The Palestine Chronology

UNGA passes resolution on Israeli occupation of Golan calling for full withdrawal. Only Israel, U.S. vote against; 70 abstain. U.S. says resolution would only create another point of conflict in negotiations. Passes 2d resolution supporting peace process but omitting reference to UN Res. 425; Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Libya vote against. (MEI 12/16; SARR 12/17 in FBIS 12/19; MM 12/19)

Hamas representatives resign fr. tripartite reconciliation comm. established after 11/18 clashes, says Arafat is not serious about discussions. (QY 12/16 in FBIS 12/19) (see 12/2)

30,000 Palestinians attend Hamas rallies in Gaza, West Bank to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the group's founding. (Al-Hayat 12/16 in FBIS 12/19; NYT 12/17; PR 12/24)

Palestinian shoots, wounds IDF reservist nr. Ramallah. (NYT 12/17; JP 12/24)

Israeli cabinet debates possible changes to basic agmts. outlined in DOP during next stage of Palestinian self-rule; many Ms oppose withdrawal of troops, fearing inability to protect settlers. (NYT, WP 12/5)

CIA chief James Woolsey arrives in Israel to brief PM Rabin on Iranian, North Korean nuclear capability. (HA 12/22 in FBIS 12/23)

Arafat meets with U.S. Consul General Edward Abington, discusses peace talks, gives him letter for Pres. Clinton. (VOP 12/4 in FBIS 12/5)

PR reports that 16 Palestinian homes were totally demolished, 3 sealed by IDF in West Bank during November. (PR 12/4)

Rabin aide says Rabin is willing to consider 3-day IDF withdrawal fr. West Bank so Palestinian elections may be held. (IDF Radio 11/25 in FBIS 11/25; MM 11/28)

10 Palestinians killed, 25 injured in clashes btwn. pro-, anti-Arafat groups in `Ayn Hilwa r.c. in Lebanon. (MM 11/25; AFP, MENA, VOL 11/25 in FBIS 11/25; RL, VOL 11/25 in FBIS 11/28; RL 11/26 in FBIS 11/29; NYT, WT 11/26; JP 12/3; MEI 12/16; NYT 12/20)

Israel hands over responsibility for tourism, social services in West Bank to PNA. Tourism dept. has no control over religious, archeological sites outside Jericho; can only issue licenses to hotels, tour guides, supervise souvenir shops. Soc. services dept. can issue welfare checks, run rehab. programs, treatment centers, but IDF will prevent transfer of money to Islamist groups. (MM 11/15; QY 11/15 in FBIS 11/16; NYT 11/16)

Israeli FMin. Dir. Gen. Uri Savir says mtg. was held recently at undisclosed location btwn. Israeli, Lebanese officials to discuss curbing Hizballah, Islamic Jihad. (MM 11/16)

PNA requests gas, electricity links with Egypt, opening of Rafah border point to Egyptian goods in hopes of breaking Palestinian dependence on Israel. (MENA 11/15 in FBIS 11/16)

Israeli-Jordanian committees on security, tourism convene to discuss implementation of peace agmt. (QY, RJ 11/15 in FBIS 11/16)

PLO Exec. Comm. is canceled after 10 of 18 mbrs. fail to show. (RMC 11/15, QY 11/16 in FBIS 11/16; AFP, QY, VOP 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

PM Rabin accuses Chmn. Arafat of doing little to prevent attacks on Israelis, says Israel-PLO accord may collapse, adds that arrest of 180 Islamic Jihad mbrs. is not enough of a reaction to bombing 11/11. (WT 11/16)

Gazans eject Arafat from funeral of Hani Abed as 1000's protest Arafat's leadership, blame Israel for car bombing. (MM 11/3; IDF Radio, QY 11/3 in FBIS 11/4; CSM, WP, WT 11/4; JP 11/5)

More than 3,500 Palestinians return to work in Israel as closure of West Bank, Gaza is lifted further. Rabin approves permits for 5,000 others. (QY 11/3 in FBIS 11/3; QY 11/3 in FBIS 11/4)

Arafat meets with delegation fr. Hamas, Islamic Jihad to discuss Abed assassination. (VOP 11/4 in FBIS 11/7)

Israeli Housing Min. notes largest ever rise in number of people moving to Qatzrin settlement in Golan--345 in past 3 mos.; says Min. will sell 120 remaining apartments within weeks, will provide buyers with government subsidized mortgages. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 11/3 in FBIS 11/4)

Fateh Central Comm. holds elections, elects younger men more critical of PNA, rejects Arafat's proposal to hold regular mtgs. in Gaza despite PM Rabin's approval for mbrs. to enter autonomous areas. Arafat displeased. (Al-Sharq al-Awsat 11/3 in FBIS 11/4; VOP 11/6, JP 11/7 in FBIS 11/9)

Government, business leaders fr. 80 countries meet in Casablanca for 3-day Middle East-North Africa Economic Summit to discuss regional stability, investment, development. Secy. of State Christopher encourages Arab states to end boycott of Israel, set up regional trade block. Lebanon, Syria boycott conference. (WT 10/30; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/31)

Israeli PM Rabin, Arafat meet in Casablanca, agree to station Palestinians at crossing points, reach no agmt. on elections. Rabin says IDF will hit Hamas in autonomous areas if Arafat does not, borders will reopen soon. Asked if reopening ends Rabin's "national separation" plan (see 10/19), spokesman Uri Dromi says "separation is easier said than done, and you can't do it overnight." (WT 10/30; NYT, WP, WT 10/31; VOP 10/31 in FBIS 11/1)

3,000 Palestinians rally to protest Israel-Jordan agmt. in Gaza. King Hussein reiterates that he is not competing for territorial control over West Bank, Gaza; says he will give control of religious site in East Jerusalem to Arafat when PNA is "ready to take up such responsibilities." (WT 10/31)

Israel suspends all negotiations with PLO after Hamas announces it is holding an IDF soldier hostage. Hamas says it will kill the soldier 10/14 if 200 Palestinian prisoners--inc. Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, Shaykh Salah Shehadeh, Shaykh `Abd al-Karim Obeid, Mustafa al-Dirani--are not released. PM Rabin calls emergency cabinet mtg., suspends transfer of aid fr. donor countries, seals Gaza, says he holds Arafat responsible. Arafat condemns abduction, calls mtg. of PSF. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/12; AFP, ITV, JP, Al-Quds radio 10/11, MENA, VOP , QY 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; CSM 10/13; HA 10/14 in FBIS 10/14)

Jordanian, Palestinian officials conclude talks in Amman, announce broad agmts. on trade, customs, banking, civil aviation; agree to draw up position papers on Awqaf, refugees. (JT 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; JTV 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

U.S. FM Christopher meets with Syrian Pres. al-Asad, says both Syria, Israel have made significant movements towards peace, says he has been pleased al-Asad has taken U.S. advice and made public gestures showing he is serious. (SARR 10/11 in FBIS 10/11; WP 10/12)

FM Christopher leaves Syria for Amman, meets with King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan to discuss U.S.-Jordanian relations, peace talks, Iraqi maneuvers. (JTV 10/11 in FBIS 10/12, MM 10/12)

PM Rabin confirms that rifles used in Hamas attack 10/10 were AK47's belonging to the Palestinian police. (NYT 10/12)

The Nobel committee decides to award the Nobel Peace Prize to PLO chmn. Arafat, Israeli PM Rabin. (MM 10/11; NYT, WT 10/12; CSM, WJW 10/13; MM 10/14)

U.S. Commerce Sec. Ron Brown holds mtg. with mbrs. of Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC) delegation of Palestinian businessmen on 5-day visit to seek American funding for projects in West Bank, Gaza. (WT 10/12; JP 10/15)

Iraqi retreat is detected by U.S. intelligence. Pres. Clinton says it is too early to reach conclusions on Saddam Hussein's action, U.S. will continue reinforcement of the Gulf, may press for enlarging demilitarized zone along Kuwaiti border. (NYT, WP, WT 10/12)

IDF, SLA continue shelling southern Lebanon, "deport" 26 Kufr Hunah villagers fr. self-declared security zone. Lebanese FM Buwayz asks UN to act. (RL 10/11 in FBIS 10/12; MM 10/12)

PM Rabin postpones "safe passage" btwn. Gaza, Jericho citing lack of PNA action toward recent Hamas attacks. (MEI 8/26)

Jordanian-Palestinian talks end in Amman. Joint comm. is formed to meet monthly, discuss economic, political, administrative issues. Plans for Palestinian currency suspended, Jordanian dinar to be primary currency of PNA areas for 3-yr. period. (JTV 8/22, MM 8/23; VOP 8/23 in FBIS 8/23; RJ 8/23 in FBIS 8/24; Al-Dustur 9/3 in FBIS 9/7)

171 Palestinian figures, inc. 82 mbrs of PNC, PLO Central Council, PLO Executive Comm. issue statement criticizing Arafat; reject calls for PNC mtg. in Gaza, amendment of charter; denounce DOP. (MM 8/23; Al-Dustur 8/23 in FBIS 8/24; CSM 8/25; MEI 8/26)

Curfew on Rafah is lifted. (QY in FBIS 8/22)

IDF detains 15 Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Janin. (QY 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Palestinian prisoners released 8/19 hold press conference to protest Israel's demand they remain in Gaza, Jericho for remainder of their sentences, criticize Arafat. (ITV 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Israeli PM Rabin promises NIS 16 m. to build new road in West Bank so settlers can bypass Jericho. (QY 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Israel shells villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah, Jabal Abu Rashid southern Lebanon in response to 8/18 Hizballah attack. (WT 8/24)

New Palestinian group calling itself Palestinian National Liberation Movement-Fateh Soldiers of Right (jund al-haq) issues leaflet in o.t. saying it will "remove injustice, fight corrution, and restore Fateh's past status." (Al-Ra'y 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Israeli FM Shimon Peres says Israeli-Palestinian Liaison Comm. agreed to international temporary force for deployment in West Bank. Troops to be fr. Australia, Turkey, Norway, Finland, 2 European countries. Palestinians to man Gaza, Jericho crossing pts. Israel to issue 35,000 new work permits to Gaza Palestinians. (MENA 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; JP 8/27)

Israel freezes plans for IDF withdrawal fr. o.t., ties extension of self-rule to a halt in Hamas attacks on Israelis. PM Yitzhak Rabin calls current steps by PNA to curb Hamas a publicity stunt. 5 of 40 Hamas mbrs. arrested by Palestinian police 8/15 still held. (QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; NYT 8/18)

Jordan's Tourism M Muhammad Al-Idwan arrives in Israel for joint talks, 1st high-level Jordanian official to publicly visit Israel. (Near East Report 8/22)

IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Ehud Barak meets Defense Secy. William Perry, JCS Chmn. Gen. John Shalikashvili, National Security Advisor Anthony Lake in Washington; stresses Israel should hold onto all of Golan for security purposes. (ITV 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; WT 8/19)

PNA M of Trade and Econ. Ahmad Qurai` protests to Jordan that its trade agmt. with Israel (see 8/16) violates existing agmts. btwn. Israel, PLO. (ITV 8/17 in FBIS 8/18)

Hamas, Islamic Jihad, DFLP, PFLP issue leaflet saying Arafat's recent crackdown on Hamas is pushing Palestinians to "the edge of civil war." (AFP 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; MM 8/22)

IDF kills Palestinian trying to enter Israel fr. Gaza nr. Rafah. (QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; UNRWA News 8/24))

PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli PM Rabin hold 90-minute summit  mtg. at Erez crossing, Gaza Strip.  Israel agrees to open safe passages btwn. Gaza and Jericho, permit 6,000 more Palestinian workers into Israel.  Both sides agree to pursue negotiations on expanding West Bank self-rule.  Israel puts off discussion of Jerusalem, criticizes PLO Political Dept. head Faruq Qaddumi's remarks on attacks on Israelis.  (Qol Yisra'el 8/10 in FBIS 8/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/11)

World Bank announces establishment of field office in Gaza.  (World Bank release 8/10)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meets 98-mbr. United Jewish Appeal delegation in Amman, says Jordan and Israel should coordinate economic policies before 10/94 Casablanca economic conference.  (MM 8/11)

Argentine Pres. Carlos Menem threatens to expel Iranian amb. over Tehran's alleged role in 7/18 bombing of Buenos Aires Jewish center.  Embassy had protested issuing of warrants for arrest of 4 Iranian diplomats in case.  (NYT, WT 8/11)

Senate approves foreign-aid bill 88-12, sending $13.8 b. measure to Pres. Clinton for signature.  Legislation, passed by House 8/4, includes $99 m. "down payment" on Jordanian debt relief, $3 b. in economic and military aid to Israel.  (WP 8/11)

Palestinian journalist Daoud Kuttab is told he can no longer publish for al-Quds under his own byline after he organized a petition campaign protesting Arafat's closing of al-Nahar, a pro-Jordanian daily.  (MM 8/3; JP 8/13)

Israel allows 1st shipment of Palestinian produce under economic provisions of 5/4 Cairo agreement.  Israeli farmers will be compensated fr. $83 m. govt. fund for losses due to Palestinian competition.  (Qol Yisra'el 8/2 in FBIS 8/2; CSM 8/4; TJT 8/5)

Israeli Labor M. Ora Namir decides to allow 5,000 more Gaza workers into Israel.  ( Al-Hamishmar 8/3 in FBIS 8/4)

Al-Nahar newspaper applies for distribution permit fr. PNA officials in Gaza and Jericho.  (Israel TV 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

Jordanian, Israeli experts meet at Wadi al-`Araba to establish border crossing.  (RMC 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

UNRWA Commissioner-General Ilter Türkmen begins week-long visit to Gaza, West Bank, and Jordan, including mtgs with PLO Chmn. Arafat in Gaza and PECDAR Dir. Ahmad Qurai`.  (UNRWA News 8/10)

Israel expels fr. Gaza 4 frmr. PLO guerrillas, including 2 linked to 1974 Maalot massacre, for past attacks on Israelis.  Officials charge PLO Chmn. Arafat tried to infiltrate them with his 13-mbr. entourage 7/12.  A 5th is sought; Israel bars entry of further PNA officials until he is found.  Israel closes Gaza-Egypt, West Bank-Jordan crossings; Gaza-Israel, Jericho-Israel crossings remain open.  (MM 7/13; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/14; TJT 7/15)

PLO, ICRC sign memorandum of understanding on ICRC role in Palestinian self-rule areas.  MOU, signed by PLO Political Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi and ICRC Pres. Cornelio Sommaruga, permits ICRC to visit prisoners held by Palestinian police.  (ICRC release 7/13; MM 7/14)

Multilateral talks steering comm. completes 6th mtg. in Tabarka, Tunisia.  (Jordan TV 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

Federal District Court in NY sentences Jordanian Bilal Alkaisi, 5th and final defendant in 2/93 World Trade Center bombing, to 20 mos.' imprisonment for lying to immigration officials.  (NYT 7/14)

Israeli, PLO negotiators open talks in Cairo on "early empowerment" of Palestinians in West Bank, expansion of self-rule area, redeploying IDF, elections.  Israeli side headed by IDF Maj. Gen Danny Rothschild, PLO by PNA Planning M Nabil Shaath.  Separate talks on settling issues remaining fr. 5/4 agreement, including borders of Jericho area, resume.  (MENA 7/11, 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

IDF kills 2 Hamas mbrs. in Nablus after firing anti-tank missles at house they were hiding in.  The 2 had been wanted for a year.  Several buildings in area destroyed.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; MM 7/12; TJT 7/15; JP 7/23)

Qiryat Arba settlers vacate Hebron apartments occupied 7/8 in compromise with Housing M.  (MM 7/12)

PLO Chmn. Arafat departs Tunis for Cairo on way to take up permanent residence in Gaza Strip.  Arafat meets Israeli Dep. FM Beilin to discuss early empowerment of Palestinians in o.t. before his departure.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Israeli PM Rabin accepts King Hussein's offer for a public summit mtg.  (MM 7/11; WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Israeli FM Peres announces he will meet Secy of State Christopher, Jordanian PM and FM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali in Jordan 7/20 in 1st public visit of an Israeli official to Jordan.  Israeli-Jordanian bilateral talks to resume 7/18 at Ein Evrona, southern Israel.  Jordanian spokesman says emphasis in talks will be on border, water issues.  (MM 7/11; MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Jordan receives over $900,000 fr. UN for claims by Jordanian families for losses in 1990-91 Gulf war.  (WSJ 7/12)

IAF raids Hizballah positions in Biqa` Valley.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/11)

Arafat, Rabin end 2 days of mtgs. in Paris, both sides agreeing to continue talks on expanding Palestinian self-rule.  Talks to resume 7/11 in Cairo.  2 sides plus Jordan and Egypt to organize conference on 1967 refugees.  Arafat pledges to convene PNC in Gaza "in the very near future" to repeal PLO charter provisions calling for Israel's elimination.  (MM 7/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/8)

17-yr.-old Israeli girl killed, father wounded by Palestinian gunmen in drive-by shooting nr. Hebron; IDF soldier found shot, stabbed to death in Kufr Aqab, West Bank, north of Jerusalem, in separate incident.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/8; JP 7/16)

IDF seals off Jericho, settlers threaten to block roads to West Bank Palestinians preparatory to PLO Chmn. Arafat's visit to Jericho, set for 7/5.  (WT 7/5)

Arafat adviser Nabil Shaath says the PLO chmn. will return to o.t. "for good" after mtg. in Paris with Israeli PM Rabin.  (CSM 7/5)

Palestinian exiles in Jordan protest not being allowed to return.  PLO estimates there are 1,260 Palestinians exiled by Israel since 1967; only 110 have been allowed to return since Israel-PLO accord.  (WT 7/5)

2 IDF soldiers killed, 2 wounded in clash with Hizballah in southern Lebanon's "security zone."  (MM 7/4; WP 7/7; JP 7/16)

Knesset defeats no-confidence motions submitted by Likud, NRP, and Tsomet.  (MM 7/5)

PLO Chmn. Arafat returns to Palestine, entering Gaza Strip at Rafah border crossing and proceeding to Gaza City.  3,000 Palestinian police detailed to provide security for 3-day visit.  Arafat addresses crowd of 30-100,000 in Gaza City's Square of the Unknown Soldier, honoring intifadah casualties, Arab states, declaring intention to expand Palestinian self-rule in West Bank.  Arafat vows to seek release of Hamas leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin.  (MM 7/1; NYT, WP, WT 7/2; JP 7/9)

WSJ reports that Bethlehem is now Muslim, and mosques in once-predominantly Christian city fr. 5 to 70 since 1970.  (WSJ 7/1)

East Jerusalem Palestinian found shot to death.  "Sword of David" group claims responsibility, citing revenge for killing of Israeli, opposition to Arafat visit.  (NYT 7/3)

JP publishes poll showing 33.8 % of Israelis oppose all settlements, 25.2 % support them.  Poll also shows 59 % support continued talks with PLO.  (MM 7/1)

PLO-Israel autonomy talks resume, PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath saying PLO Chmn. Arafat to come to Jericho in mid-7/94, Israelis saying they are ready to discuss expanding Palestinian self-rule in West Bank.  (MM 6/28; CSM, NYT, WSJ 6/29)

"Fateh official" in Tunis says 1st elections in self-rule areas to be held 10/94.  (WT 6/29)

PM Rabin quoted as recommending increase in defense budget if no agreement reached with Syria in 3 yrs.  (WT 6/29)

PLO official Nabil Shaath meets Israeli negotiator Amnon Shahak at Gaza-Israel border to discuss "all unfinished business fr. the Gaza-Jericho agreement," PLO Chmn. Arafat's arrival in Jericho.  Talks are to include extension of Palestinian self-rule throughout West Bank.  (MM, WP, WSJ 6/20)

PLO Econ. Dept. head and PNA Finance M Muhammad al-Nashashibi arrives in Jericho, 1st PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. to return to self-rule areas. (MET 6/27-7/3)

Israeli cabinet approves additional 10,000 work permits for Palestinians seeking jobs in Israel.  (WSJ 6/20)

IDF reseals "terrorist's" home in al-`Izzariya, nr. Jerusalem, opened 6/18 by PCSNV.  IDF vows legal action against unsealing campaign.  (WT 6/22)

IAF rockets Hizballah bases nr. Mlita, southern Lebanon.  No casualties reported.  Raids do not disturb observances in Nabatiya of `Ashura.  (WT 6/20)

Israel lifts arms embargo on South Africa, following cancellation of UN military embargo.  (WT 6/20)

Israel issues revised prisoner-release figures, saying a total of 3,400 Palestinians released under 5/4 accord with PLO.  1,300 kept in prison for refusing to renounce violence.  320 released 6/16, 229 of them going home, 91 transferred to Palestinian custody.  100 "criminals" opt to stay in Israeli prison rather than Palestinian jails in Gaza.  (WT 6/18)

IDF shoots and wounds 4 Palestinians, arrests 5 in clashes in Hebron.  (WT 6/18)

Palestinian Center for the Study of Non-Violence (PCSNV) starts campaign to reopen Palestinian homes sealed by Israel.  Group opens 40 homes in West Bank, denounces sealing as a "cruel and evil policy."  (WT 6/22; CSM, MEI, TJT 6/24)

PLO Chmn. Arafat complains to U.S. Amb. to Tunisia John McCarthy that $42 m. allocated by international donors for establishing Palestinian admin. is an inadequate "pittance."  (WT 6/22)

Likud cofounder and frmr. Irgun mbr. Yohanan Bader, 93, dies in Jerusalem.  (NYT, WP 6/18; JP 6/25; WJW 6/30)

Klausenberg Rebbe, Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Halberstam, 90, dies in Netanya, northern Israel.  (NYT, WP 6/20)

IDF shoots and wounds 3 Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza Strip, after youths stone IDF post in Rafah, fled into self-rule area where IDF pursued and fired.  (WP 6/8)

IDF declares Wadi Shubash, nr. Janin, closed military area, sealing off 32,000 dunams (approx. 7907 acres) of farmland belonging to West Bank villages of Maghir, Raba.  (TJT 6/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets U.S. Amb. to Tunisia John McCarthy, discusses international aid to Palestinians.  (Algiers VOP 6/7 in FBIS 6/8)

U.S.-Jordanian-Israeli Trilateral Economic Comm. concludes mtg. in Washington, opening negotiations on boundaries, cooperation in economics, tourism, and civil aviation.  Jordan and Israel also agree in principle to build highway to link Aqaba, Eilat, and Taba, Egypt, establish joint cultural park on common border.  U.S. agrees to consolidate Israeli, Jordanian plans for Jordan Valley development.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/8; JP 6/18)

Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, head of 25,000-mbr. NY-based anti-Zionist Hasidic sect that considers State of Israel sinful, arrives in Jerusalem on 14-day visit.  Teitelbaum, who arrives with 2,000 followers, is greeted by 10s of 1,000s.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/8; JP 6/18)

Fateh gains 43.6%, Hamas 42.3% of vote in student council elections at al-Najah University in Nablus.  Vote gives Hamas 11 seats on council.  (MM 6/8)

Israel closes off Jericho self-rule area for 1 day after Palestinian police disarm 2 settlers.  Closure ostensibly to allow Palestinian police to organize.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/24 in FBIS 5/24; MM 5/24; NYT, WP, WT 5/25)

PM Rabin tours Gaza Strip to inspect IDF redeployment, new security fence.  IDF Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak tells Knesset comm. Rabin has ordered IDF to draft contingency plans in event agreements with PLO are broken.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/24, 5/25)

East Jerusalem Arabic newspapers publish decree by PLO Chmn. Arafat reinstating pre-1967 laws in areas under Palestinian control.  Decree signed in Tunis 5/20.  Israeli F Min Legal Adviser Joel Singer calls decree violation of Gaza-Jericho agreement. (al-Quds 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; CSM, MM, WP 5/24)

PLO appoints Morgan Stanley Asset Management to manage foreign aid for development and admin. of West Bank and Gaza Strip.  (Algiers VOP 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/24; NYT 5/27)

Israeli FM Peres arrives in Washington for 2-day working visit, including talks with VP Gore, Secy of State Christopher, National Security Advisor Lake, EPA Director Browner, and AFL-CIO officials.  (WT 5/24)

U.S. District Court in NY sentences 3 Palestinians, 1 Egyptian to 240-yr. prison terms in 2/23/93 bombing of World Trade Center.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/25)

Suicide bomb explodes in bus in Hadera, Israel, killing 6, including bomber, and wounding 28, including 2 Israeli Arabs and 18 IDF soldiers. Hamas claims responsibility. PM Rabin redeploys IDF to protect Israeli cities, rejects opposition calls to end talks with PLO. PLO Chmn. Arafat, speaking to Council of Europe in Strasbourg, condemns violence, faults Israeli collective punishments against Palestinians acontributing to violent atmosphere. U.S. State Dept. receives Arafat letter in which he "regretted and strongly rejected" violence against Israel. (MM 4/13; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/14; WP 4/17)

Maj. Gen. Ilan Biran named officer in command of IDF Central Command, including West Bank. Biran to take office 4/17, replacing Acting OC Central Command Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom, appointed temporarily to replace Maj. Gen. Nehemia Tamari, killed in helicopter crash 1/94. (MM 4/13)

U.S. Middle East peace talks coordinator Dennis Ross arrives in Tunis for 2 mtgs. with PLO Chmn. Arafat. Ross joins Norwegian Dep. FM Terje Rod Larsen and Israeli delegation seeking Israel-PLO agreement on security for Palestinians in o.t. Palestinian officialsay they are "refining" Norwegian proposal on security force. U.S. role in talks is described as marginal. (MM 3/21; NYT 3/22)

IDF Brig. Gen. Moshe Yaalon, West Bank cmdr. 1992-93, tells commission of inquiry into Hebron massacre of "absolute prohibition" on using live ammunition against settlers. Israeli press reports that PM Rabin told Israeli cabinet 3/20 that commission's hearings were causing "incalculable" damage to Israel's reputation. (NYT 3/22)

Settler bus ambushed nr. Ateret, 14 mi. north of Jerusalem, in apparent revenge attack for Hebron massacre. 1 Israeli killed and at least 1 wounded. (NYT 3/22)

Hizballah ambush kills 2 IDF soldiers, roadside bombs kill 2 SLA mbrs. Israeli shelling kills 12-yr.-old schoolgirl in Nabatiya, wounds 22 others. (MM 3/21)

Al-Safir reports arrests of 5 suspects in 2/27 church bombing in Zuq Mika'il, Lebanon. Suspects, including 1 monk, are reportedly affiliated with Lebanese Forces (LF) and "Guardians of the Cedar" factions, had sought refuge in Israeli-controlled "security zone." (MM 3/21)

Israel releases 500 Palestinian prisoners in gesture to bring PLO back to negotiations. PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Samir Ghawsha calls action "cosmetic surgery." Exec. Comm., Palestinian negotiators continue consultations for 3d day. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 3/2)

Israeli govt. says it will pay compensation to families of victims, but that final amount will be less than that paid to families of Israelis killed by Palestinians. Social security official Yosef Tamir says discrepancy due to lower standard of living in o.t. as compared to Israel. (NYT 3/2)

Israeli Police M Moshe Shahal says "less than 100" settlers targeted for disarming, administrative detention. (NYT, WP, WT 3/2)

IDF accidentally shoots dead Ariel settler nr. West Bank town of Bidya. (MM, NYT 3/2; CSM 3/4)

Secy. of State Warren Christopher, testifying to House Appropriations Comm. subcomm. on foreign operations, says PLO Chmn. Arafat "indispensable" to peace process, calls him "the flag and 'The Star-Spangled Banner' all wrapped up into 1 person" for Palestinians. Asst Secy. of State for Near Eastern Affairs Robert Pelletreau tells House Foreign Affairs Comm. subcomm. on Europe and Middle East Israel must go "beyond tokenism" in restraining militant settlers, terms settlements "a complicating factor," not "an obstacle to peace." (NYT, WP, WT 3/2)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Greek FM Karolos Papoulias, Russian Dep. FM Igor Ivanov to discuss international response to Hebron massacre. (MM, NYT 3/2)

IDF kills 3 Palestinians-1 each in Jerusalem, Tulkarm, and Gaza Strip-protesting Hebron massacre. 50 Palestinians wounded. Demonstrations throughout o.t. and in Israeli-Arab towns of Jaffa, Ramla, and Nazareth and in Galilee villages. 40 Israeli Arabs arrested in Nazareth, 10 in Ramla. Closure imposed on West Bank Palestinians and total curfew on Hebron; IDF guards posted at entrance to Qiryat Arba settlement. Qiryat Arba settlers travel under IDF escort. (Qol Yisra'el 2/26 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/27; WP 2/28)

PLO Chmn. Arafat demands international protection for Palestinians in o.t. Israel-PLO talks in Cairo, Taba postponed pending decision of PLO leaders. Arafat recalls PLO negotiators fr. Cairo, Paris, and Washington for consultations, emergency mtg. of PLO Exec. Comm. Israeli FM Peres accepts Pres. Clinton's invitation to shift talks to Washington, but rejects international presence in o.t. (MENA 2/26, 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/27)

UNSC debates Hebron massacre for 5 hours, takes no action. PLO, Organization of the Islamic Conference request international protection for Palestinians. U.S. delegation opposes monitors. (NYT, WP 2/27; NYT 2/28)

Demonstrations against Hebron massacre in Palestinian r.c.s throughout Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. King Hussein declares 3 days of mourning. (NYT 2/27)

Mourners at Ashkelon funeral of Zipporah Sasson chant "death to Arabs!" but cabinet declines to close off o.t., FM Peres saying "there is no need at the moment to renew the closure," closure "neither effective nor required."  Environment M Yossi Sarid warns, "if [PLO Chmn. Arafat] and his people do not bring down the level of terrorism, terrorism will bring them down."  Israeli cabinet discusses closure of o.t. as possible response to Sasson murder, but FM Peres says "it is unfair to punish innocent people." (MM, NYT, WT 2/21)

Police M Moshe Shahal announces plans to deploy Civil Guard units in all major settlements in o.t. as part of IDF redeployment plans.  (MM 2/21)

Associated Press reports Israel preparing to evacuate Palestinian informers and their families to Israel fr. villages of Dahaniya in the Gaza Strip and Fahmi in the West Bank in anticipation of Palestinian autonomy.  Report says 13 of 100 families in Dahaniya and 24 of 105 in Fahmi have received Israeli i.d.s  (WT 2/20)

Jordan arrests 15 FRC ("Abu Nidal") mbrs. in raid on Amman office posing as trading company.  Most had served prison terms in 1970s for terrorist crimes.  Move follows arrests in Lebanon of FRC mbrs. for murder of Jordanian diplomat, Jordanian accusations of Libyan complicity.  (MM, WP 2/23)

King Fahd announces Saudi fund-raising drive for restoration of Islamic holy places in Jerusalem.  (MM 2/24)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, in interview with The Guardian and Jordan Times, claims Fateh has evidence of direct Israeli involvement in o.t. arms traffic, which "has accelerated in recent weeks,"  accusing IDF of playing "a very dangerous game" since it knows "that these weapons, while they are withdrawing, will not be used against them.  Then against whom will they be used?"  (MM 2/18; JT 2/17-18 in FBIS 2/17)

Zipporah Sasson of Ariel settlement, West Bank, killed in gun attack claimed by Hamas on Trans-Samarian Highway.  Settler was 5 mos. pregnant. Settlers block roads to protest killing. (Qol Yisra'el 2/19 in FBIS 2/22; WP, WT 2/20; CSM 2/22; JP 2/26)

Israeli-PLO security, civilian affairs comm. negotiations continue in Taba.  Security comm. discusses release of Palestinian prisoners, establishment of Palestinian police.  Israeli negotiator Gen. Amnon Shahak says draft paper on Palestinian police force "almost achieved."   Civilian Affairs comm. divides into subcoms. on electricity and civil planning, communications.  Palestinian negotiator Radwan Abu-Ayyash estimates cost of Palestinian broadcast network at $30 m.-$50 m. (MENA 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16)

Bilateral Arab-Israeli talks resume in Washington. (Qol Yisra'el 2/16 in FBIS 2/16)

Egyptian State Broadcasting Authority renews official contact with Israeli Broadcasting Authority, broken during 1982 Lebanon war.  (MM 2/17; JP 2/26)

Higher Jordanian-Palestinian Comm. completes 2 days of mtgs. in Amman.  Jordanian Information M. Jawad al-Anani says PLO and Jordan have agreed on joint strategy in economic talks with Israel set for Paris.  Israel-Jordan joint economic comm. meets in Washington with U.S. participation. (RJ 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16, 2/17)

AFP reports 1st all-Palestinian bank in o.t., "Commercial Bank of Palestine," will start operations 3/15 in Ramallah.  Bank, with capital of $14 m., is headed by businessman Suhail Jad`awn.  (AFP 2/16 in FBIS 2/17)

U.S. State Dept. announces Secy. of State Christopher will visit Middle East during 3/94. (MM 2/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat accuses "Israeli officers" of condoning arms trade in o.t., warning flow of weapons "could lead to another Afghanistan among the Palestinians." (NYT 2/17)

IDF kills purported PFLP mbr. Najwan Mahmud Muhammad al-`Izza, 21, in Halhul, West Bank.  (MM 2/17) [CHALLENGE--2/15]

122-mm. katyusha rocket fired on northern Israel fr. southern Lebanon in 1st incident in 6 mos.  IDF blames attack on Palestinian opposition groups.  IDF tanks, artillery come to aid of SLA patrol ambushed by Hizballah.  Hizballah claims 12 SLA mbrs. killed or wounded.  (NYT, MM, WT 2/17; MM 2/18)

Israeli cabinet extends term of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak to 1/95.  Barak had been set to retire 4/94.  (MM 2/16)

PM Rabin's spokesman Oded Ben-Ami defends allowing 30 elite IDF veterans to serve in Congo as advisers, denying soldiers are mercenaries.  Opponents cite Congolese civil war as reason to bar Israeli support of Brazzaville regime.  Press reports say over 2,000 IDF veterans have served in Africa since 1960s.  (NYT 2/17)

FRC mbrs. Yusuf Sha`ban, Salim Mahyub confess to killing Jordanian diplomat Na'ib al-Ma'aytah in Beirut 1/29.  Bassam Atiya, also arrested, denies involvement.  (RL 2/16 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17)

Israeli court convicts 4 banks--Leumi, Hapoalim, Discount, and Mizrahi--and 9 bank executives in connection with 10/83 stock market crash precipitated by news of banks propping up own stocks.  Crash cost $7 b. in Israeli govt. payments to investors.  (CSM 2/17)

U.S. Pres. Clinton, Saudi amb. Prince Bandar announce Saudia Airlines will purchase 50 U.S.-made Boeing 747 and McDonnell-Douglas MD-11, MD-80, and MD-90 commercial aircraft worth $6 b.  Deal will be financed in part through U.S. Export-Import Bank loan guarantees.  (CSM, NYT, MM, WT 2/17)

Washington, opened 1/24, adjourns without reported progress. (Qol Yisra'el 2/3 in FBIS 2/3; MM 2/4)

Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control and Regional Security ends Cairo mtg. opened 1/30 after discussing Russian-U.S. working paper, IAEA proposals. (MENA 2/3 in FBIS 2/4)

IDF soldier in truck, firing at stone-throwers in Shatti camp, Gaza Strip, critically wounds 13-yr.-old Mahmud Abu Hajar. IDF spokesman admits soldier's action violates IDF rules of engagement. (MM 2/3; NYT, WP 2/4)

IDF undercover unit disguised as women and old men kills Fateh Hawks' leader Salim Muafi, 29, in surprise attack in Rafah, Gaza Strip. Hawks announce they will no longer obey PLO Chmn. Arafat's orders, escalate "armed struggle." IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Ehud Barak calls Muafi's killing a "great achievement." (WP 2/4)

IDF arrests 15 settlers attempting to establish new settlement nr. Maale Adumin, West Bank. (Qol Yisra'el 2/3 in FBIS 2/4)

Israeli Ag. Min. program comm. approves expansion of Moshav Ramot, Maale Gamla settlements in Golan Heights. (MM 2/4)

U.S. Agency for International Development releases $7 m. in aid to Palestinian Housing Council in East Jerusalem to fund 192 apartments in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip. Money is 1st installment of $500 m. pledged to support Israel-PLO DoP. (MM, WT 2/4)

Jordan reduces staff of Iranian embassy in Amman by 21 in move interpreted as Jordanian disapproval of Tehran's support for anti-DoP groups. (AFP 2/3 in FBIS 2/3; WP 2/4)

Zionist Organization of America, National Jewish Coalition circulate Time magazine columns by Dep. Secy. of State-designate Strobe Talbott criticizing Israeli policy in campaign to stop his nomination. Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs issues news release saying Talbott's views are reason he "should be disqualified" fr. post. Other Jewish groups, led by Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, meet with Talbott and refuse to condemn him as anti-Israel. (MM, NYT 2/4)

"Seeds of Peace" organization presents awards to Israeli FM Peres, PLO UN Observer Muhammad Nasir al-Kidwa, and Egyptian UN amb. Nabil al-'Arabi. Group put together Israeli, Arab children for summer camp, was present at 9/13 DoP signing. (NYT 2/5)