, called by Labor party leader Shimon Peres in an attempt to bridge gap among hard-liners and moderates within the party on foreign affairs and security matters, fails to reach agreement. Meeting comes in wake of rightward turn within Labor party toward security issues, evidenced by the tough 11/10 draft of the party's political platform adopted by the party's political committee and by the support given by several hard-line Labor parliamentarians to an 11/11 Knesset resolution that called for permanent Israeli control over Golan. (MEM 11/13)

Meeting of the "Damascus Declaration" nations ends without agreement on ways to turn their Gulf war alliance into a deeper multi-lateral relationship. (MEM 11/12)

Palestinian delegates return to West Bank via Allenby Bridge as thousands cheer them in Jericho. Member of advisory committee to delegation Ziyad Abu Zayyad announces establishment of"political committees" throughout o.t. to advise Palestinian delegates, reportedly under the leadership of Sari Nusseibeh in the West Bank and As'ad al-Saftawi in Gaza. DM Moshe Arens, Chief-of-Staff Ehud Barak, Police Min. Ronni Milo brief Israeli cabinet on decrease in intifada activities during the week after the peace conference, noting that incidents such as rock throwing have decreased 30% in West Bank and 70% in Gaza. (WP, MEM 11/11)

A poll described as the largest ever carried out in Israel is published, revealing that 74% of Israelis are ready to yield territory in the West Bank and Gaza for peace. Thirty-one percent stated that land in the Golan Heights should be exchanged for peace. (MEM 11/11)

U.S. announces that both Jordanian and Palestinian delegates will each be able to deliver a 45-minute opening speech at peace conference. Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria will also talk for 45 minutes. Israel protests to Washington that this violates conditions for Israeli attendance by treating the Palestinians as a separate delegation. (NYT 10/29)

London-based Mideast Mirror publishes list of Syrian delegates (MEM 10/28)

Demonstrators for, against peace conference clash at anti-conference rally in Amman. (MEM 10/29)

West Bank gunmen open fire on a bus carrying Israeli settlers from Shilo to an anti-peace conference rally in Tel Aviv, killing two and injuring five, bringing total number of Israelis killed since beginning of intifada to 74. (NYT, WP 10/29)

German authorities state police in Hamburg discovered 14 Soviet T-72 tanks aboard an Israeli ship destined for Israel. The tanks, formerly belonging to the E. German army and subsequently handed over to the German secret service BND, were to be delivered to Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, which sought to learn more about the tanks' design. (NYT, WP 10/29)

Israeli, South Lebanon Army forces launch artillery barrages directed at area surrounding Nabatiyya, S. Lebanon. Attacks continue into early morning hours of 10/29. (MEM 10/30)

Prime Min. Shamir indicates he will head Israeli delegation to the peace conference, not FM David Levy. Invitations sent to the parties by the U.S., USSR had called for talks at the "ministerial level," a diplomatic phrase usually interpreted to mean participation by officials holding rank of foreign minister or below. (NYT 10/24)

Arab foreign ministers representing Syria, Egypt, Jordan, along with representative of Lebanon's foreign ministry and head of PLO political department meet in Damascus to discuss strategies for peace conference. They were later joined by foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, representing the Gulf states, and Morocco, representing North African states (except Libya). (MEM 10/23)

Strike called for 10/22 by three groups in o.t. partially observed in E. Jerusalem, elsewhere in West Bank, but not in Nablus, Jenin. Residents of Gaza city observe strike, but not those in the refugee camps. (MEM 10/25)

Members of the Jewish Ateret Cohanim seminary move into a house in the Muslim quarter of E. Jerusalem. Group claims the house was owned by Jews driven out by Palestinian rioting in 1929. Settlers occupying a building in Silwan seized 10/9 from Palestinian residents petition Israeli high court of justice to allow them to remain. Group also seeks permission to move into four other buildings from which they had been evicted by police. (MEM 10/24)

European Community official announces EC, Israel have reached agreement over long-standing dispute over status, place of residence of EC official who will be sent to monitor EC economic aid to Palestinians in the o.t. EC had sough to post the official in the territories; Israel objected, seeking to place the representativen Tel Aviv instead. The EC has set aside $100 million in aid for Palestinians in the o.t. (MEM 10/24)

Human rights organization Middle East Watch issues report on condition of 18,000-20,000 stateless Palestinians in Kuwait. The Palestinians, who were either born in Gaza during the British Mandate, during the period of Egyptian administration of Gaza (1948-67), or who are descendants of those born there, have lived in Kuwait for decades but do not hold citizenship in any country. They do not carry Israeli Gaza identity cards but merely hold Egyptian travel documents, and are thus unable to legally live anywhere. According to the report, Kuwait intends to expel these persons to Iraq 11/15. (MEM 20/24)

PLO, Hamas officials meet in Amman to discuss Hamas participation in upcoming PNC meeting. Hamas demands 40 seats in council. (AFP 8/26, in FBIS 8/27; MEM 8/27)

Israeli police question Hanan Ashrawi, Faisal Husseini on their recent meetings in London with Palestinian officials to determine if they violated Israeli law banning contact with PLO. (MEM 8/27)

After heated debates, Lebanese parliament approves amnesty for war crimes committed during Lebanese civil war. (NYT 8/27)

Hizbullah admits it holds two Israeli prisoners. (WP 8/27)

Israeli housing min. Ariel Sharon details major plan to expand Israeli settlements. Plan would expand settlements in Jerusalem area to link them with large settlement of Ma'ale Adumim, which itself would be expanded to reach Jericho, cutting the West Bank in half. Thousands of new homes would be built. (MEM 8/27, 8/29)

Israeli cabinet agrees to equal funding of Arab, Jewish municipalities following 10- day sit-in by Arab mayors. Mayors indicate they will take their protest to the Israeli labor federation, the Histadrut, to protest unfair practices by that body, which is dominated by the Labor party. (MEM 8/27)

Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq issues report on increased Jewish settlement in o.t. Places number of settlers in W. Bank, Gaza at 104,000 along with 127,700 in E. Jerusalem. (MEM 8/27)

Soviet, Ethiopian Jewish immigrants clash in Jerusalem hotel where they live; four injured. Soviets have complained of preferential treatment extended to Ethiopians. (MEM 8/27, 8/29)

Israeli human rights group B'Tselem states Israel has once again begun deporting family members of West Bank, Gaza residents who do not possess residency permits. Most of those facing deportation are non-resident Palestinian women who married residents of the occupied territories, and their children; non-resident family members are not automatically granted residency permits by Israeli military authorities. Some 200 Palestinians had earlier been deported from territories during second half of 1989 for similar reasons. At B'Tselem's request, Israeli military agreed to suspend deportations pending an investigation. (NYT, WP 8/16) 

Fighting breaks out between Lebanese army and PLO, allied Islamic forces as PLO forces refuse to evacuate positions east of Sidon, Army blockades Palestinian refugee camps of al-Mi'a wa Mi'a, 'Ayn al-Hilwa. PLO officials in Tunis call for discussion with Lebanese government. (NYT, LAT, MEM 7/2; WP 7/3)

Israeli Housing Min. Ariel Sharon inaugurates new neighborhood of Israeli settlement of Mevo Dotan in the northern West Bank, one day after Pres. Bush described settlements as "counterproductive." (MEM 7/2; WP 7/3)

Palestinian leaders Hanan Ashrawi, Faisal Husseini meet with Secy. of State Baker in Washington, discuss U.S. peace initiative. (MEM 7/3)

Israeli television broadcasts document confirming existence of undercover military units in which soldiers dress like Palestinian civilians in order to arrest activists in occupied territories. Israeli public in an uproar over possible compromise of unit's security. (NYT 6/24; LAT 6/21, 6/26)

Ramallah resident Kamil Tawanja announces formation of Palestinian National Unity Party. Party claims to support PLO, but renounces violence, favors independent West Bank-Gaza state affiliated with Jordan. Party reportedly made up of Palestinians released from Israeli prisons in 1985. (MEM 6/12; Israel Television [Arabic] in FBIS 6/21; NYT 6/23)

At joint news conference in Damascus, Sec. Baker says his latest diplomatic mission has failed to bridge major differences between Israel and Syria over how to organize peace conference. Baker sharply criticizes Israel's 4/23 opening of new settlement [NYT, WP, CSM 4/25; DDS 4/24 in FBIS 4/25; MET 5/7].

Iraqi and Kurdish leaders say they have reached broad new agreement that will allow Kurds to return home. Jalal Talabani, leader of one of largest Kurdish groups, says agreement provides for new measure of autonomy for Kurdistan, and guarantees of democracy and pluralism [NYT, WP, LAT, MEM, WT 4/25; CSM 4/26; INA, RMC, AFP 4/24, ADS 4/25 in FBIS 4/25; MET 5/7].

Saudi Arabia says it will accept and shelter all Iraqi refugees in southern Iraq, and will build camp to accommodate as many as 50,000 people [NYT 4/25].

U.S. symbolically hands over American control of part of southern Iraq to UN forces; imminent departure of American troops is raising fears among refugees that UN troops will not defend them from Saddam's army [NYT, WP, LAT 4/25].

Kuwaiti official says new gov't.'s 1st act will be to downgrade relations with Algeria, Yemen, Jordan, and Sudan, which backed Iraq in Gulf war [LAT 4/25].

Knesset members from Labor, Citizens' Right Movement, and Mapam head Israeli delegation that leaves for Spain and international conference: "The Dialogue of Mediterranean Citizens." Palestinians from o.t. and PLO representatives are also attending [MEM 4/24].

U.S. ambassador to Israel William Brown files an official protest with Israeli gov't. about establishment and/or expansion of settlements in West Bank; Housing Min. Sharon says that Israel has no intention of meeting U.S. demands to slow or stop settlement: "... we built in the past, we build now, and we will build in the future" [MEM 4/25].

21-year-old Palestinian is shot dead in Rafah by IDF after he disobeys order to halt [MEM 4/25; FJ 4/29]. 

In rare public showing, 43 Saudi businessmen and intellectuals publish in Cairo daily an open letter to King Fahd calling on him to establish national and municipal consultative councils and to curb the power of the mutaween, the Islamic religious police [WP 4/16].

In nationwide address, King Fahd renews limited pledge of political reform, announcing "notable progress" in establishing consultative assembly [LAT 4/17; SPA 4/15 in FBIS 4/16].

King also promises to expand the country's armed forces and equip them with world's best weapons [MEM 4/16; CSM 4/18].

Kuwaiti soldiers take up positions along demilitarized zone as U.S. troops continue to leave area [WP 4/16].

Most U.S. troops move quickly out of southern Iraq [LAT 4/16].

In southern Lebanon, SIA troops kill 2 Arabs just west of Israel's "security zone"; it is 2d such killing in 2 days [JDS, AFP 4/15 in FBIS 4/15; MET 4/23].

Arab crosses border from Jordan into Israel, fires on Israeli patrol and is shot dead by IDF; 1 Israeli soldier is wounded [JDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/16].

Palestinian is shot dead by security guards after throwing stone at Israeli bus north of Jerusalem [MEM 4/15; JDS 4/15 in FBIS 4/16; FJ 4/22].

Eight Jewish families move into mobile homes in West Bank, opening 1st new settlement, named Revava, to be established in o.t. under P.M. Shamir's current gov't. (cf. 4/16) [MEM, CSM 4/16; JDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/16; JPI 4/27].

Leftist Israelis stage demonstration at Revava, protesting its establishment [JDS 4/15 in FBIS 4/17].

On ABC television, Israeli Housing Min. Ariel Sharon defends construction of o.t. settlements, saying West Bank has to be settled to provide military "strategic depth." On same program, Nat. Sec. Advisor Brent Scowcroft disagrees, saying "land for peace" is only real solution that will provide Israel any strategic security (cf. 4/15) [WP, MEM 4/15].

Two Arabs, allegedly from Abu Nidal's faction, are killed by IDF gunfire in "security zone" in southern Lebanon [IDF 4/14 in FBIS 4/15; RFL, BVL 4/15 in FBIS 4/17].

More than 200 Palestinians demonstrate in Rafah camp, marking 3d anniversary of assassination of Abu Jihad [AFP 4/15 in FBIS 4/16; FJ 4/22].

Palestinian is shot dead after allegedly trying to run down IDF soldier with his car [MEM 4/15; JDS 4/14 in FBIS 4/16; FJ 4/22].

Despite opposition from U.S., Israeli F.M. Levy urges gov't. to push quietly ahead with settlements in o.t.: "Our right [to settlements] cannot be challenged. There is one difference-don't upset the whole world" [MEM 4/15].

Findings of poll conducted by Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies in Tel Aviv are released: 90% of Israeli public favors use of nuclear weapons under certain circumstances; 49% believes Arabs final goal is to destroy Israel and kill Jews [MEM 4/15]. 

Iraq formally accepts U.N. Sec. Council cease-fire resolution; "While declaring that this resolution is unjust, [we] have found there was no other choice than to accept it in order to defeat the American-Zionist plot," says National Assembly speaker Saadi Mehdi Saleh [NYT, WP 4/7; BADS 4/7 in FBIS 4/8; INA 4/8 in FBIS 4/9; CSM 4/8; MET 4/16].

PLO leadership in Tunis endorses proposed meeting between Sec. Baker and o.t. Palestinians during Baker's upcoming visit to Israel [ADS 4/7 in FBIS 4/8].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Algeria, meets with Pres. Bendjedid to discuss postwar Gulf situation [AGS, APS 4/6 in FBIS 4/8].

Rep. Les Aspin, chrmn. of House Armed Services Committee, meets in Damascus with Pres. Asad. Aspin earlier met with King Hussein and Israeli D.M. Arens [DDS 4/6 in FBIS 4/9].

Israeli troops shoot dead 2 Palestinians in overnight clashes in West Bank [FJ 4/15; MET 4/16].

On 2d day of meetings in Cairo, Pres. Mubarak and Pres. Asad say they are opposed to the splintering of Iraq, and call for intermational peace conference, after adequate preparations. On matter of Kurdish rebellion, Pres. Asad says it is "an intemal matter" [MENA 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; SANA 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; NYT, MEM 4/2].

Human rights groups working in Kuwait have turned up no proof to date that thousands of Kuwaitis were executed by Iraqis; Middle East Watch says that number is from 300 to 600. Also refuted is claim that Iraqi troops killed hundreds of premature babies by stealing incubators [WP 4/2].

Inquest by Jerusalem judge into Haram al-Sharif killings last October 8 turns up evidence that contradicts official Israeli gov't. version of events. Border officer testifies he saw other officers "shoot from the hip," in violation of regulations; another officer claims police fired on Palestinians who had sat down and begun to pray [WP, LAT 4/2].

U.S. officials disclose that Nat. Sec. Advisor Brent Scowcroft and senior White House aide Richard Haass made secret trip from 3/25 to 3/27 to Saudi Arabia for talks with King Fahd [WP, MEM 4/2].

Six Kuwaiti opposition groups, 96 leaders in all, sign manifesto demanding democracy [LAT, MEM 4/2].

Lt. Gen. Ehud Baraq assumes position of Israeli chief of staff, replacing Lt. Gen. Dan Shomron [JDS 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; CSM 4/2; FJ 4/8; JPI 4/13].

UNLU issues call no. 69, praising Iraqi "steadfastness" in face of coalition, criticizes attempts to find alternative Palestinian leadership [AVP 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; MEM 4/2].

U.S. State Dep't. criticizes Israel's 3/31 restrictions on Palestinians in o.t., stating what is needed is "dialogue and trust ... not imposing new restrictions" [MEM 4/2].

About 20 mobile homes are set up in West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba to help meet growing housing needs of Soviet Jewish immigrants, around 400 of whom have moved to this settlement over the past year [MEM 4/3].

Israeli human rights group B'Tselem reports Israeli security forces killed 8 Palestinians during March; 5 in West Bank and 3 in Gaza Strip; 1 Israeli civilian was killed in o.t. during the month [FJ 4/8].

In defiance of Lebanese gov't. ban on private militias, PLO says it will not lay down its arms and that its fighters in southern Lebanon will continue to strike at Israel [NYT 4/2; RFL 4/1 in FBIS 4/2]. 

Israeli gov't. imposes new restriction on Palestinians, forbidding workers to drive their own cars into Israel; gov't. also pledges to accelerate deportations of activists and affirms policy of house demolitions (cf. 4/1, 4/2) [LAT, WP, WT 4/1; JDS 3/31 in FBIS 4/1, 4/2; CSM 4/2; FJ 4/8].

Israel lifts curfew in Gaza Strip and some West Bank locations; Palestinians are still barred from entering Jerusalem [JDS 3/31 in FBIS 4/1; MET 4/9].

Iraqi troops retake city of Kirkuk from Kurdish rebels after 4 days of fighting; soldiers also take Irbil, 50 miles north of Kirkuk; thousands of refugees flee to Turkish and Iranian borders [LAT, WT, NYT 4/1].

In Easter message, Pope John Paul II condemns destruction in Gulf war, calls on world leaders to deal with plight of "oppressed peoples, such as the Palestinians, the Lebanese, the Kurds" [NYT, LAT, WT 4/1].

U.S. Anny announces plan to begin within 2 weeks to withdraw about 20,000 troops from southern Iraq, about 1/4 of its combat forces there [NYT 4/1].

Senior Iranian official accuses U.S. of misleading Iraqi people by encouraging them to overthrow Saddam Hussein, then giving Iraq "green light" to suppress rebellion [NYT 4/1].

Pres. Asad arrives in Cairo to discuss with Pres. Mubarak regional security arrangements in light of Gulf war [NYT 4/1; MENA 3/30, 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; CSM 4/1; MET 4/9].

Bush admin. abandons policy of shooting down combat helicopters that Iraqi gov't. is using against rebels, saying they are not part of temporary cease-fire agreement. Admin. says helicopters will be attacked "only if they threaten U.S. forces or coalition forces" [NYT, LAT, WP 3/27].

German gov't. announces it will pay in full all monetary pledges it made to U.S. for Gulf war, increasing chances that U.S. will either "break even or make a small profit" on the war [LAT, WP 3/27].

Israeli group Peace Now publishes study asserting that gov't. has budgeted more than $500 million during current fiscal year on settlements in o.t. and related expenses. Highest official gov't. estimate on such spending is $200 million, given in report to U.S. earlier in the year [NYT 3/27].

Syrian officials says Damascus is planning to double its 20,000-member military force in Gulf as part of efforts by Arab nations opposing Iraq to strengthen security in region [NYT 3/27].

Iran and Saudi Arabia officially restore diplomatic ties [WT 3/27].

West Bank settler is killed near Ramallah in what Israeli army calls "planned attack" by Palestinians; IDF expropriates land near killing site to set up army camp [JDS 3/27 in FBIS 3/27; CSM 3/28; MET 4/9].

In Gaza, IDF paints yellow lines along major traffic arteries in Palestinian towns leading to main locations, such as Civil Admin. bldgs. Lines are intended to help direct soldiers and vehicles to safety in event of riots [YA 3/27 in FBIS 3/27]. 

U.S. and Britain tell Moscow that they find Soviet's 2/18 cease-fire proposal unacceptable because it lacks tight timetable for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait and does not compel Iraq to accept all UN Sec. Council resolutions on the crisis [NYT 2/21; CSM 2/22]; Washington urges Moscow to stiffen cease-fire conditions on Iraq [WP 2/21].

After month of often bitter negotiation, U.S. releases $400 million loan guarantee to Israel for housing for Soviet Jewish immigrants (cf. 2/21) [IDF 2/20 in FBIS 2/21; NYT, WP, WT, MEM 2/21].

Israeli authorities begin allowing 400 Palestinians per day to cross bridges from Jordan back to West Bank; "security concerns" had prompted Israel to reduce number allowed to cross river from 1,000 per day to 50 per day; at least 30 Palestinians lose their residency permits because of delay in crossing [JTE 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; MET 3/5].

Israeli air force planes bomb alleged PFLP base in Al Izzah village, about 40 miles east of Beirut; 5 people are reported injured [IDF, BDS, AFP 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; NYT 2/21; JPI 3/2; MET 3/5]. 

Allied bombers attack 10-mile column of thousands of Iraqi troops and as many as 1,000 vehicles as they move in southern Kuwait; allied command says it is not apparent whether Iraqis are regrouping or massing for attack [WP, NYT 2/1].

Saudi and Qatari forces, backed by U.S. artillery retake Saudi border town of Khafji, capture 167 Iraqi soldiers [WP, NYT, LAT 2/1].

Envoys from France, Algeria, Yemen, and Iraq arrive in Iran on separate diplomatic missions designed to end Gulf war; Iran tells Iraq it will hold on to Iraqi airplanes until end of war [WP, NYT, LAT 2/1].

Israeli F.M. David Levy outlines possible 5-point post-war plan, linking Israel's discussion of Palestinian issue with simultaneous bilateral peace talks with Arab nations [WP 2/1].

Pres. Mubarak affirms that 45,000 Egyptian soldiers would not be used to attack Iraq [LAT 2/1].

Rocket and artillery clashes between Israel and PLO fighters in S. Lebanon continue; radio stations call it "mini-war"; Israel says PLO is trying to open 2d front in war [NYT, LAT 2/1].

Iraq fires SCUD missile at Israel; it disintegrates in flight, falling debris lands in West Bank [NYT, LAT 2/1].

State Dep't. official says that about 70 acts of terrorism have been committed against U.S. and allied interests outside U.S. since Gulf war began; most are small property damage [NYT, LAT 2/1].

Red Cross convoy carrying 19 tons of emergency medical supplies for Iraqi civilians crosses from Iran into Iraq; 1st such mission since war began [LAT 2/1].

War toll according to allies includes: 30,000 sorties flown; 23 allied planes lost, 18 in combat; 11 Americans killed in action; 161 Iraqi prisoners; 59 Iraqi planes destroyed. Iraq claims to have shot down 180 allied aircraft; captured 20 prisoners; and that 320 civilians and 90 soldiers have been killed [LAT 2/1].

More than 80 Iraqi planes have now sought refuge in Iran, according to U.S. officials [LAT, WT 1/29].

In television interview with CNN, Saddam Hussein says Iraq has won "the admiration of the world" for employing only conventional arms in war; Saddam warns that SCUD missiles can still be fitted with nonconventional warheads [BADS 1/28 in FBIS 1/29; LAT, WT 1/29].

Military officials say U.S. bombing raids at oil facilities in Kuwait have stopped oil spilling into Gulf, but not before 11 million barrels had entered the water [LAT, WT 1/29].

For 1st time in 20 years, no one protests outside Soviet embassy in Washington, demonstrating on behalf on Jews trying to emigrate from USSR; Kremlin's relaxed policies lead Jewish Community Council of Greater Washington to suspend daily 15-minute protests that began in December 1970 [LAT, WT 1/29].

Patriot missiles destroy incoming SCUD missiles aimed at Saudi Arabia; parts of SCUD land in Palestinian villages in West Bank; additional Patriot missile systems arrive in Saudi Arabia [SPA, IDF 1/28 in FBIS 1/29; LAT, WT 1/29].

Baghdad claims that some captured pilots have been injured in air raids by allied planes; in letter to UN leader Perez de Cuellar, Iraq says 345 civilians have been killed, 450 wounded, in air raids [LAT 1/29].

Prominent Israeli authors and peace activists Amos Oz, A.B. Yehoshua, Yoram Kaniuk, and Yael Dayan speak out in favor of war in Gulf, saying anti-war protests amount to appeasing Saddam Hussein [LAT 1/29].

One-day strike called in support of Iraq by Morocco's 3 major trade unions shuts down most economic activity [LAT 1/29].

UN Sec. Council rebuffs calls by several Arab nations for open debate on Gulf war; Council elects to continue informal consultations behind closed doors [LAT 1/29].

Bombs explode in Greece and Turkey, no one is injured in attacks that may be linked to U.S. role in war [LAT 1/29].

American Civil Liberties Union assails FBI assertion that Arab-American civic and business leaders will suffer no consequences if they refuse to be interviewed about potential terrorism [LAT 1/29]. 

U.S. and Iraqi admins. air differences over when Bush-Aziz and Baker-Saddam meetings should take place; Iraq suggests Baker come to Baghdad on 1/12, but U.S. says it is too close to UN deadline of 1/15 for Iraqi troops to leave Kuwait [NYT, WP 12/11].

For 2d time, U.S. postpones Sec. Council vote on resolution endorsing Middle East peace conference; hopes to change text so that it can avoid using in Israel's defense veto that could weaken Arab support for U.S.-led coalition in Saudi Arabia [NYT, WP, MEM 12/11; CSM 12/12; JPI 12/22].

Sec. Baker asks F.M. Shevardnadze to commit token Soviet troop contingent to multinational force in Gulf; Shevardnadze says USSR cannot do so [WP 12/11].

Kuwaiti officials says Iraq owes them $64 billion for stolen property, unpaid debts, and damage caused by 8/2 invasion [IRNA 12/11 in FBIS 12/12].

Israeli army steps up 3-month-old policy of deploying hidden snipers along highways in the West Bank with authorization to shoot Palestinians seen throwing stones at Israeli cars. Snipers use live ammunition and are permitted to fire without warning if they be- lieve the stone throwers are endangering lives [HAM 12/11 in FBIS 12/11; MEM 12/12; NYT, WT, CSM 12/13; MET 12/25].

Israeli military prosecutors are ordered to demand harsher sentences for those Palestinians convicted of stonethrowing; D.M. Arens sets maximum sentence at 20 years in prison [JDS 12/11 in FBIS 12/11].

Labor MK Yossi Beilin presents initiative of dovish Mashov Circle group, calling for "negotiations between Israel and a Palestinian delegation with a primary purpose of bringing about Israel's evacuation from the Gaza Strip, to create in the Gaza Strip a Palestinian state. . . ." [MEM 12/11].

28 American Jewish community leaders, celebrities, and law professors send letter to Pres. Bush urging him to raise at his 12/11 meeting with P.M. Shamir the human rights cases of Palestinian journalists Radwan Abu Ayyash and Ziad Abu Zayyad, who were placed in administrative detention on 11/13. Letter urges they be either formally charged with a crime or else released. Copy of letter is sent to P.M. Shamir [MEM 12/11].

EC says it will give $6 million to help 8 hospitals in o.t. keep functioning during Gulf crisis [MEM 12/11].

Two-day tripartite meeting of foreign ministers of Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia begins in Cairo; this is 3d meeting since Gulf crisis began [MENA, RMC 12/3 in FBIS 12/4; MET 12/11].

Greater Beirut officially comes under control of Lebanese Army after Lebanese Forces militia vacate positions [MEM 12/3; NYT, WT, WP, CSM 12/4; BDS, BVL, RFL 12/3 in FBIS 12/4; MET 12/11].

Def. Sec. Cheney tells Senate Armed Services Committee that military action rather than economic sanctions is only sure way of forcing Iraq out of Kuwait [NYT, WT, WP, MEM 12/4; CSM 12/5].

Soviet television reports that 1,000 of the 3,000 Soviet citizens still held in Iraq will be allowed to return to USSR within next 3 weeks [NYT, WT, WP 12/4].

In separate statements before English-speaking or American audiences, Israeli D.M. Moshe Arens, Housing Min. Ariel Sharon, Deputy F.M. Benjamin Netanyahu, and several MKs offer sharp warnings that Iraq should not be left with its army and weapons intact after Gulf crisis [NYT 12/4; WP 12/6]; Sharon compares Sec. Baker's proposed Baghdad trip to Neville Chamberlain in World War II [JDS 12/3 in FBIS 12/4].

Israeli military court sentences to 30 years each of 12 Arabs apprehended in PLF's May 1990 attempted attack on Tel Aviv beach [IDF 12/3 in FBIS 12/5; LAT 12/4; MEM 12/4; MET 12/11].

Quoting B'Tselem data, HaAretz reports that Palestinians are prohibited from building on 68% of West Bank's 5.5 million dunums [HAA 12/3 in FBIS 12/5].

Israeli air force and navy confront "fishing vessel that appeared suspicious" off coast of Gaza; force it ashore and shoot dead 1 crew member who tries to flee; five others are detained [JDS 12/4 in FBIS 12/4; MEM 12/4].

At least 10 "anti-Israeli combatants" are killed in 2 incidents of fighting with IDF, SLA troops in S. Lebanon [IDF, AFP 12/3 in FBIS 12/4]. 

Citing American, British, and Israeli intelligence experts, New York Times reports Iraq has acquired nuclear weapons capacity that could enable it to begin manufacturing and using nuclear weapons within 10 years [NYT 11/18; CSM 11/19].

King Hussein opens Jordanian parliament with bleak assessment of Jordan's prospects in wake of Gulf crisis and attacks "blatant and shameless" hypocrisy of nations involved in military buildup in Saudi Arabia (cf. 11/19) [NYT 11/18].

Through meetings with 3 African F.M.s, Sec. Baker reportedly wins support of Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, and Zaire for UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq [NYT, WP 11/18; CSM 11/19].

Quoting Palestinian sources, Tunisian newspaper reports that Libya has recently expelled Abu Nidal [MENA 11/17 in FBIS 11/20].

Curfew imposed on o.t. on 11/15 to prevent demonstrations on 2d anniversary of Palestinian declaration of independence is lifted in West Bank; most of Gaza Strip remains under curfew [JDS 11/17 in FBIS 11/21].

UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar leaves Amman for Paris after 2 days of talks with Iraqi F.M. Aziz that left Perez de Cuellar "dis-appointed" [RMC 9/2 in FBIS 9/4; LAT, NYT, WP 9/3; CSM 9/4; MET 9/11].

PFLP leader George Habash meets with Saddam in Baghdad for first time in 14 years (en route, visited Amman for first time since September 1970) [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 9/3; JTE 9/3 in FBIS 9/6; BADS 9/2 in FBIS 9/7; CSM 9/4].

Conflicting media reports surround rumors that Habash will move his base from Damascus to Baghdad, and Hawatmeh from Damascus to Amman [LAT, MEM 9/3; JTE, AFP 9/3 in FBIS 9/6; MET 9/1 1].

Sources say DFLP leader Nayef Hawatmeh is struggling to keep control of his group after making known his support for Syria [LAT, NYT, WP 9/3].

Greek frigate leaves naval base to join multinational force in Mediterranean [LAT 9/3].

3 Palestinians were killed by Israelis during August, equaling July's total as the lowest monthly death toll since the intifada began [LAT 9/3].

Iraqi authorities in Baghdad have begun to issue ration cards for the purchase of basic commodities [AFP 9/2 in FBIS 9/4].

Israel extends for 3 months closure orders for West Bank universities of Birzeit, Hebron, and al-Najah [JDS 9/3 in FBIS 9/7; FJ 9/10].

In first interview with U.S. newspaper in nearly 6 years, Iraq's Saddam Hussein says another Mideast war is "inevitable" unless U.S. deters aggressive Israeli policies against Palestinians; that Iraq will stand up to any Israeli military aggression in the area [WSJ 6/28].

Joint Jewish Agency and gov't. coordinating committee on immigration and absorption approve annual budget of $2.3 million for absorbing 150,000 immigrants a year for next 3 years; plan includes construction of 45,000 new apartments [IGP 6/27 in FBIS 6/27].

Esmat Abdel Meguid, Egypt's F.M., meets in New York with UN Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar to brief de Cuellar on Meguid's meetings with Pres. Bush, Sec. Baker [MENA 6/27 in FBIS 6/28].

UN envoy Jean-Claude Amie tours Gaza Strip and meets with Palestinian officials there who request UN protection [JDS 6/28 in FBIS 6/28].

West Bank Civil Admin. allows 2 colleges to reopen: al-Najah University in Nablus and Science University in Abu Dis; studies will resume in mid-July [JDS 6/27 in FBIS 6/28].

Soviet Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev sends letter to Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, stressing need for continued peaceful efforts and declaring suspension of U.S.- PLO dialogue as harmful to peace process [RMC 6/28 in FBIS 6/29].

Concluding 3-day visit to Israel, speakers of East and West German parliaments say they have received P.M. Shamir's unconditional approval of reunification of Germany. Shamir says he expects Germany to influence other EC members to adopt more understanding attitude toward Israel [JDS 6/28 in FBIS 6/28; WT 6/28].

Pres. of European Parliament, Enrique Baron Crespo, meets in Tunis with Arafat, according to WAFA [MEM 6/28].

In California, Pres. Bush states "My position is that the foreign policy of the United Statesays we do not believe there should be new settlements in the West Bank or in East Jerusalem" [WP 3/6].

Shamir discusses Mideast peace process with Likud ministers amid reports he has decided to support U.S.-backed plan to convene Israeli-Palestinian talks in Cairo [WP 3/4].

Israel is requesting more than $1 billion in loans, gifts, and donations from American Jews and U.S. gov't. to help pay for resettling Soviet Jews [NYT 3/3].

Hamas has sent letter to Chrmn. Arafat and PLO leadership, stating Palestinian state is objective of intifada; Hamas also urged PLO to discontinue contacts with U.S. [BAY 3/3 in FBIS 3/5].

King Hussein spends day in Iraq holding talks with Pres. Saddam Hussein [ADS, ATS 3/3 in FBIS 3/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shamir's office reports the intifada has cost the Israeli govemment roughly $1 billion this year in additional military expenses, loss of trade with the West Bank, and loss of tourism [WP 10/2]. Call issued by uprising leadership tells Palestinians that on strike days, they should go out after 5pm to the streets and start a rebellion. Sources say this reflects growing frustration with the slowness of the peace process INYT, FBIS 10/4].

Other Countries: Egyptian president Mubarak meets with President Bush to discuss Mubarak's 10-point plan [NYT, WP 10/3] State Dept. says Israel's plan to build W. Bank housing for Soviet immigrants harms Israel's chances of securing $400 million requested from the U.S. [NYT 10/3]. Visiting Japan, Arafat criticizes Japanese trade with Israel, wams them not to forget Arab world [LAT 10/3; MET 10/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 17-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza's Nusseirat camp; 14 others are wounded. In Gaza's Bani Suheila village, 25-year-old Arab accused of collaboration is stabbed to death. On the West Bank, 3 Palestinians are reported shot, killed [LAT 10/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: West Bank occupation authorities say 74 Arab foreigners have been expelled since 8/1, mostly to Jordan, for overstaying visitor's permits [MET 9/19]. Shimon Peres sharply attacks Shamir and Rabin's request for Pres. Bush to raise $2 billion for restoring refugee camps [FBIS 9/7].

Arab World: Citing Lebanese Christian army commander Michel Aoun's "erratic and threatening behavior," U.S. evacuates its embassy in Beirut [NYT, WP, LAT 9/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza, Israeli troops fire at demonstrating Palestinians, injuring 21. UN workers charge Israeli authorities stopped an ambulance and arrested 2 Palestinians on their way to the hospital [MET 9/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palesine/lsrael: In a test of magnetic ID system that becomes mandatory on 8/18, Israeli civil administration prevents hundreds of Gaza Strip Palestinians without the IDs from entering Israel [FBIS 8/18].

Arab World: PLO leader Salah Khalaf has said 4th round of U.S.-PLO talks "was very bad" and that the only new things were "the tough U.S. tone and the threats" [FBIS 8/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF soldier in Gaza is injured by rock. Army reports soldiers manning an outpost in Nablus come under gunfire. 6 Palestinians wounded by IDF gunfire in West Bank [FBIS 8/181.