The Palestine Chronology

In Moscow for a 2-day visit, Arafat holds talks with Russian PM Vladimir Putin on the peace process; bilateral relations in education, culture, communications, transportation; developing a regular flight route btwn. Gaza, Moscow. (Interfax, ITAR-TASS 11/29 in WNC 11/30; Interfax, ITAR-TASS 11/30 in WNC 12/1)

PM Barak says that he will insist that the FAPS, due to be completed by 2/00, contain a PA promise that the refugees' right of return will not be raised again at a later time; reiterates that no refugees will be allowed to return to inside the Green Line. (MM 11/30; MM, WT 12/1)

In Jerusalem, Israeli, PA final status teams hold their 6th mtg. PA team hands Israelis a letter urging PM Barak to end Jewish settlement expansion. (AFP 11/30 in WNC 12/1; AYM 11/30 in WNC 12/2; MM, WT 12/1; MENA 12/4 in WNC 12/6) (see 10/26)

As the final status mtg. is taking place, the IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes, a store in al-Khader, in the West Bank, apparently as part of the expansion of Efrat settlement. (LAW 11/30; WT 12/1; MM 12/2) (see 11/26)

PA intelligence officers arrest another 3 Palestinians who signed the 11/27 statement criticizing PA corruption. (CSM, NYT, WP 11/30; SA 12/1 in WNC 12/2; MEI 12/10)

In Gaza, 35 opposition leaders representing the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine hold mtg. in support of the Petition of the 20, call on the PA to release the detainees and allow the freedom of expression. (AFP 11/29 in WNC 11/30; SA 12/3 in WNC 12/6)

In Jerusalem, U.S. spedal envoy Dennis Ross meets with Israeli FM David Levy to discuss progress on final status talks. Although they discuss differences btwn. Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) delaying the 2d stage of the 2d further redeployment (FRD) outlined in Wye II, Ross says the problem should be worked out btwn. the 2 sides. Later in the day, Ross meets with PA head Yasir Arafat (MM 11/16; WP 11/17; MEI 11/26)

In Amman, the PA-Jordanian joint Technical Comm. ends a 2-day mtg. on bilateral trade and economic ties. (al-Quds 11/16 in WNC 11/22)

Algeria says it will agree to establish diplomatic relations with Israel as soon as it withdraws fr. the Golan Heights, s. Lebanon, the occupied territories. (ANSA (Rome] 11/16; MM 11/19)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expels 300 Palestinians fr. the caves in which they reside nr. Yatta on the West Bank, after declaring the area a closed military zone. (Gush Shalom press release 1/25; NYT 2/22)

IDF troops clash with Islamic Jihad mbrs. in s. Lebanon, killing 2 mbrs. On 11/15, Lebanese PM Salim al-Huss warned Palestinian groups that it is not in Lebanon's interest for them to stage attacks on Israeli targets in or fr. Lebanese territory. (APP 11/16 in WNC 11/21; al-Quds, al-safir 11/16 in WNC 11/22; RL 11/19 in WNC 11/23)

In Cairo, Egypt, Saudi Arabia close 2 days of higher comm. mtgs., agree to reduce barriers to bilateral trade. (MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/21) 

Israeli cabinet approves plan for 2d stage of Wye II FRD. (MM, NYT 11/11)

In Beirut, Syrian heir apparent Bashar al-Asad, Lebanese pres. Lahoud reaffirm the unity of the Syrian and Lebanese tracks of the peace process, discuss resuming ties with Israel. (MM 11/11; RL 11/11 in WNC 11/12)

In Cairo, PSF West Bank head Jibril Rajub briefs Egyptian FM Musa on PA security concerns in the occupied territories. (MENA 11/10 in WNC 11/12)

Before dawn, the IDF moves into Havat Maon, forcibly evicts settlers fr. the enclave. (MM 11/10; MM, NYT, WT 11/11; CSM, MM 11/12; WJW 11/18)

First Lady Hillary Clinton arrives in Israel on a 2-day visit intended to boost her chances of winning a Senate seat in New York. (NYT, WP 11/12)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA soldier is wounded in a clash with Amal. (RL 11/10 in WNC 11/12)

Barak, Arafat hold generally positive mtg. on the sidelines of the Socialist International congress in Paris, but Barak sparks controversy afterward by saying that Israel no longer sees UN Res. 242, one of the bases of the Oslo process, as fully applicable to the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In his speech to the congress, Barak says that while Israel wants political separation fr. the Palestinian areas, "economic cooperation between us must and will continue"; calls on Syrian pres. Asad to resume bilateral negotiations. (MM 11/9; AFP 11/9 in WNC 11/10; AYM 11/9 in WNC 11/12; MM, WT 11/10; MEI 11/12)

Following the Socialist International mtg., Arafat heads to London to brief British PM Tony Blair on the status of the peace process. (LPA 11/9 in WNC 11/10)

In Paris, Egyptian pres. Mubarak holds talks on the peace process with Israeli PM Barak, condemns the PM's position on UN Res. 242. (MENA 11/9 in WNC 11/10; AFP 11/11 in WNC 11/12)

With the passage of the 2d deadline for the voluntary evacuation of 10 West Bank settlement enclaves, Israel announces that the IDF will forcibly evacuate the remaining occupied outpost, Havat Maon. Over the past few days, some 300 ultranationalist settlers have joined the 4 families originally encamped at the site, set up prefabricated houses in protest, hoping to make it impossible for the government to remove the settlement. A group of rabbis for the settlements issues a ruling forbidding the use of force against soldiers, but also calling the eviction a "crime against the Torah and the homeland." Barak cuts his trip to Paris short to return home to deal with the evacuation. (MM 11/9; NYT, WP 11/10; al-Quds 11/10 in WNC 11/12)

In Moscow, Russian FM Igor Ivanov discusses the peace process with EU special envoy Moratinos. Ivanov says Russia is willing to host a multilateral steering comm. mtg. whenever the parties agree that talks should resume. (Interfax, ITAR-TASS 11/9 in WNC 11/10)

Israel opens the s. safe-passage route linking Gaza, the West Bank. (MM 10/25; NYT, WP, WT 10/26; WJW 10/28; NYT 10/31; JP 11/5)

In Washington, Israel's Internal Security M Ben-Ami meets with Asst. Secy. of State Indyk, special envoy Ross for talks on the peace process. (WT 10/25; MM 10/26; WP 10/27; MM 10/29)

In Gaza, British FM Robin Cook meets with Arafat. (LPA 10/25 in WNC 10/26; MM 10/26)

In Ankara to inaugurate a housing complex that Israelis have built for Turkish earthquake survivors, PM Barak pledges to boost military cooperation, economic ties with Turkey; briefs Pres. Suleyman Demirel on status of Israeli-Syrian track; discusses possible bilateral military trade, water projects. (MM 10/25; ATL 10/25 in WNC 10/26; ATL 10/25, 10/26 in WNC 10/27; MM, WP 10/26; JP 11/5)

At Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, an IDF soldier fatally shoots a Palestinian man. Officially, the IDF says the man came at the soldier with a knife, but a number of Palestinian witnesses claim that the solider's gun went off accidentally, and, after leading the distraught soldier away, other IDF troops planted the knife. The incident prompts demonstrations by 100s of Palestinians who throw stones, bottles at the troops, who respond by firing rubber bullets and tear gas, injuring 15. (MM, NYT, WP 10/26; MEI 10/29; JP 11/5)

Israel approves Arafat's request to allow DFLP leader Hawatimah to take up residence in the PA self-rule areas. Hawatimah currently lives in Damascus. (MM 10/25; NYT 10/26; AYM 10/28 in WNC 11/2)

The IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem. (LAW, MM 10/26; MM 10/28)

In New York, Israeli FM Levy briefs Secy. of State Albright on the difficulties Israel envisions in meeting Barak's ambitious timetable for the peace process. Apparently in response to Egyptian FM Musa's statement (9/26) on resumption of multilateral talks, Levy says that Israel rejects efforts to link "wider Middle East peace" to resumption of talks with Syria. (MM 9/28, 9/29; WJW 9/30)

Israeli Housing Min. reports that in the 1st 3 mos. of Barak's government, it has authorized construction of 2,600 new housing units in West Bank Jewish settlements, mostly in settlements nr. Jerusalem. Under fmr. PM Netanyahu's tenure, the ministry approved an average of 3,000 new units a yr. (MM 9/27; NYT 9/28; AYM 9/30, MENA 10/3 in WNC 10/4; MEI 10/1)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb, killing a top SLA official, wounding another SLA mbr. In a separate Hizballah attack on an SLA post, 5 SLA mbrs., 1 IDF soldier, 1 Hizballah mbr., 1 civilian are injured. The IDF stages 15 air raids against Nabatiyya, Iqlim al-Tuffah during the day. (RL 9/27 in WNC 9/28; WP 9/28; VOL 9/28 in WNC 9/30)

Inside Israel, Arafat holds 3 hrs. of secret talks with Barak. After mtg. is leaked to the Israeli press, Barak's office says that the PM wants to establish a pattern of regular mtgs. with Arafat so that the 2 leaders can closely monitor negotiations. FM Levy, who heads Israel's final status team, is reportedly angry that he was not told about Arafat's visit in advance. (MM 9/17; NYT, WP, WT 9/18; WJW 9/23; JP, MEI 10/1)

Arafat appoints PA Culture and Information M `Abid Rabbuh to lead final status talks with Israel. Arafat adviser Mahmud Abbas will oversee both the final status and interim negotiating teams, liaise btwn. teams and Arafat. Israel reportedly is not happy with the choice of `Abid Rabbuh, thinks he is an "extremist." (AFP 9/16 in WNC 9/17; WP 9/21, 9/22; MM 10/6, 10/26)

In Amman, Arafat, King Abdallah hold their 1st mtg. since the resumption of bilateral negotiations, agree to forge a common position on finals status issues. (JT 9/19 in WNC 9/21)

Barak's adviser for settlement affairs, Shilo Gal, says that some Jewish settlers in the West Bank may be forced to relocate some settlements may be dismantled under a final peace agmt. with the PA. For 20 yrs., Gal headed the Gush Etzion settlement council, which is opposed to Israeli withdrawals fr. the occupied territories. (MM, WP, WT 9/17; MEI 10/1)

Israel approves PA request to allow Ali Abu Mustafa, the dep. secy. gen. of the PFLP, to return to the occupied territories to live. (MM 9/16; WP 9/17; JP 9/24)

In Amman, Jordanian PM Rawabida, Israeli Regional Cooperation M Shimon Peres for talks on joint projects, promoting the economic objectives of the Jordan-Israel peace treaty and the greater peace process. (Petra-JNA 9/16 in WNC 9/17)

In Amman, Jordanian, Israeli communications Ms discuss bilateral ties, agree to link fiberoptic networks. (Petra-JNA 9/16 in WNC 9/17; JT 9/18 in WNC 9/21) (see 9/14)

In Beirut, retired Lebanese gen. Yasin Suwayd announces the formation of the National Comm. to Resist Normalization with Israel. (RL 9/16 in WNC 9/17)

An explosive charges goes off at a car parts store in `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in s. Lebanon, causing damage but no injuries. (VOL 9/16 in WNC 9/17)

In s. Lebanon, 1 IDF soldier, 1 civilian IDF employee are injured by Hizballah shelling. (AFP 9/16 in WNC 9/17)

PM Barak tours Ma'ale Adumim, which he vows will remain "forever part of Israel"; vows to "strengthen" the settlement. (Qol Yisra'el 9/14 in WNC 9/15; MM, NYT 9/15)

In Aqaba, Jordanian, Israeli transportation Ms discuss Aqaba airport expansion project, transportation of goods across their common border. (JT 9/15 in WNC 9/16) (see 9/6)

In Ramallah, FIDA, PPP, PPSF meet to discuss final status negotiations, call on PA to press Israel to halt arbitrary measures against Palestinians, Judaization efforts in Jerusalem; end all settlement activity; release Palestinian prisoners. (HJ 9/16 in WNC 9/21)

An Israeli truck driver is stabbed, wounded nr. Tapuah junction in the West Bank. IDF suspects assailants are Palestinians, imposes curfew on the area but captures no suspects. (IDF Radio 9/14 in WNC 9/15)

A Barak aide meets with Arafat in an "urgent" attempt to reach a Wye implementation agmt. before U.S. Secy. of State Albright arrives on 9/1. Barak warns that if Israeli, PA teams fail to close a deal "within hours," he could carry out the Wye agmt. unilaterally, as he sees fit. Barak's office also issues a statement, saying that the PA is not providing "satisfactory answers" on the further redeployment (FRD) issue, prisoner release. (WP 8/30; CSM, NYT 8/31; MEI 9/3)

In Amman, Jordan, PA discuss transportation of goods btwn. Jordan, the West Bank. (RJ 8/29 in WNC 8/30)

In 2 bombs explode nr. Fatah offices in `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in s. Lebanon, wounding 3 Palestinians. A 3d bomb is discovered, disarmed. No one takes responsibility. (RL 8/29 in WNC 8/30)

In s. Lebanon, 4 Lebanese civilians are wounded, several homes are damaged by IDF shelling. (VOL 8/29 in WNC 8/30)

Jordan's King Abdallah stops in Damascus on his way home fr. Morocco to hold previously unannounced talks with Pres. Asad on strategies for reviving Israeli-Syrian negotiations. On his return to Amman, the king phones PM Barak to brief him on his talk with Asad. (JTV, RJ 7/26 in WNC 7/27; WP, WT 7/27; QA, SA 7/27 in WNC 7/28; YA 7/28 in WNC 7/29; QA 7/29 in WNC 8/2; NYT 7/30)

PC speaker Ahmad Qurai` visits the Knesset as a guest of the new Knesset speaker, Burg. (MM 7/26; MM, NYT, WT 7/27; NYT 7/28; WT, MEI 7/30; JP 8/6)

At the Knesset, Likud brings a no-confidence motion against Barak, charging that he informed Arab leaders of his peace plans before briefing his own government. Few MKs show up for the vote, and the motion fails by a large majority. (NYT 7/27)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak receives Turkish pres. Demirel for talks on the peace process, regional issues. (ATL, MENA 7/26 in WNC 7/27; ATL 7/26 in WNC 7/27)

The IDF enters the West Bank village of Aqaba, dismantles and removes the village's electricity system, which residents had installed at their own expense, because the Israeli Civil Administration had never provided them with electricity. (Israel Peace Bloc press release 8/5)

World leaders attend funeral of King Hassan II of Morocco in Rabat. Egypt's Mubarak, Israel's Barak, Jordan's King Abdallah, PA's Arafat, U.S.'s Clinton attend. Although Syria's Asad stays in Damascus to avoid meeting Barak, his brother, Rifat, attends, grants an interview to the Israeli daily Ma'ariv afterward. On the sidelines, Barak holds brief, warm mtg. with Algerian pres. Bouteflika; also speaks with leaders of Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Yemen. Kuwaiti crown prince Saad Abdallah Sabah refuses to shake hands with Arafat. Clinton speaks briefly with Arafat, Barak, Mubarak about the peace process. (ATL, MAP [Rabat], MENA 7/25 in WNC 7/26; CSM, MM, NYT, USIS Washington File, WP, WT 7/26; RE 7/26 in WNC 7/27; MM, WT 7/27; MA, QA 7/27 in WNC 7/28; MM, WP 7/28; QA 7/28 in WNC 7/29; MEI, MM 7/30; al-Watan [Algiers] 7/31 in WNC 8/2; Le Monde 8/1-2; JP 8/6)

Israeli PM Barak sends the IDF to remove 5 mobile homes placed by Jewish settlers on a West Bank hilltop on 7/23 to expand an existing encampment, Shvut Rahel. Barak does not order the dismantling of Shvut Rahel itself--1 of 25 new enclaves that have been set up since the Wye agmt. was signed in 10/98. (NYT, WP 7/26)

In Amman, Iran, Jordan hold talks on expanding cooperation in culture, religion, tourism. (IRNA, RJ 7/25 in WNC 7/26)

IDF bulldozes the temporary shelter constructed by the Palestinian family whose home was demolished on 7/14. (INFOPAL [Internet] 7/30)

In Washington, PM Barak holds 2d round of talks with Pres. Clinton, who announces plans to expedite approval of the $1.9 b. in additional economic aid that the U.S. promised Israel, the PA, Jordan after Wye talks. Congress has refused to approve the disbursements since fmr. PM Netanyahu suspended Wye implementation on 12/2/98. Barak, Clinton also agree to create a Strategic Policy Planning Group composed of senior Israeli, U.S. security officials that would report to them every 4 mos. (CSM, GIU, MM 7/19; MENA, Petra-JNA 7/19 in WNC 7/20; al-Ayyam 7/19 in WNC 7/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/20; WJW 7/22; JP, MEI 7/30)

In Damascus, Spanish PM José María Aznar discusses peace process with Pres. Asad; announces that Spain will loan Syria $55 m. in development aid, marking the 1st loan by an EU state to Damascus. (ABC [Madrid], SATN 7/19 in WNC 7/20; MBC 7/20 in WNC 7/21; MM, WP 7/21)

Damascus-based PLO opposition groups report that Syrian VP `Abd al-Hailm Khaddam has met with the heads of Fatah Uprising, PFLP, PFLP-General Command (PFLP-GC), Saiqa to ask them to end their armed struggle against Israel, switch focus to political activities. Unnamed Syrian officials confirm the report, say no discussion has been held with Hamas, Hizballah, Islamic Jihad. (JT 7/19 in WNC 7/20; al-Ayyam, al-Manar 7/19, SA 7/24 in WNC 7/26; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 7/20; SA 7/20 in WNC 7/21; WT 7/21; QA, RMC, SA 7/21 in WNC 7/22; MM, WJW, WT 7/22; MEI 7/30; NYT 8/8) (see 6/16)

DFLP delegation led by Taysir Khalid meets with Fatah delegation headed by Arafat to discuss a reconciliation agmt. that would bring the DFLP into the final status negotiating process. (al-Ayyam 7/21 in WNC 7/26)

For the 1st time, 4 non-Jews are appointed to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comm.: Israeli Arab MKs Hashem Mahameed (United Arab List) and Nawaf Massalha (One Israel), Druze MKs Salah Tarif (One Israel) and Ayoub Kara (Likud). Likud calls the appointments a security risk. (NYT, WT 7/20; MM 7/21, 7/22; JP 7/23; MA 7/23 in WNC 7/28; MM 7/29; JP 8/13)

IDF begins work on relocating its Jinin headquarters in anticipation of the resumption of FRD fr. the West Bank. (NYT 7/20)

Israel's new internal security M Ben-Ami says Israel will allow Orient House to remain open, after finding that the PLO has ceased conducting political activity fr. the building. (NYT 7/20; WP 7/22) (see 5/11, 6/11)

Israel's Justice M Beilin says that he plans to cancel the legal basis for holding Lebanese detainees without charge or trial. Beilin also says that he will work toward ending administrative detention for Palestinians. (WP 7/20, 7/22)

A roadside bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr. (VOL 7/19 in WNC 7/20)

On the 1st stop of his regional tour, Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel meets with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman, PM Barak in Jerusalem; says that resumption of Syrian-Israeli negotiations would not affect Turkish-Israeli ties, despite tensions btwn. Ankara, Damascus. (MM 7/14; ATL 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MA 7/14 in WNC 7/16; NYT 7/15; WA 7/23 in WNC 7/26)

Arafat discusses peace process with Egyptian pres. Mubarak on the sidelines of the Organization of African Unity mtg. in Algiers. Arafat then departs for brief visit to Lithuania. (BNS [Tallinn], MENA 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

After 6 days of proreform student protests in Iran, crowds across the country (including 100,000 people in Tehran alone) turn out for counterdemonstrations organized by conservative officials. (CSM, NYT, WP 7/15; CSM, MEI, MM 7/16; MM 7/19; WJW 7/22)

Jordan holds local municipal elections. Islamic Action Front, the main Islamist opposition, wins majority of seats in Irbid, Russayfa, Zarqa; takes 5 of 20 elected seats in Amman. (Petra-JNA, RJ 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MM 7/16; NYT 7/17; MEI 7/30; MM 8/5)

Syrian pres. Asad grants amnesty to 150,000 prisoners jailed for cheating on food rations, dodging military service, smuggling, economic offenses. 100s of Palestinians, Jordanian nationals are among those freed. A number of Jordanians held as political prisoners will not be released. (MM 7/14; NYT 7/15; JT 8/3 in WNC 8/5)

Iran wins $50 m. contract to construct a power plant, repair several existing plants in Syria. (Iran News 7/15 in WNC 7/19)

IDF dismantles, confiscates a telephone communications network serving 10s of residents in the Palestinian neighborhood of al-Ram in East Jerusalem. The network was set up 18 mos. ago by the Palestinian Communications Company. (al-Ayyam 7/15 in WNC 7/19)

For the 1st time since the Barak government was sworn in, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in the West Bank. (INFOPAL [Internet] 7/30)

New Israeli government is sworn in, with PM Barak's 7-party governing coalition--comprising the Center party, Meretz, National Religious party, One Israel, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Yisrael Ba'Aliya--will give him control of 75 of the 120 Knesset seats. One Israel's David Levy, who resigned as Netanyahu's FM 18 mos. ago, resumes the FM position. Fmr. Labor PM Shimon Peres is given the new position of regional development minister, which aims to promote economic integration btwn. Israel, Arab states. Oslo architect Yossi Beilin (One Israel) will hold the justice portfolio; Yossi Sarid (Meretz), education; Natan Sharansky (Yisrael Ba'Aliya), interior; Avraham Shohat (One Israel), finance. Barak will serve as DM as well as PM. Shas party mbrs. are given heath, infrastructure, labor, religious affairs portfolios. Barak says he will make peace process his priority; wants to hold simultaneous negotiations with PA, Syria and withdraw troops fr. s. Lebanon. Arafat, Asad issue statements saying they are willing to work with Barak for peace. (MM 7/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/7; AFP, France-Info Radio, IDF Radio, JT, JTV 7/7 in WNC 7/8; WJW 7/8; Interfax, MA 7/8 in WNC 7/9; MM 7/9; MEI 7/16)

Arafat makes 1-day trip to Cairo to discuss the peace process with Pres. Mubarak. (WT 7/7)

Syrian pres. Asad leaves Russia after 2 days of talks. Russia, Syria agree to step up technical, military cooperation but do not finalize arms deal. U.S. warns Moscow that it might cancel $50 m. in aid to Russia if it completes a deal with Damascus. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/7; Interfax 7/8 in WNC 7/9; MM 7/9; MEI 7/16)

Palestinian High Court orders the PA to release Hamas mbr. Muhammad Jadallah, who has been detained without charge since 3/24/96. (al-Quds 7/8 in WNC 7/12)

In the West Bank, IDF storms Palestinian homes in 3 villages nr. Hebron, arrests 5 alleged Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. on charges of planning an attack in Israel. At least 36 Palestinian have been arrested in similar raids in the Hebron area over the past mo. (MM, WP 7/7; AYM 7/7 in WNC 7/12)

NATO halts its air campaign, as Yugoslav forces begin pullout fr. Kosovo. Yugoslav military has 11 days to fully withdraw or face renewed bombing. As they evacuate, 50,000 NATO troops will move in to set up a peace-keeping force. (AYM 6/10 in WNC 6/14; NYT, WP, WT 6/11; MEI 6/18)

PA security officials report that a statement attacking PA officials for financial, moral corruption has been circulating in the West Bank, Gaza. The tract, signed by a group calling itself the Free Officers, also threatens to overthrow, execute Arafat. Security officials do not know who is behind the statement and differ on how much importance to give it, but agree that it contains details that only well-placed insiders would know. (SA 6/10 in WNC 6/11; al-Ittihad 6/18 in WNC 6/21; al-Ahram 6/21 in WNC 6/23)

In Tehran, Egyptian, Iranian officials discuss expanding economic relations. (IRNA 6/10 in WNC 6/14)

Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), the no. 3 ranking Republican in the Senate, rejects calls fr. the Muslim community to fire his foreign policy analyst James Jatras, citing the right to free speech. In 5/98, Jatras publicly stated that Islam has a "fraudulent self-depiction as a pacific creed," arises fr. "the darkness of Araby," rivals communism as one of the "gigantic Christian-killing machines." (WP 6/11; MEI 6/18)

An IDF helicopter crash lands in s. Lebanon during a clash with Hizballah, causing no injuries. Hizballah claims it brought down the helicopter; IDF does not comment. (RL 6/10 in WNC 6/11; MEI 6/18)

The most splintered Israeli parliament in history, including 15 parties, is sworn in. Prior to the ceremony, PM-elect Barak vows to stop Jewish settlers fr. establishing new settlement enclaves, to reevaluate settlement decisions taken by outgoing PM Netanyahu. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/8)

Israel agrees to allow 1,500 Palestinian refugees from Egypt to return to Gaza over the next 2 yrs. (NYT, WP 6/10; JP 6/18)

Ending a 30 yr. dispute, Qatar, Saudi Arabia sign agmt., maps defining their common border. (WT 6/9)

IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem. (LAW 6/9)

Israeli military court rules that a Palestinian fatally shot by an IDF soldier at a West Bank checkpoint on 6/3 did not try to run the soldier over as claimed, sentences the soldier 30 days in jail for wrongful death. (AFP [Internet] 6/7)

Yugoslavia accepts an international peace plan negotiated by Russia, Finland (acting for NATO) for ending Kosovo conflict. The plan provides "substantial autonomy" for Kosovo, return of all 850,000 ethnic Albanian refugees. U.S. expresses cautious optimism, says air war, which began 3/24, will continue until treaty is fully implemented. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/4; WP 6/5; GIU 6/7; MM 6/11; GIU 6/14)

In Damascus, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah holds a 2d round of talks with Pres. Asad before leaving for Amman, where he meets with King Abdallah. (`Ukaz 6/2 in WNC 6/8; MM 6/4)

SLA completes withdrawal fr. Jazzin. Lebanese government says it will not grant amnesty to the 203 SLA mbrs. who elected to surrender to Lebanese authorities rather than evacuate. (MM 6/3; RL 6/3 in WNC 6/8; NYT, WT 6/4; JP 6/11)

Fewer than 3,000 Palestinians across the territories observe the PA's "day of rage" to protest Israeli settlement expansion. In Bethlehem, Gaza, Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm, demonstrators clash with IDF soldiers, who respond with tear gas and rubber bullets, in total injuring 36 Palestinians, killing 1. (MM 6/3; HJ 6/3 in WNC 6/8; al-Akhbar, al-Quds 6/3 in WNC 6/9; CSM, NYT 6/4; al-Quds 6/4 in WNC 6/11; LAW 6/6; MM 6/7; JP 6/11; MEI 6/18) (see 5/30)

At a roadblock nr. Yattir settlement in the West Bank, an IDF soldier fatally shoots a Palestinian motorist who allegedly tried to run him over. (CSM, NYT 6/4)

Israelis elect One Israel's Ehud Barak as PM with 56.1% of the vote, meaning no 6/1 runoff is needed. In the Knesset, 6 of the 15 parties to win seats are new, including the anti-Orthodox Shinui, formed 2 mos. ago, which won 6 seats. Control of right-wing parties shrinks, as Russians, other centrists gain, changing the balance of power. The ultra-Orthodox Shas, however, gains 7 new seats for total of 17 seats, security its place as the 3d largest party after Labor/One Israel (27, down fr. 34 seats), Likud (19 seats, down fr. 32 seats). The 1st Israeli Arab woman, Husniyya Jabara of Meretz, is also elected to parliament. Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza for the elections. Arab, Asian, European states, the U.S, and Russia welcome Barak's victory, hope it means the peace process will resume soon. (MM 5/17; AFP, LPA 5/17 in WNC 5/18; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/18; AFP, al-Ahram, Chungang Ilbo [Seoul], Interfax, JT, Kyodo [Tokyo], MENA, MKR, RE, RNE-1 Radio Network [Madrid], SANA, SAPA [Johannesburg], Taiwan Central News Agency, VOL, Xinhua [Beijing] 5/18 in WNC 5/19; al-Akhbar 5/18 in WNC 5/21; MENA 5/18, Athens News Agency, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, JT, LPA, RE, Sueddeutsche Zeitung [Munich] 5/19 in WNC 5/20; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/19; CSM, NYT, WJW 5/20; CSM, MEI, MM, NYT 5/21; JP 5/28; CSM 6/17)

In a victory speech, PM-elect Barak lists 4 "red lines" for peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority (PA), promises to put any final status agmt. to a referendum by the Israeli public. (MM 5/18; JT 5/19 in WNC 5/20; MEI 5/21)

On the 3d day of his Washington visit, King Abdallah of Jordan meets with U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, calls for lifting sanctions on Iraq. U.S. urges France, Germany, other creditors to cancel Jordan's debt; encourages Jordan to seek additional U.S. economic assistance. In the afternoon, the king discusses trade issue with U.S. Commerce Secy. William Daley, receives reps. of various American Jewish groups at Blair House. (JT 5/17 in WNC 5/18; WP, WT 5/18; al-Ra'i 5/18 in WNC 5/20; MM 5/21)

Venezuela signs $20 m. deal to buy Israeli antiaircraft defense system. (YA 5/18 in WNC 5/19)

In s. Lebanon, Israeli Defense Force (IDF) shelling kills 2 civilians. (RL 5/17 in WNC 5/18; NYT, WP 5/18; RL 5/18 in WNC 5/19; WT 5/19)

Over objections of his finance minister, PM Netanyahu persuades his cabinet to approve a 5 yr. program that would give $5,000 cash grants to Jews buying housing units in East Jerusalem; a 5 yr., $100 m. project for infrastructure improvements in East Jerusalem. (NYT 5/11)

Under pressure fr. the U.S., Israel's Public Security M Kahalani postpones closure of PLO offices in Orient House, meets with Orient House head Faisal Husseini to seek a compromise. (RMC, SA 5/9 in WNC 5/10; CSM, NYT, WP 5/10; IDF Radio 5/10 in WNC 5/11) (see 5/7)

IDF begins bulldozing 1,050 dunams of Palestinian land nr. the West Bank village of al-Shuyukh reportedly for development of a new industrial zone. (al-Quds 5/12 in WNC 5/17; LAW 5/15)

PCC resumes debate on declaration of state issue. (MM 4/28; MBC 4/28 in WNC 4/29; al-Quds 4/29 in WNC 5/3)

After being briefed by the State Dept. on the U.S.'s 4/26 letter to the PA, Israel accepts in principle Pres. Clinton's call for an extension of the interim period. (Prime Minister's Report 4/30)

U.S. State Dept. spokesman Rubin says that the U.S. is "deeply concerned" that Israel has repeatedly broken promises not expand settlements onto land not immediately adjacent to existing settlements. (MM 4/29)

Jordanian-Syrian border crossing comm. opens 3 days of talks in Damascus. Jordan proposes adopting identity cards, rather than passports, for travel btwn. the 2 countries. (JT 5/1 in WNC 5/3) (see 4/26)

Under pressure fr. farmers' groups, large corporations, the U.S. eases sanctions to allow sale of food, medical supplies to Iran, Libya, Sudan, other nations accused of supporting "terrorism"; adopts a general exemption for food, medicine whenever the U.S. imposes trade sanctions. (NYT, WP, WT 4/29; MM 4/30; MEI 5/7)

PA police confront an IDF patrol that accidentally strayed into Silleh village in West Bank area A, nr. Jinin. When the patrol refuses to halt, police open fire, wounding an IDF soldier. IDF declares the area around Jinin a closed military zone. (NYT, WP 4/29; NYT 5/1; JP 5/7)

To improve their chances in the upcoming 7/99 municipal elections, 13 Jordanian opposition parties agree to form a unified list, but decide to exclude the Islamist opposition party, the IAF. (al-Dustur 4/30 in WNC 5/3; SA 5/2 in WNC 5/5)

Israel announces it will close PLO offices at Orient House, calling 4/21 briefing for diplomats a PA "provocation." PA accuses PM Netanyahu of trying to ignite an incident in Jerusalem before the 5/17 Israeli elections; claims that mtg. was a PLO event, not a violation of the ban on PA diplomatic activity in Jerusalem. (MM, WP, WT 4/23; AFP 4/23 in WNC 4/26; al-Quds 4/23, MENA, RJ 4/24, MENA 4/25 in WNC 4/27; WJW 4/29; PR 4/30)

In Damascus, Jordan's King Abdallah holds final round of talks on bilateral ties, regional issues with Pres. Asad before returning to Amman. (MM 4/22; JT, JTV 4/22 in WNC 4/23; WT 4/23; al-Ra'i 4/23 in WNC 4/26; Petra-JNA 4/25 in WNC 4/27; JP 4/30; MEI 5/7; MM 5/12; al-Watan al-Arabi 5/14 in WNC 5/18)

Russian FM Ivanov arrives in Israel on 1st leg of regional tour aimed at reviving the peace process. Israeli candidates, vying for votes fr. Israel's Russian immigrants, who make up 14% of the electorate, queue to meet him. (MM 4/22; ITAR-TASS 4/22 in WNC 4/23; WT 4/23; AFP 4/23 in WNC 4/26; JP 4/30; MEI 5/7; WP 5/8)

IDF closes Palestinian school nr. Ariel settlement in the West Bank following stone throwing incidents nearby. (IDF Radio 4/22 in WNC 4/23)

In Damascus, Jordan's King Abdallah, Syria's Pres. Asad hold 3 rounds of talks on promoting bilateral ties, marking a thaw in relations that deteriorated after Jordan, Israel signed a peace treaty in 1994. (MM, WT 4/21; SATN 4/21 in WNC 4/22; al-Thawra 4/21 in WNC 4/26; NYT 4/22; JTV, al-Ra'i 4/22 in WNC 4/23; CSM 4/23)

In Cairo, Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak, Arab League secy. gen. (MENA 4/21 in WNC 4/22; WP 4/22; al-Quds 4/22 in WNC 4/26)

Jordanian officials report that Israel has dropped plans to cut water supplies to the kingdom this yr. due to drought. (AFP, JT 4/21 in WNC 4/22; HA [international edition] 4/23; al-Ra'i 4/28 in WNC 4/30; MEI 5/7) (see 3/14)

Faisal Husseini, in his capacity as a PLO official, holds political briefing at Orient House in East Jerusalem for 30 foreign diplomats, incl. EU officials, several Arab ambs. Husseini is also the PA's minister for Jerusalem affairs. (MM, WP, WT 4/23; JP, MM, PR 4/30) (see 3/18)

IDF lifts closure on the West Bank, Gaza that was imposed on 4/19. (NYT 4/23)

PC holds special session to discuss Palestinian statehood issue; recommends ending the interim period on 5/4, working toward creation of a Palestinian state. PC speaker Ahmad Qurai` says that after 5/4, the PC, existing PA institutions will continue to function until new elections are held, alternative institutions are formed. (al-Quds 4/21 in WNC 4/22; al-Quds 4/22 in WNC 4/27; PR 4/23)

Christian leaders in Nazareth accept Israeli government compromise on mosque, plaza construction. Muslim leaders reject it, preferring the case to be settled in court. The Vatican denounces as a "provocation" plans to build a mosque next to the Church of the Annunciation. (WP, WT 4/21; MM 4/27) (see 4/18)

In al-Am'ari refugee camp in the West Bank, PA Military Intelligence Service (MIS) mbrs. shoot, wound a Palestinian during an arrest. In protest, Palestinians block the main road, seize a weapon fr. a MIS mbr. MIS breaks up demonstration, arrests several Palestinians. (al-Ayyam, al-Hayat al-Jadida 4/21 in WNC 4/23)

EU suspends sanctions on Libya in line with similar move by UN on 4/5. (WT 4/21)

Syria announces that 25 government officials, directors of public sector corporations have been placed under investigation as part of a government crackdown on corruption directed by Pres. Asad's son, Bashar al-Asad. (al-Bayan 4/20 in WNC 4/22)

ILMG discusses IDF occupation of Arnun, issues statement saying that ILMG mbrs. differ on whether Israel was justified under the April understandings in taking Arnun, urges both sides to take "concrete steps" to return the situation in the village to status-quo-ante 4/15. (MM 4/21; AFP 4/29 in WNC 4/30)

Knesset passes a law making it easier to extradite Israeli citizens charged with committing crimes abroad. New law will not affect Sheinbein case. (NYT, WP, WT 4/20; HA [international edition] 4/23; JP 4/30) (see 3/21)

IDF places closure on West Bank, Gaza, preventing Palestinians fr. entering Israel during its memorial, independence day holidays. (al-Jazira 4/20 in WNC 4/27; NYT 4/23)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Issawiyya, East Jerusalem, for being built without a permit. (LAW 4/19; PR 4/23; TJT 4/23 in WNC 4/27)

Lebanon asks the UN to force Israel out of Arnun village. (al-Safir 4/19 in WNC 4/21; WT 4/21)

2 day Euro-Med conference opens in Stuttgart, Germany. (MENA 4/15, al-Quds 4/17 in WNC 4/19; MM 4/16; al-Ayyam 4/17 in WNC 4/21; PR 4/23; al-Wasat 4/26 in WNC 4/30)

Most of the 81 diplomatic missions in Israel, including the EU and U.S., decline an invitation fr. Israeli FM Sharon to participate in a 2 hr. "study tour" of the West Bank on 4/16 to gain a better understanding of Israeli security needs in advance of final status talks with the PA. (MM 4/15)

In response to death of IDF soldier 4/12, IDF reoccupies Arnun, outside its self-declared security zone, this time setting up SLA camp inside the village. Lebanese PM Salim al-Huss asks France, the UN, the U.S. to intervene with Israel. U.S. suggests that Lebanese army be deployed in Arnun, but Huss refuses, saying army will not be used as a "screen to defend" the IDF. (RL 4/15, AFP, IRNA 4/16 in WNC 4/19; MM, NYT 4/16; NYT, WP 4/17; RL, Xinhua 4/20 in WNC 4/21; MM 4/21; MEI 4/23, 5/7) (see 2/28)

Shas head Deri is sentenced to 4 yrs. in prison. Analysts believe the ruling could improve PM Netanyahu's chances for reelection by rallying Shas supporters to his cause; one of Netanyahu's campaign promises has been to aid Israelis who feel marginalized by what he describes as the "elites," including judges. Deri will remain free pending appeal, may remain party leader even if jailed. (MM 4/15; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/16; JP, MEI 4/23) (see 3/17)

3 UN comms. on Iraq (disarmament, sanctions, missing-in-action issues) present their first reports to an informal mtg. of the UN Security Council (UNSC). UNSC mbrs. are still divided on how best to proceed with monitoring (e.g., whether or not to lift sanctions, dissolve UNSCOM). (MEI 4/23)

IDF begins clearing 300 dunams of Palestinian land, olive groves held by Bayt Dujn, al-Sawiyya villages for construction of new bypass road to Ariel settlement. In other incidents, settlers place 8 trailers on hilltop nr. Karnei Shomron settlement, begin expansion of Elkana settlement onto some 200 dunams of Palestinian land held by Mashah village. (al-Ayyam 4/16 in WNC 4/23)

Israel claims that during his international tour, Arafat has been urging nations to support UN Res. 181 as the basis of a peace agreement; says that the 1947 res., calling for partitioning Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, was nullified by the Arab side and cannot be invoked now by Palestinians. (WT 4/1; MENA 4/2, 4/4 in WNC 4/5; al-Quds 4/2, al-Ahram 4/4, MENA 4/6 in WNC 4/7; JP, PR 4/9)

Israel celebrates passover, leaving borders with occupied territories open rather than sealing them as it usually does on Jewish holidays. (WT 4/1)

PA releases 11 political detainees, all mbrs. of Hamas or Islamic Jihad, to mark Id al-Adha. (PR 4/9)

The IDF places a blockade on the West Bank village of Dayr Abu Mishal, nr. Ramallah, after a Jewish settler claims that Palestinians threw stones at him fr. the direction of the village. Israeli soldiers arrest 21 teenagers. (LAW 4/5)

2 mbrs. of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine are wounded in a clash with mbrs. of Fatah Uprising in al-Baddawi refugee camp in s. Lebanon. (VOL 4/1 in WNC 4/2; SA 4/2 in WNC 4/5)

U.S. officials, military officers admit that the U.S. has fallen into a low-grade war with Iraq, is downplaying scope of the operation (with the Pentagon refusing to release basic data such as number of sorties flown) to avoid antagonizing friendly Arab countries and to minimize questions at home. Experts estimate that the U.S. has flown 3,224 sorties, dropped over 274 bombs in the last 10 wks. (WP 3/7; GIU 3/11; MM 3/12)

Emir of Bahrain Shaykh Isa Bin Salman al-Khalifa collapses, dies after a mtg. with visiting U.S. Defense Secy. William Cohen. He is immediately succeeded by his son Shaykh Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa. (RJ, SATN, VOL 3/6 in WNC 3/8; NYT, WP, WT 3/7; MM 3/8; MEI 3/12)

Israeli border police scuffle with 300 Palestinian women attempting to walk to East Jerusalem from the West Bank to protest Israeli restrictions on Palestinians entering Jerusalem. (WT 3/7)

In Jerusalem, an IDF soldier is stabbed, injured by a suspected Palestinian assailant. (MM 3/8) (see 3/5)

In Morocco for a 3-day conference on the future of Jerusalem, Arafat backs away fr. vows to declare a Palestinian state on 5/4, saying that the PA is working on a "formula" for statehood. Orient House head Faisal Husseini says PA has accepted "in principle" U.S., EU calls to delay declaration. (AP [Internet] 2/23)

Turkey charges Ocalan with treason, rejects EU request to send observers to the trial. (AFP 2/23 in WNC 2/24; NYT, WP, WT 2/24)

Some 1,200 Palestinian doctors, nurses, health administrators in the West Bank strike to protests PA's failure to implement civil service law passed in 5/98, which would increase their salaries. (AP [Internet] 2/23)

Overnight, Hizballah mbrs. intercept elite IDF commando squad operating n. of Israel's self-declared security zone, killing 3, wounding 5. (MM 2/23; VOL 2/23 in WNC 2/24; MM, NYT, WT 2/24; AFP 2/25 in WNC 2/26; MEI, MM 2/26; MEI 3/12; WT 4/14)

In Tel Aviv, U.S. special envoy Ross says that the U.S. plans to play a much less active role in final status negotiations, thinks "permanent status is not something that should be mediated." (USIS Washington File 1/12; NYT, WP 1/13; PR 1/15)

After 4 yrs., Lebanon lifts travel restrictions on Palestinians, dropping requirement for Palestinians to obtain visas to return to Lebanon. (RL 1/12 in WNC 1/13; NYT 1/13; RL 1/16 in WNC 1/20)

Netanyahu's office warns the PA that Israel would bar Arafat, PA officials fr. leaving he autonomous enclaves should the PA unilaterally declare statehood. (MEI 1/15)

PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. millionaire Irving Moskovitz, who is in town to decided which right-wing candidate for PM he will support financially in the 5/17 elections. Netanyahu gives assurances that he will not halt Moskovitz's construction of 132 units in the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud in East Jerusalem. Congressman Michael Forbes (R-NY) is accompanying Moskovitz. (MM, WP 1/14; MM 1/21; JP 1/22; PR 1/29)

In what police, FBI term a sophisticated operation, burglars break into offices of prominent Washington polling firm, Greenberg Quinlan Research, that is advising Israeli PM-candidate Barak. Firm says that its international work was targeted, but it is uncertain whether files on Barak were among those stolen. (MM, WP 1/13; YA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; WJW 1/14; MM 1/20)

Israeli Religious Affairs M Eli Suissa cuts the size of local religious councils to keep them all Orthodox. A recent High Court ruling ordered the powerful councils (which run marriage bureaus and burial societies, maintain synagogues and ritual baths, supervise kosher inspections for both religious and secular Jews) be expanded to include Reform, Conservative Jews. (WT 1/13)

IDF lifts closure on Hebron imposed 1/4. (MM 1/14, MEI 1/15)

Unidentified assailant stabs, wounds Palestinian in West Jerusalem. (MM 1/12; PR 1/15, JP 1/22)

IDF uproots Palestinian orchard nr. Jewish settlement in the West Bank. (AFP [Internet] 1/12)

In Cairo, FMs of Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen hold 2d mtg. to prepare agenda for 1/24 Arab League mtg. on Iraq. Jordan does not condemn mtg. but is upset at not being included, blames Syria, warns that "forming axes" only deepens Arab divisions. (MM 1/12; MENA, RE 1/12 in WNC 1/13; MM 1/13; al-Dustur, MENA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; MM 1/14; JT, MENA, RE 1/14 in WNC 1/16; MM 1/15) (see 1/3)

The U.S. secretly sends letters to Arab states urging them to support its position on Iraq at the 1/24 Arab League mtg. (MM 1/22)

U.S. planes fire on Iraqi missile battery in n. no-fly zone. Defense Dept. says that Iraq has sent planes into the no-fly zones 66 times in the past 2 wks., targeted U.S. and British planes 12 times, increased its number of missile sites fr. 9 to 17. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/13)