The Palestine Chronology

Israeli parliament passes law by vote of 56 to 6 (with 32 abstentions), banning official Palestinian activities in Jerusalem that could close Orient House in Jerusalem, PLO's de facto FMin. (IDF Radio 12/26 in FBIS 12/27; Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 12/27 in FBIS 12/29; WT 12/28; IGPO 1/4 in FBIS 1/6; MEI 1/6; JP 1/7)

PM Rabin secretly flies to Oman at invitation of Sultan Qabus, making 1st official visit by Israeli leader. (AFP, QY 12/26 in FBIS 12/27; NYT 12/28)

Israeli Amb. to the UN Gad Ya'aqobi says possibility of stationing military forces, observers in Golan within framework of peace agmt. btwn. Israel, Syria has been discussed in closed-door meetings at UN, informally btwn. UN representatives. (QY 12/26 in FBIS 12/27)

Arafat announces he will soon visit Jordan; King Hussein phones him to discuss visit. (VOP 12/26 in FBIS 12/28; Al-Quds 1/1 in FBIS 1/3)

Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Baraq claims IDF is running successful secret operations against Hizballah "very far beyond" the self-declared security zone, in northern Lebanon, hence there is no need to expand zone. (IDF Radio 12/26 in FBIS 12/27)

Israeli West Bank Civil Administration declares disputed territory nr. Efrat state land, orders Arabs to evacuate. (IDF Radio 12/26 in FBIS 12/27) (see 12/24)

Palestinian policeman detonates bomb at bus station in Jerusalem, killing self, wounding 1 Palestinian, 1 American, 11 Israelis. Hamas claims act as retaliation for Israeli settlement activity in Jerusalem, car bombing in Lebanon 12/21. (WP 12/25; QPAR, QY 12/25, SARR, QY 12/26 in FBIS 12/27; NYT, WP, WT 12/26; WSJ 12/27; WJW 12/29; JP 12/31, 1/7)

PA Planning M Shaath, Israeli Police M Shahal meet in Haifa, agree to visit Palestinian detainees together. Shaath says he has also suggested to FM Peres that Israel form a dept. for Palestinian affairs in FMin., says Peres welcomed suggestion. (QY 12/24 in FBIS 12/29)

PA Social Affairs M Intisar al-Wazir estimates unemployment in Gaza to be 58%, in West Bank 32%. (PR 12/24)

PA demands UN call emergency session to discuss Israeli settlement expansion in wake of events in Efrat. (QY 12/24 in FBIS 12/28) (see 12/22)

In southern Lebanon, IDF mistakes 4 Lebanese bird hunters for Hizballah cadres, kills 1, wounds 3. (WP 12/25; VOL 12/24 in FBIS 12/27)

1st official Syrian-Israeli talks since suspension of negotiations 2/94 begin in Washington; are expanded to include military advisors fr. both sides in hopes of giving momentum to negotiations on the Golan. Israel sends military secy. Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom, IDF Chief of Staff Baraq; Syria sends Lt. Gen Hikmat al-Shishabi. (Ma'ariv 12/21, QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; QY 12/22, Ma'ariv 12/23 in FBIS 12/23; WP 12/23; NYT 12/24; WT 12/25; SARR 12/25 in FBIS 12/27; WT 12/26; NYT 12/31; MEI 1/6) (see 12/19)

Arafat cancels Fateh Central Comm. mtg. in Tunis at last minute, reportedly after learning he might be presented with a demand by the comm.'s majority to waive some of his powers, incorporate opposition into PA. (ITV 12/22 in FBIS 12/23; PR 12/24; MEI 1/20)

Arne Christianson, AIPAC legislative director and top Congressional lobbyist, announces he will leave AIPAC to become senior policy adviser to incoming House speaker Newt Gingrich. He will deal with budget, appropriations issues. Brad Gordon, current director of the House subcommittee on international operations, will replace Christianson at AIPAC. (WT 12/23: WJW 12/29)

2 IDF soldiers killed, 7 wounded when Hizballah attacks IDF post in southern Lebanon in retaliation for car bombing 12/21. (NYT, WP, WT 12/24; JP 12/31)

Palestinians, Israeli Peace Now activists begin sit-in to protest construction of 500 apartments in Efrat settlement in West Bank, nr. Jerusalem. (QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; PR 12/24; WT 12/31)

Hamas mbr. dies in West Bank, sparking Palestinian protests, clashes with IDF. IDF says man died when bomb he was making exploded; family says IDF killed him. (QY, VOP 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

PM Rabin denies Israel is responsible for car bomb detonated in Beirut 12/21. (ITV 12/22 in FBIS 12/23)

UNRWA announces frmr. U.S. Amb. to Iraq April Glaspie will become agency's head of operations in o.t. (JP 12/23 in FBIS 12/23)

FM Peres, Arafat meet to discuss PA plan for elections; agree to continue talks on 2 levels: btwn. Arafat and Rabin on troop withdrawal, transfer of power, security and btwn. Cairo teams to discuss implementation of 2d stage of DOP, elections, Palestinian detainees, borders, economy. (MM 12/21; ITV, QY, VOP 12/21, VOP 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; WT 12/22)

PM Rabin's office announces it will prevent an economic comm. workshop planned by PECDAR fr. being held in East Jerusalem, says PA is trying to create facts. (QY 12/21 in FBIS 12/21; PR 12/24)

PA begins issuing license plates for Palestinian vehicles. Cars with new plates are not yet allowed to cross into Israel, Egypt, Jordan. (PR 12/24)

Jordanian, Israeli tour operators hold conference in Amman, discuss developing tour packages in light of peace treaty. (JT 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

Israeli Police M Moshe Shahal accuses PSF under direction of Col. Rajub of operating, conducting investigations secretly in Jerusalem. (Ma'ariv 12/21 in FBIS 12/22)

Car bomb explodes in Beirut, killing 3 (incl. 1 high-ranking mbr. of Hizballah), wounding 11. Hizballah, Lebanese PM Hariri blame Israel. (RL 12/21 in FBIS 12/22; NYT, WP, WT 12/22; RL 12/22 in FBIS 12/23; MEI 1/6)

Palestinian is shot dead in Tulkarm, West Bank. Kach takes responsibility. (IDF Radio 12/21 in FBIS 12/22)

Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Shaykh `Abd al-`Aziz Bin Baz issues fatwa saying it is permissible for Muslims to make permanent peace with Israel as long as it serves Islam, hence it would be sinful for anyone to oppose Saudi Arabia's steps toward normalized relations with Israel. (Al-Sha`b 12/25 in FBIS 1/9; NYT 1/31; MM 2/14)

Jordanian security court sentences 11 Islamists to death for plotting to destabilize the government through a series of bombings, assassinate leading officials. (RJ 12/21, JT 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; NYT 11/22)

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)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli comms. on security, borders, territories, environment, crime, drugs hold 1st "preparatory" mtgs. at Dead Sea Hotel to formulate outlines for meeting goals set out in Jordan-Israel treaty. (RJ 12/13 in FBIS 12/14)

7th mtg. of Refugee Working Group opens in Ankara. 250 delegates fr. 40 countries, organizations attend; discuss job creation, family reunification, aid for children, public health, social and economic infrastructure, human resource development. Syria, Lebanon boycott. (AFP 12/14 in FBIS 12/15)

7th mtg. of Middle East Arms Control Group opens in Tunis. Participants (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, PA, U.S., Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia) discuss confidence-building measures; naval issues; creation of regional communication and security centers, demilitarized zones. Deep divisions btwn. Arab states, Israel noted. Syria and Lebanon boycott. (MENA 12/14 in FBIS 12/15; MBC Television 12/14 in FBIS 12/16)

Israeli DMin. says it will allow 200 Gazans who are students at Birzeit University permission to enter West Bank for classes provided PA gives DMin. list of their names for security check, they all pledge to support peace process, renounce terrorism. If 200 behave, remaining 656 would be allowed to enter. (Article 17 12/94)

Jerusalem City Hall officials say plans have been submitted to expropriate, develop 6,000 dunums of Arab land btwn. Jewish neighborhoods of Pizgat Ze'ev, Neve Ya'aqov. (JP 12/13 in FBIS 12/13)

ICO conference opens in Casablanca. Mbrs. draft resolution on Jerusalem that omits praise for Jordan's efforts to preserve city's holy sites, following protests fr. Palestinian delegates. Arafat cancels mtg. with Jordan's King Hussein planned for sidelines of conference. (MM 12/12, 12/14; RA 12/12 in FBIS 12/15; Al-Dustur 12/14 in FBIS 12/14; MM 12/16; Al-Yawm 12/18 in FBIS 12/22)

1st round of talks on interim arrangement btwn. Israel, PA ends in Cairo. Sides agree Israel should hand PA control of "packages" of offices in West Bank as funds become available to PA, even before interim stage is completed. 1st to be transfer will be 33 Civil Administration offices. (MENA, QY, VOP 12/7 in FBIS 12/8; HA 12/8 in FBIS 12/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher holds separate talks with Israeli FM Peres, Arafat, briefs them on his mtg. with Syrian Pres. al-Asad. Says he won assurances fr. Peres that Israel would not renege on agmts. made in the DOP. (IDF Radio, RMC, VOP 12/7 in FBIS 12/8; NYT, WP, WT 12/8; MEI 12/16)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli comm. on treaty implementation meets in Amman to discuss duties, dates of mtgs. of various committees. (JTV, RJ 12/7 in FBIS 12/8)

Israeli, PA negotiators meet at Erez checkpoint to discuss building port in Gaza. Israel demands PA present detailed plans for construction at mtg. 12/17. PA says port will cost $60 m.; France, Holland have agreed to help fund construction. (QY 12/7 in FBIS 12/8; PR 12/11)

High-level Jordanian-Palestinian talks are held in Amman in preparation for mtg. of 4-party comm. on repatriation of displaced Palestinians. Parties agree DOP, Human Rights Charter, UN Res. 237 will be legal framework for talks; agree on definition of "displaced Palestinians." (Al-Dustur 12/7 in FBIS 12/7; Al-Aswaq 12/8 in FBIS 12/9)

Cooperative agmt. btwn. Histadrut, Palestinian trade unionists, negotiated for months, collapses in Brussels when Palestinian delegates insist on last-minute inclusion of clause calling for Histadrut to support creation of Palestinian state, division of Jerusalem. (QY 12/7 in FBIS 12/8; Al-Hamishmar 12/13 in FBIS 12/21)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Damascus; gives Pres. al-Asad proposal fr. PM Rabin. (MM 12/6; SARR 12/6 in FBIS 12/6; SARR, SATV 12/6 in FBIS 12/7; MM, NYT, WT 12/7; MEI 12/16) (see 11/21)

Israel, PA meet in Cairo for discussions on implementing self-rule. PA negotiator, Planning M Shaath, accuses Israel of trying to renege on promises to withdraw troops. (MM, WT 12/6; VOP 12/6 in FBIS 12/6; IDF Radio, MENA 12/6 in FBIS 12/7; NYT 12/7; VOP 12/7 in FBIS 12/8)

Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Tel Aviv, briefs PM Rabin on talks with Pres. al-Asad, says Israel cannot be expected to withdraw troops fr. West Bank until Palestinian attacks on Israelis end. (MM 12/6; ITV 12/6, QY 12/7 in FBIS 12/7; NYT 12/7; MEI 12/16) (see 12/1)

PM Rabin approves another 5,000 work permits for Palestinians. (MM 12/6)

Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu meets with King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan in Amman, stresses Likud no longer believes Jordan is Palestine; discusses ways to combat terrorism, increase economic ties. (JTV 12/6 in FBIS 12/7; MM 12/7; ITV 12/6 in FBIS 12/8; JP 12/17)

Russia, PA sign protocol on security operations in Moscow, stating Russia will give security training to PA recruits. (Al-Quds 12/7 in FBIS 12/9)

5 Fateh mbrs. are wounded in shootout btwn. rival Fateh factions, one headed by Col. Rajub, head of PSF in West Bank. (QY 12/6 in FBIS 12/7)

1 IDF soldier killed, 1 wounded when bomb explodes nr. their post in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA shell Hizballah positions in response. (FL 12/6 in FBIS 12/7; WP, WT 12/7; MEI 1/20)

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)

Israel hands over responsibility for taxation, health in West Bank to PA, completing 1st phase of expanded self-rule beyond Gaza-Jericho. (MM 11/30; IDF Radio 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; NYT 12/2; WJW 12/8; JP 12/10)

U.S. State Dept. issues 6-mo. compliance report on PA rule. Generally supportive, says PA rule is improving. (MM 12/19; NYT 12/3; WJW 12/8; MEI 12/16)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak arrives in Damascus to brief Pres. al-Asad on his trip to Europe, talks with EU leaders on peace process. Following mtg., al-Asad says if Syria is to choose btwn. status quo, meeting Israeli demands, he would prefer status quo to peace. (MENA, SARR 12/1 in FBIS 12/1; RMC, SARR, SATN 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; MM 12/5)

Norway promises $22 m. to PA for reconstruction of Gaza's electric system, formation of Palestinian electric company. (QY, VOP 12/1 in FBIS 12/12)

Donor countries promise to release $125 m. of promised aid to PA immediately to help self-rule transition. Arafat says money will go to improving Gaza slums. (VOP 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; CSM, MM, WP, WT 12/1; Le Soir 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; JP 12/3; WJW 12/8; MEI 12/16)

Labor MK Ori Orr suggests Israel postpone troop withdrawal fr. West Bank but uproot some settlements ahead of schedule. Similar statements made separately by Environmental M Sarid. Comments widely thought to be "trial balloons" sent up by Rabin government. (JP, QY 11/30 in MM 11/30; MM 12/2)

Israel, Palestinians, donor countries sign "memorandum of understanding" outlining PA's needs for next 4 mos., issues of taxation, Israeli aid, contributions fr. donor countries. (QY 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli borders comm. ends 2nd 2-day round of talks in Aqaba. Each side delegates 3 teams to carry out primary delineation of border, to be completed 12/6. (PETRA 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli comm. on treaty implementation creates 2 subcommittees comprising representatives fr. armed forces and Mins. of Interior, Agriculture, Water respectively to implement Jordanian law in al-Ghamar, Baqurah areas by 1/95, in keeping with Jordan-Israel treaty annexes. (PETRA 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

ITV reports Israeli Amb. Itamar Rabinovitch, Syrian Amb. Walid Mu`allim recently held talks in Washington on security arrangements in which senior army officers fr. both sides participated; some progress was made. (ITV 11/30, HA 12/1 in FBIS 12/1)

UNRWA approves $163,810 in new small-business loans for projects in Gaza, bring number of UNRWA loans to Gaza to 157. (UNRWA News 11/30)

IDF soldier is axed to death by Palestinian in Afula, northern Israel; IDF arrests 40 Hamas mbrs. in West Bank. (IDF Radio 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/1; PR 12/4; WJW 12/8; JP 12/10)

2-day mtg. of donor countries begins in Brussels. World Bank grants PA $58 m., tells Arafat only $240 m. of $700 m. promised by donors is likely to arrive this yr.; cites donors' desire to finance prestige projects, not day-to-day needs, delays in implementing autonomy, lack of guarantees fr. Arafat. Donors ask Israel to ease restrictions on Palestinian workers. (MM 11/29; La Une Radio, Brussels 11/29, QY 11/30, VOP 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; WT 11/30; NYT, WP 12/1; Le Soir 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; PR 12/4)

PM Rabin tours Tomb of the Patriarchs. Says he will ask for Palestinian elections without Israeli withdrawal fr. West Bank towns during upcoming talks in Cairo; seeks to separate Israelis fr. Palestinians but will not remove settlements now; wants to create jobs in West Bank to keep Palestinian workers out of Israel. (WT 11/30; NYT 12/5)

Islamic Conference Organization (ICO) issues statement expressing solidarity with Palestinians, supporting peace process. (SPA, Riyad 11/29 in FBIS 11/29)

Israeli FM Dir. Gen. Uri Savir says Israel will no longer block imports of materials to, impede economic development in Gaza. (NYT 12/1)

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)

Hamas demands PA take responsibility for deaths 11/18. PA refuses, blames "third parties" for igniting clashes, claims 9 Fateh mbrs. were killed during riots by shots fired at close range fr. guns not used by PA police. (VOP 11/19 in FBIS 11/21; NYT 11/20, 11/21, 11/22)

4 Palestinians killed in clashes with IDF in West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem while protesting Palestinian police actions 11/18. (NYT, WP, WT 11/20)

Israeli Arabs mediate 1-day truce btwn. Arafat, Hamas; Arafat agrees to form commission of inquiry into 11/18 clashes. (MENA, VOP 11/19 in FBIS 11/21; NYT, WP, WT 11/20)

IDF soldier killed in drive-by shooting outside Netzarim settlement in Gaza. Hamas takes responsibility. (QY 11/19, 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; QPAR 11/20 in FBIS 11/22; NYT 11/21; MEI 12/2)

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)

Arafat telephones King Hussein, briefs him on talks with PM Rabin 11/8, both agree to continue contacts on common issues. (MENA 11/9 in FBIS 11/10)

PNA Econ. M Qurai`, Israeli Finance M Shohat meet in Jerusalem to discuss implementation of economic agmt. signed in Paris 4/93. (QY, VOP 11/9 in FBIS 11/14)

Reports note frequent mtgs. btwn. Syrian, Israeli ambs. in Washington, with U.S. moderation. (ITV 11/9 in FBIS 11/10; MM 11/17)

Top Israeli police official admits Palestinians are setting up a police force in occupied West Bank to deal with traffic, intra-Palestinian disputes, says government will not oppose the units unless they interfere with Israeli police duties. (JP 11/9 in FBIS 11/9)

Morocco opens liaison office in Gaza. (AFP 11/9 in FBIS 11/10)

Knesset passes bill making anyone conducting unauthorized political activity in Jerusalem liable to 15 yrs. in jail. Bill targets PNA diplomatic activity at Orient House. (MM 11/10; WJW 11/17; JP 11/19)

Lebanese Judiciary reopens 1983 U.S. Marine barracks bombing case. Move seen as government attempt to show U.S. it is serious about security, nudge talks with Israel, gain leverage against Hizballah. (RL 11/9 in FBIS 11/9; MM 11/16)

Saudi FM Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal arrives in Damascus to deliver letter fr. King Fahd to Pres. al-Asad, confers with al-Asad regarding peace talks. (SARR 11/9 in FBIS 11/10)

IDF searching for wanted men clash with Palestinians in Tulkarm. Palestinians suffer 1 wounded, call general strike. (QY 11/9 in FBIS 11/10)

Reports say Israel wants U.S. to suspend shuttle missions btwn. Israel and Syria, U.S. Secy. of State Christopher to cancel trip to region planned for end of month, talks to stay on ambassadorial level since Pres. al-Asad will not soften position. (Al-Hamishmar 11/7 in FBIS 11/7)

PNA Econ. M Qurai`, Palestinian officials boycott Jerusalem business conference in protest over continued partial closure of Gaza, West Bank. (QY 11/7 in FBIS 11/8)

Syrian FM al-Shara` arrives in Cairo for talks with Pres. Mubarak on peace process, Clinton visit. (MENA 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; SARR 11/8 in FBIS 11/8)

Tomb of the Patriarchs, site of the Hebron massacre, reopens with metal detectors, electronic gates, cameras. Jews, Muslims completely segregated by partitions. (MM 11/7; QY 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; CSM, NYT, WP 11/8; JP 11/19)

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)

PNA Planning M Shaath, Israeli FM Peres hold Supreme Liaison Comm. mtg. in Cairo; agree to resume talks, continue implementing of peace accord; appoint comm. to discuss PNA role at border crossings, free movement btwn. Gaza, Jericho; discuss methods of curbing Hamas. (WP, WT 10/23; MENA, QY 10/24 in FBIS 10/24; WT 10/24)

FM Peres meets with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, discusses peace process, movement on Syrian track, upcoming Casablanca economic summit. (IDF Radio, MENA 10/23 in FBIS 10/24)

Israeli cabinet approves bringing in 19,000 new foreign workers to compensate for labor shortage caused by closure of the territories. (MM 10/24; JP 11/5)

Palestinian, Nidal Tamimi, is killed in confrontation with IDF at Hebron checkpoint. Amateur video tape is released showing wounded, unconscious Tamimi being shot in head by soldier. Tape ignites furor. (WP 11/4; WT 11/16)

Islamic Jihad dismisses Sec. Gen. Fayiz al-Aswad, divests him of all powers, elects Shaykh Husayn Anbar as new leader. (RMC 10/23 in FBIS 10/24)

Israel says it has arrested 50 Hamas mbrs. in West Bank since bus bombing 10/19. (MM, NYT 10/24; WP 10/25)

23 killed, 48 wounded when Hamas suicide bomber blows up bus in Tel Aviv. PM Rabin seals Gaza, West Bank indefinitely; vows hit suspects, their families; promises legislation permitting greater pressure in interrogations, wider use of collective punishment; suggests "national separation" of Palestinians, Israelis. (QY 10/18, 10/19 in FBIS 10/19; MM 10/19; QY 10/19 in FBIS 10/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/20; MM 10/21; NYT 10/24; JP 10/29)

FM Peres says all negotiating tracks will continue despite bus attack, says Hamas's goal is to derail talks and there is "no way on earth" that will happen. (NYT 10/20)

Round of Israeli-Palestinian talks on elections concludes in Cairo, working papers exchanged, no decisions reported. (MENA 10/19 in FBIS 10/20)

U.S. officials report intense debate over whether Clinton should visit Syria on trip to Middle East 10/26. Clinton wants to see Pres. al-Asad to jump start peace talks, advisors say al-Asad has not offered enough concessions to warrant presidential visit. (WT 10/20)

IDF, SLA kill 7 Lebanese in shelling of Nabatiyeh hours after bus bombing. UN protests Israeli escalation of tensions, IDF use of tank shells packed with steel darts. (NYT 10/21; NYT, WP, WT 10/22; NYT 10/23)

Israeli PM Rabin approves plan to expand Givat Tal settlement in West Bank by 994 units to relieve housing shortage in Tel Aviv, tighten Israel's hold on area of West Bank at point where Israel is only 7 mi. wide before talks on permanent peace begin in 1996. PLO releases strong condemnation. (MM 9/26; HA 9/26 in FBIS 9/27; WP, WT 9/27)

PNA Planning M Shaath returns fr. official visit to Australia; says prospects are strong for increased Australian assistance, investment, participation in multilateral force. (MENA 9/25 in FBIS 9/26)

Baruch Marzel, head of Kach who was arrested after Hebron massacre, is released fr. jail to 3-mo. house arrest, meets with Kach activists. Marzel's men waiting outside Hebron jail threaten Palestinian family at gun point, stone Palestinian's car. (QY 9/26 in FBIS 9/30; MM, WT 9/28)

DFLP's Hawatmeh says dialogues are underway btwn. DFLP, Gulf states, he will visit Gulf shortly. (Al-Ra'y 9/26 in FBIS 9/26)

Palestinian econ. report is released, shows PNA has received only $90 m. of $2.4 b. allocated by donor countries; PNA will need $11.2 b. to finance autonomous areas until 2000. (TJT 9/16 in FBIS 9/20)

PNA Local Affairs M Erakat says Israel has blocked preparations for elections by not releasing population records for West Bank, halting survey to determine polling locations. (WP 9/16)

PNA Econ. M Qurai` tenders resignation citing dissatisfaction with Arafat's economic approach, refusal to delegate authority. Arafat does not accept the resignation. (ITV, QY, VOP 9/16; FT, NYT, WP 9/17)

UNRWA announces following donations: Luxembourg, $1.2 m. for 2 medical centers in Gaza; Netherlands, $840,000 for women's centers in Gaza; Australia, $179,055 for 2 health centers in Gaza. (UNRWA News 9/21)

Benjamin Kahane, head of Kahane Chai, says 150 of his U.S. supporters will leave for Jordan to set up a settlement on the East Bank. Jordanian FMin. asks Israeli govt. to curb group. (IDF Radio 9/16, QY 9/17 in FBIS 9/19)

Israeli Police M Moshe Shahal announces Israeli police want to question PSF's West Bank head Col. Jibril Rajub about charges 10 PSF mbrs., inc. 3 of his bodyguards, kidnapped a Jordanian national in Jerusalem 9/9 and are detaining him in Jericho. (QY 9/16 in FBIS 9/16; JP 10/8)

IDF Lt. Oren Edri, arrested 9/2 for "anti-Arab activities," is formally charged with illegally holding and transferring arms, passing classified information on locations IDF arms depots to settlers. (MM 9/16; JP 9/17)

2 settlers fatally shoot Palestinian nr. Hebron, claiming he threw stones at their car. Court releases the pair on bail, saying they shot in self-defense. (JP 9/24)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher cancels plans to visit Middle East this wk. due to Haiti invasion, should arrive after 9/20. (MM 9/12)

U.S. VP Gore announces U.S. will loan Palestinian private sector $87 m. for 9 projects planned to create 1,800 temporary and permanent jobs in Gaza, West Bank. (MM 9/13; JP 9/24)

At Labor Party caucus, PM Rabin says if Knesset passes law requiring special majority for withdrawal fr. Golan, it will torpedo talks with Syria, divert money fr. welfare to defense; calls proposal "racist move, aimed at minimizing . . . the Arab vote." Most Labor hawks defer to Rabin. Likud Party chmn. Moshe Qatzav says Likud will not honor withdrawal agmt. if national referendum is not held. (ITV 9/11 in FBIS 9/13; MM 9/12; QY 9/12 in FBIS 9/13; JP 9/17; MM 9/21; JP 9/24) (see 9/7)

Israeli-Palestinian Security Comm. meets to discuss release of Palestinian detainees, safe passage, joint patrols. No agmts. reached. (QY, VOP 9/12 in FBIS 9/13)

Israeli Finance M Avraham Shohat meets Arafat in Gaza, gives PNA $5 m. in VAT taxes on goods imported to the self-rule areas via Israeli ports, says Israel will speed up transfer of tax funds as goodwill gesture. (IDF Radio, QY, VOP 9/12 in FBIS 9/13; MM 9/13; JP 9/24)

Jordanian-Israeli talks on borders, water, security, energy, environment, tourism, economy continue in Tiberias. Jordan-Israel-U.S. trilateral comm. continues talks on development of Jordan Rift. (RJ 9/11 in FBIS 9/12; MM 9/12)

Israel PM Rabin, Pres. Clinton hold joint teleconference with American Jews at 70 sites around U.S.; discuss peace process, threat from Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Iran. (MM, WP, WT 9/13; QY 9/13 in FBIS 9/13)

2d IDF officer arrested in connection with illegal extremist right-wing organization. Lt. Qobi Pino, settler fr. Qiryat Arba, is 10th arrested for anti-Arab activity. (IDF Radio 9/12 in FBIS 9/14)

Israel rejects PNA election proposal, says a 100-mbr. legislative council is too large, Israel needs more time to see how PNA runs depts. already transferred. (IDF Radio 8/31 in FBIS 8/31; QY 9/4 in FBIS 9/6; WP 9/16) (see 8/20)

Egyptian FM `Amr Musa arrives in Israel for talks with FM Peres, relays Arafat's concerns about delays at Erez checkpoint, work permits, Palestinian prisoners, economic and security issues. (MM 8/30; HA 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)

Col. 'Adil Salih, head of Arafat's presidential guard, resigns over "power struggle" btwn. various PNA security branches over who will patrol Tulkarm area. Col. Jibril Rajub, head of PSF in West Bank, accuses Salih of enlisting collaborators in his forces, cooperating with Jordanian intelligence. (QY 8/31 in FBIS 8/31; MM 9/1; JP 9/10)

Lebanese PM Hariri says his cabinet rejected the principle of resettlement of Palestinians in Lebanon. A committee under Dep. PM Michel al-Murr will be formed to study how to improve Palestinians conditions. (RL 8/30 in FBIS 8/31; MM 8/30, 8/31)

Jordan cancels $30 m. trade deal with Israel under pressure fr. PNA (see 8/16, 8/17); agrees to give Palestinian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) 2 helicopters, train CAA workers in maintenance, surveillance. (HA 8/30 in FBIS 9/1; Al-Dustur 8/31 in FBIS 9/9)

Results of Syrian national elections held 8/24-25 released. Pres. Hafiz al-Asad's Ba'ath party gains 61% majority. (MM 8/30)

3rd Kach mbr. released after serving 6-mo. administrative detention following Hebron massacre. (IDF Radio 8/30 in FBIS 9/2) (see 8/27)

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))

Israel, Jordan conclude economic agmt. permitting Jordan to export up to $30 m. of goods to West Bank through Palestinian merchants licensed by PNA. (QY 8/16 in FBIS 8/17; NYT 8/17; JP 8/27)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` briefs Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak on U.S. Secy. of State Warren Christopher's visit to Damascus. Shara` reports Israel willing to withdraw fr. Golan in 2 yrs; Syria wants withdrawal within months. (WT 8/17)

Jordan's King Hussein cancels trip to Jerusalem to attend Mulid al-Nabi prayers. (MEI 8/26)

Monsignor Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo takes up his position as 1st Vatican amb. to Israel. (WT 9/6)

PNA announces it will begin disarming civilians. Civilians have 2-wk. grace period to obtain gun permits. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

Palestinian police arrest 3 Hamas mbrs. in connection with 8/14 shooting. (QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/17)

DFLP Central Comm. dismisses 10 Politburo, Central Com. mbrs. for urging front to join PNA as "constructive opposition." (WT 8/17; al-Sharq al-Awsat 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

U.S. demands Israel end any secret contacts with Iraq after learning Israeli Lebanon coordinator Uri Lubrani had met with Iraqi officials. (WT 8/17)

3 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbrs. killed by Hizballah in ambush in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA shell Hizballah targets. (MEI 8/26)

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)