The Palestine Chronology

In the evening, the IAF conduct air strikes on a Hamas site and a vehicle near al-Bureij refugee camp, completely destroying the vehicle and injuring 2 Palestinians allegedly preparing to fly an incendiary kite into southern Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out approximately 21 fires in the border area allegedly caused by such attacks. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near Khan Yunis and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 2 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, Israeli forces begin dismantling and evacuating 10 buildings in the illegal settlement outpost West Tapuah near Nablus. The settler-residents throw bleach, sticks, and eggs at the Israeli forces, sparking minor clashes; 11 Israeli police are lightly injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and the Old City. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/17; PCHR 6/21)

The Israeli cabinet convenes to discuss the recent spate of incendiary kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman support the IDF’s position that direct attacks on the perpetrators are likely less effective than retaliatory strikes on Hamas infrastructure. Israeli public security minister Gilad Erdan and education minister Naftali Bennett reportedly push for the IDF to target the perpetrators directly. (HA 6/17; YA 6/18)

Israeli and Arab sources say that the U.S. delegation scheduled to visit the Middle East this week plans to call on wealthy Gulf states to invest up to $1 billion in an effort to strengthen Gaza’s economy. They reportedly plan to ask for Egypt and Israel to help administer the funds. “This is an issue that is urgent, and at the same time, can be dealt with relatively quickly,” one source says. (HA 6/17; TOI 6/18)

Overnight, the IDF drops 2 quarter-ton bombs on a 3-story building in Gaza City in an attempt to assassinate chief Hamas bomb-maker Muhammad Dayif, 4 times previously the target of Israeli assassination since 2000, wounding Dayif, killing senior Hamas mbr. Nabil al-Salima,his wife and 7 children, wounding Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades n. Gaza cmdr. Ahmad al-Gander and at least 33 bystanders, seriously damaging 15 surrounding homes. At the same time, the IDF also expands Operation Summer Rains with a major incursion into central Gaza, sending 10s of tanks, APCs, armored bulldozers across the Kissufim crossing under helicopter and drone escort and moving troops north fr. positions nr. Abasan, cutting the Strip in half, ordering PA security forces to leave the area, shelling and bulldozing surrounding areas. During the day, the IDF reportedly kills at least 22 other Palestinians and wounds at least 14 in major gun battles nr. Dayr al-Balah in central Gaza and in air and artillery strikes around Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis; the PRC’s Salah al-Din Brigades Khan Yunis leader Hisham Abu Nusayra, a PA policeman are killed in separate air strikes in Khan Yunis and a police station in alQarara is hit. The IDF also bulldozes 65 d. of agricultural land, partially demolishes 8 Palestinian homes and a car, and occupies 10 Palestinian homes as military posts in Dayr al-Balah; withdraws fr. the Qarni industrial estate (held since 7/8), allowing humanitarian and commercial imports to resume, and from Dahaniyya airport (held since 6/28), allowing PA security forces to enter the airport and the Rafah crossing and around 1,000 displaced Palestinians (see 7/8) to return to their homes. Palestinians try to fire rockets fr. Gaza toward Kissufim, but they fall short, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF sends undercover units into Dura, Nablus to conduct arrest raids. A Palestinian militant dies of injuries received during the 7/7 IDF air strikes on Bayt Lahiya. (BBC, HA, IMEMC, NYT, OCHA, PCHR, WP, WT 7/12; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 7/13; PCHR 7/20; NYT 7/21; B’Tselem 8/3)

Before dawn, Hizballah launches a crossborder attack on Israel, dubbed Operation True Promise, firing rockets across the Blue Line into n. Israel as a diversion; sending fighters in to n. Israel to attack an IDF patrol btwn. Zarit and Shetula, capturing 2 IDF soldiers, killing 3 soldiers, wounding 2. The IDF sends troops into Lebanon to search for the missing soldiers, where an IDF tank hits a mine, killing 4 IDF soldiers and marking Israel’s 1st ground incursion into Lebanon since its 5/00 withdrawal. (An 8th IDF soldier is killed, 2 others are wounded in Lebanon late in the evening as they try to recover the remains of the 4 tank occupants.) The IDF also launches air strikes and directs heavy artillery, tank fire on some 40 Hizballah positions, roads, bridges, power stations in s. Lebanon, killing at least 2 Lebanese civilians, 1 Lebanese soldier, wounding at least 10. The Lebanese government requests that UNIFIL broker a cease-fire, but Israel says a cease-fire would be contingent upon return of the captured soldiers. Hizballah leader Shaykh Hasan Nasrallah says the group plans to hold the 2 soldiers for the release of 3–4 Lebanese held by Israel. During the day, IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz calls up a reserve infantry division for deployment to the n. Israel border and sends the Israeli navy into Lebanese waters, threatening a massive invasion of Lebanon; makes air strikes on a Palestinian guerrilla base s. of Beirut. (BBC, HA, IFM 7/12; HA, IFM, NYT, WP, WT 7/13; UNIS 7/14)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving at least 2 Palestinians dead, including Hamas mbr. Ibrahim Bani Odeh, who dies when a car bomb rigged by the IDF explodes in Nablus. The 2d Palestinian is shot dead by the IDF in Gaza after a roadside bomb detonates nr. an IDF patrol. Palestinian gunmen open fire on an IDF post in Gaza, killing 1 IDF soldier. A 2d IDF soldier is killed when a bomb explodes at a District Coordination Office (DCO) in Gaza, where PA-Israeli joint patrols are based. The IDF shells residential areas nr. Rafah border terminal, destroying 1 Palestinian home. (LAW 11/23; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 11/24; HA 12/1; WJW 12/28)

Barak's security cabinet continues discussions on how to respond to the 11/22 Hadera bombing, rejects a list of Palestinian targets for retaliatory strikes, arguing that air strikes have had little deterrent effect on the Palestinians while damaging Israel's public image, that Israel should switch to "precision operations against specific targets." Following the DCO bombing today, Israel evicts PSF officers fr. all DCOs, officially severing all security coordination. Later, however, senior PA and Israeli security officials meet at Erez to discuss ways of halting further escalation of violence. (MM 11/23; MENA 11/23 in WNC 11/24; MA [Internet], NYT, WP, WT, YA 11/24; al-Quds 11/26 in WNC 11/29)

Israeli-Palestinian fighting in the West Bank and Gaza abates slightly but escalates again this evening, leaving at least 3 Palestinians dead. The most serious incident is in Nablus, where the IDF, implementing the Sharm agmts., turns over Joseph's Tomb to the PSF. Palestinians celebrating the IDF pullback overrun the PSF, destroy the tomb. In response, armed Jewish settlers roam areas around West Bank settlements, stoning and firing at Palestinian cars, killing 1 Palestinian. Inside Israel, Jews fr. Upper Nazareth rampage through Arab Nazareth throwing stones at Israeli Palestinians, sparking a riot; when Israeli Arabs start to fight back, Israeli riot police intervene, using tear gas and live ammunition, shooting dead 2 Israeli Arabs. In Tiberias, Jews vandalize a historic mosque. The IDF moves tanks into the West Bank to guard the Jewish settlement of Psagot, which has been the target of Palestinian sniping. At Rafah airport, Palestinians fire on a bus Israeli airport workers, injuring 8. Israel shuts the airport. (LAW 10/7; MENA, RL 10/7, al-Quds 10/8, AFP, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; ADM, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; MM, NYT, WT 10/9; AYM 10/9, MA 10/10, 10/11 in WNC 10/12; NYT 10/10; WJW 10/12; MEI 10/13; WJW 10/19; WP 10/28)

Barak calls up IDF reservists, sets an ultimatum of 48 hrs. for Palestinians to halt their assaults on IDF outposts, Jewish settlements or "we will regard this as a cessation by Arafat of the peace process, and we will order the army to use all means at its disposal." Barak also says he is considering forming a "unity government" with Likud MK Sharon. (AYM 10/7, al-Quds 10/9 in WNC 10/12; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; AYM 10/8 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/9; Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/11; JP, MEI 10/13)

Nr. Shaba` Farms, IDF soldiers fire across the blue line into Lebanon at 100s of Palestinian refugees staging a protest, killing 2, wounding 15. In response, Hizballah guerrillas cross into Golan Heights, kidnap 3 IDF soldiers; fire rockets at the IDF's Shaba` outpost, injuring 6 soldiers. Barak reinforces the border area, sends Israeli warplanes and attack helicopters into Lebanon to strike Hizballah targets, injuring 4 Lebanese civilians. U.S.'s Albright phones Lebanese pres. Lahoud, Syrian pres. Asad to urge them to intercede with Hizballah to release the IDF soldiers. France, Germany, the Red Cross, Russia, the UN open channels with Hizballah, which demands Israel release at least 19 Lebanese political prisoners (kidnaped by the IDF in Lebanon, held without trial for as long as 20 yrs.) in exchange for the soldiers. (CNN [Internet] 10/7; RL 10/7, AYM 10/8, Interfax 10/9, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; Manar TV [Internet], MM, NYT, WT 10/9; al-Quds 10/9, DUS, al-Safir 10/10 in WNC 10/12; MM, NYT, WP 10/10; NYT, WJW, WP 10/12; JP, MEI 10/13; JP 10/27, 11/3)

After 6 days of debate, the UNSC passes (14 to 0, with the U.S. abstaining) a watered down resolution that condemns the "excessive use of force" against the Palestinians but does not mention Israel by name. U.S. Amb. Richard Holbrooke threatened to veto stronger language. (AP 10/7; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; AYM 10/8 in WNC 10/13; MM, NYT, WT 10/9; CSM, WP 10/10; MEI 10/13)

In Amman, Jordanian police open fire on Palestinian refugees demonstrating for the closure of the Israeli emb., killing 1, arresting 97. Demonstrations condemning Israeli violence, U.S. support of Israel are held in Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, France, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, the UAE, and Yemen. In the U.S., rallies are held in Albuquerque, Dearborn, New York. (BBC, al-Jazeera TV [Internet] 10/7; AFP, ATL, MENA 10/7, JT 10/8 in WNC 10/10; Daily Star 10/12 in WNC 10/13; Gulf News [Internet], NYT 10/8; MM 10/11; AYM 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/13)

After another mtg. btwn. Arafat and Barak in Ramallah, this time attended by U.S. special envoy Ross, Ross announces that Israel, the PA will resume negotiations in the U.S. after Id al-Adha holiday ends on 3/20. The sides still aim to conclude a full final status agmt. by 9/13. Ross says there have been "constructive" talks on interim issues. (MM 3/8; NYT, WP, WT 3/9; ITAR-TASS 3/9 in WNC 3/14; al-Quds 3/9, DUS 3/11 in WNC 3/13; CSM 3/10)

Lebanese pres. Lahoud says Lebanon would guarantee security along the s. border after the IDF withdraws, but only as part of an overall Middle East settlement; warns that Palestinian guerrillas opposed to Arafat might attack n. Israel fr. s. Lebanon if the refugee issue is not solved. (XIN 3/8 in WNC 3/9; CSM, WP 3/9; NYT 3/12; Le Monde 3/17 in WNC 3/20)

Israel's High Court rules (4-1) that an Israeli Arab family cannot be barred fr. living in a cooperative Jewish community. Although the decision affects the 1 family only, the court's determination that separate Arab and Jewish communities are "inherently unequal" and discriminate against Arabs sets legal precedent that may be used in future cases. (NYT, WP 3/9; WJW 3/16; JP 3/17)

In s. Lebanon, 2 SLA mbrs. are killed in a clash with Hizballah. (MEI 3/10)

Multilateral Refugee Working Group begins 5 day gavel mission to refugee camps in Jordan. (JT [Internet], Petra-JNA [Internet] 6/17)

At the close of 2 days of mtgs., the Egyptian-Moroccan Joint Comm. issues a communiqué calling on Israel to implement the Oslo, Wye agmts. and resume peace talks quickly. (MKR 6/13 in WNC 6/14; RE 6/14 in WNC 6/15; MM 6/16)

Israel bans the return to Ramallah fr. Amman of fmr. PLO guerrilla and current Palestine National Council mbr. Muhammad Oudeh who publicly admitted (5/3) to planning hostage-taking of Israelis at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Oudeh, who has lived in Ramallah since 1996, says that Israel's move contradicts an Israel-PA agmt. not to prosecute violent acts that predate the Oslo peace accords. Germany also has issued a warrant for Oudeh's arrest. (RMC 6/13 in WNC 6/14; NYT, WP, WT 6/14; JT, SA 6/14 in WNC 6/15; JT 6/26 in WNC 6/28)

In Washington, the U.S.-Israel Joint Political Military Group (JPMG) convenes to discuss exchanges aimed at improving Israel's defensive capabilities. (USIS Washington File 5/5)

Fmr. PLO guerrilla and current Palestine National Council mbr. Muhammad Oudeh admits to planning hostage-taking of Israelis at the 1972 Munich Olympics, says Arafat was briefed on plans, but that intention was never to kill the athletes. (WP, WT 5/4)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem. (LAW 5/5; MM 5/6)

Choosing not to contest his lawsuit, the U.S. unfreezes $24 m. in assets of Saudi businessman Idris, who owns al-Shifa pharmaceutical plant in Sudan, bombed by the U.S. in 8/98. Administration says its still has "concerns" about Idris based on sensitive intelligence sources. (NYT, WP 5/4; MM 5/14) (see 2/25)

Hizballah stages 3 attacks against IDF, SLA targets in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, injuring 5 IDF soldiers and SLA mbrs. (RL, VOL 5/3 in WNC 5/4; MM 5/4; WT 5/5; MEI 5/7)

Led by the U.S., NATO forces begin air strikes on military installations of Yugoslavian pres. Slobodan Milosevic to prevent further Serbian attacks on the Kosovo province's ethnic Albanian guerillas, civilians. 13 of NATO's 19 mbr. states participate in this 1st NATO attack on a sovereign state. Russia suspends coordination with NATO in protest. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/25, 3/26; al-Quds 3/26, al-Ahram 3/27 in WNC 3/29; MEI 4/9) (see 3/17)

Arafat meets with Canadian PM Jean Chretien in Ottawa. (MM 3/25)

Israeli MK Azmi Bishara announces that he will run for PM even though as an Arab he cannot legally hold the job. (MM, NYT 3/25; YA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; NYT 4/1; JP 4/2; PR 4/6; MEI 5/7)

Fmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir quits the Likud, joins Begin's new right-wing coalition. (NYT, WP 3/25; WP 3/26) (see 3/12)

In Israel, 400,000 unionized government workers go on strike to demand a 14% wage increase. (MM 3/24; MM, NYT 3/25)

Israeli PM Rabin, Jordan's King Hussein sign "Washington Declaration" ending state of belligerency at White House ceremony with U.S. Pres. Clinton as witness.  Declaration says sides "recognize their right and obligation to live in peace with each other."  Agreement mandates direct telephone connections, linking of electrical grids, and immediate opening of 2 border crossings.  Declaration also recognizes Hussein's "historic role" in safeguarding Muslim holy places in Jerusalem. Clinton calls Syrian Pres. al-Asad after ceremony, saying opportunity exists for progress in Israel-Syria talks.  Later, Rabin and Hussein attend state dinner in their honor. (MM 7/25; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/26)

Israeli, Palestinian negotiators meet in Norway to discuss sharing of water resources.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; WT 7/26)

PLO Chmn. Arafat swears in Judge Qusay al-Abadlah as PNA chief justice and head of supreme court.  (Algiers VOP 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

Kach movement holds paramilitary summer camp for youths at Qiryat Arba, including prayer at grave of Hebron killer Baruch Goldstein.  Organizers avoid direct connection to Kach, outlawed after 2/25 massacre.  (JP 7/25 in FBIS 7/27; WT 7/26)

Hizballah ambushes IDF patrol in southern Lebanon, killing 1 officer and wounding 13 soldiers.  IDF tank unit pursues guerrillas to Yuhmur village.  (RL 7/25, Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; MM 7/26; WT 7/27)

UNSG Butrus Butrus-Ghali, in report to UNSC on renewal of UNIFIL mandate, orders study of how to reduce UNIFIL's 5,244-mbr. force.  (WT 7/27)

Argentine officials blame Iran for 7/18 bombing of Buenos Aires Jewish center as confirmed death toll reaches 80.  (NYT 7/26)

Israeli High Court of Justice accepts petition fr. Tsomet party to bar Yi'ud party fr. joining cabinet.  Yi'ud made up of frmr. Tsomet mbrs.  (MM 7/25)(see 7/12)

Secy of State Christopher meets Syrian Pres. al-Asad in Damascus, returns for U.S., noting "significant gaps" btwn. Israel and Syria, says he does not expect "any dramatic breakthrough in the nr. future."  Christopher says Asad "seemed relaxed" about upcoming Israeli-Jordanian summit.  (SARR 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; MM 7/22; NYT, WP, WT 7/23)

Israel reopens Erez crossing, Gaza Strip, after 5-day closure.  10,000 Palestinians enter Israel for work; another 10,000, most mbrs. of opposition groups, hold rally in Gaza City in support of 7/17 rioters.  (NYT 7/23)

IDF shoots Palestinian dead in Nablus, wounds 13.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/25; NYT 7/23)

Palestinian killed in Yatta village, nr. Hebron, when bomb left by IDF at firing range explodes.  (TJT 7/29)

Palestinian ambushes IDF patrol nr. settlement in Gaza Strip, wounds 1 soldier in attack claimed by Islamic Jihad.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; MM 7/22; WT 7/23)

3 bombs explode in Hebron; no casualties reported.  Clashes btwn. Palestinians, police erupt after explosions; 17 Palestinians wounded.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; MM 7/22; NYT, WT 7/23)

Israeli intelligence tells Argentine authorities "Followers of God" (NYT--"Partisans of God") group claims responsibility for 7/18 bombing of Jewish center in Buenos Aires, 7/19 bombing of commuter plane in Panama.  Death toll in Buenos Aires bombing now around 100--43 confirmed, 60 still missing.  Group known only fr. communiqué issued 3 mos. earlier in Sidon, Lebanon, pledging "all-out war" against Israel.  (NYT, WT 7/23)

2 PFLP guerrillas killed by SLA 2 mi. fr. Israeli border.  3d guerrilla captured, says mission was to take hostages in northern Israel.  In separate incident, Lebanese soldier killed nr. Nabatiya by howitzer shell fired fr. "security zone."  (WP 6/24)

Hamas mbr. kidnapped day before found dead in Bayt Lahiya, Gaza Strip, presumably killed by family mbrs. of collaborators he had killed.  (MM 6/23; TJT 7/1; JP 7/2)

PLO Chmn. Arafat sets new conditions for his move to Jericho.  (WSJ 6/24)

18 dunams confiscated fr. Waljah village, nr. Bayt Jala, for construction of 18,000 housing units for Israelis.  (TJT 7/1)

Israeli FM Peres, on Israeli radio, says new proposals to Syria include "security, peace, and withdrawal."  Peres says contacts must take place "away fr. the eye of the media."  PM Rabin, on IDF radio, says Israel ready for "painful compromises" with Syria, criticizes rightists who claim Arabs lack military option by referring to 1973 war.  (CSM 6/24)

U.S. Pres. Clinton offers to sponsor Washington summit mtg. btwn. Israeli PM Rabin, Jordan's King Hussein.  (WSJ 6/24)

Frmr. Saudi diplomat Mohammed al-Khilewi, who defected to U.S. 6/14, claims to have documents proving Saudi support for Hamas, Saudi surveillance of U.S. Jewish groups, including JDL.  (WSJ 6/24)[defected 6/1--WT 6/2][filed for asylum 5/31--WT 6/4]

PLO official Nabil Shaath, visiting Jericho, postpones trip to Jerusalem's Haram al-Sharif in move interpreted as showing PLO reluctance to provoke Israeli right on Jerusalem issue.  (MM 6/20; NYT 6/21)

Jerusalem Waqf authorities stop Israeli bulldozers digging tunnel nr. Haram al-Sharif.  (TJT 6/24)

IAF airstrikes on Jabal al-Raffih in southern Lebanon wound 2 Hizballah guerrillas.  Raid follows Hizballah firing on 2 SLA positions. Incident is 22d IAF airstrike in Lebanon in year. Later, Hizballah ambush of IDF patrol in "security zone" kills 3 Israeli soldiers, wounds 3, according to Lebanese security sources.  IDF sources say only 1 killed.  Artillery and rocket duels erupt btwn. SLA, Hizballah.  (MM 6/20; CSM, WP, WSJ, WT 6/21; JP 7/2)

Syria deliberates on supplying Hizballah with SA-14 and SA-16 antiaircraft missiles in reaction to increased Israeli air raids, according to "diplomatic sources."  (WT 6/21)

Jordan's King Hussein, Secy of State Christopher meet in Washington.  Hussein says he hopes for high-level mtg. with Israel.  (MM 6/21; CSM, WP 6/22)

30 Palestinians wounded by IDF during clashes in Hebron, Ramallah.  Both cities placed under curfew.  In Gaza, Islamic University students, Netzarim settlers throw rocks at each other until dispersed by joint Israeli-Palestinian patrol.  (Qol Yisra'el 6/4 in FBIS 6/6; NYT 6/5)

International Labor Organization reports that economic survival of o.t. depends on access of 100,000 Palestinians to jobs in Israel.  (MM 6/6)

King Hussein criticizes lack of coordination in peace talks by other Arab parties, says Jordan will pursue a settlement with Israel at talks to resume 6/6 in Washington.  (WT 6/5)

3 Hizballah guerrillas killed by SLA during clashes in "security zone," southern Lebanon.  (NYT, WP, WT 6/5)

Israel-PLO agreement on international presence in Hebron reached in early morning' 160 observers fr. Denmark (35), Italy (35), and Norway (90) arrned with pistols "for self-defense" to deploy in city for 3 mos., report to joint Palestinian-Israeli comm. Observers lack military or police powers, but will 'promote stability" and "monitor the efforts to restore the safety of the Palestinians." PLO gives up demand for deployment of Palestinian police in Hebron in exchange. Israeli PM Rabin calls observer force "an exceptional case" in defending agreement against opposition criticism. FM Peres notes "the collective responsibility will remain always in the hands of the legal govt., and we are the legal govt." (MM, NYT 3/31; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/1)

Negotiations on Gaza-Jericho autonomy resume. IDF officials say 70% of army equipment already removed fr. Gaza. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/1)

300 Palestinian youths clash with Israeli police in Hebron, destroying bank facade. No injuries reported. In Gaza Strip, 1 Palestinian wounded in gun battle btwn. IDF, Palestinian guerrillas. Israeli stabbed to death in Israel, and Israeli attacked with axes 3/29 dies. (WP, WT 4/1)

10,000 settlers hold rally to mark 26th anniversary of Qiryat Arba settlement, denounce Rabin govt. Hundreds gather at tomb of Hebron attacker Baruch Goldstein, some calling him a "hero" and a "saint.' (NYT, WP, WT 4/1)

FM Peres criticizes some settlements in Gaza Strip as "totally illogical," saying Netzarim "has no agricultural importance, no economic importance, no security importance."  (MM 2/22)

15 settler families, most fr. Ariel, sign petition for Knesset assistance to help them leave o.t.  MKs Yossi Katz (Labor) and Avraham Poraz (Meretz) submit Knesset bills calling for comprehensive compensation plan for settlers leaving o.t., while Labor MKs Haggai Merom and Avraham Burg set up "hot line" for settlers who wish to leave.  (MM 2/23)

Lebanese govt. officials, responding to U.S. concerns over violence in southern Lebanon, agree to restrain actions of guerrilla groups in south.  Int. M Bishara Mirhaj says "We will not approve of any operation that undermines the responsibility of the state in south Lebanon."  (NYT 2/25)

Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics puts Israeli population at end 1993 at 5.325 m., compared to 5.196 m. in 1992.  CBS says settlements' population at 115,000 compared to 105,000 in 1992, Palestinian population in o.t. 1.9 m.  (MM 2/23)

Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu meets in Washington with VP Al Gore, Senate Minority Leader Robert Dole.  Gore expresses both personal and official Clinton admin. opposition to Palestinian state, according to Netanyahu, while Dole says Senate would oppose posting U.S. troops on Golan.  (MM 2/23)

Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan expresses "respect and appreciation" for Saudi fund-raising drive for Islamic holy places in Jerusalem.  (RJ 2/22 in FBIS 2/23)

Senate confirms Strobe Talbott as dep. secy. of state by 66-31 vote.  Opponents had charged Talbott was overly critical of Israel while a journalist for Time magazine, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)  calling Talbott's articles "insulting, immature and incorrect," Sen. Minority Leader Robert Dole (R-KS) accusing Talbott of "clear anti-Israel bias." (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/23)

Current round of Israel-PLO talks in Taba ends, both sides reporting progress.  PM Rabin says talks held in a "good atmosphere."  Security comm. divides into subcomms. on police, prisoners.  PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says draft agreement on Palestinian police force reached.  (MENA, IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/17)

During 2d day of bilateral Arab-Israeli talks in Washington, Israeli negotiators Uri Lubrani, Itamar Rabinovich complain to Lebanese delegate Suhail Shammas, Syrian amb. Muwaffaq al-Allaf over 2/16 katyusha incident.  Meanwhile, Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi, Syrian Pres. al-Asad meet in Damascus to discuss tensions in southern Lebanon.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17; SARR 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Israel-Jordan-U.S. economic talks in Washington end, Jordanian side expressing reluctance to pursue joint projects with Israel until Israel-Syrian talks achieve progress, Israeli-Jordanian disputes over refugees, water, Arava region resolved.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/18 in FBIS 2/18).

Israeli PM Rabin blames 2/16 katyusha attack on "Black September 13" group, notes "our understandings with Syria regarding Hizballah remain in effect."  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/18)

Anwar Rashid Tahir Qtait, 24, killed by IDF at checkpoint in Saris [Misilyah??] village, nr. Janin in West Bank, when he makes a "threatening gesture."  In Halhul, IDF shoots and seriously wounds at least 4 Palestinians protesting 2/16 killing of Najwan al-`Izza.  (MM 2/17; IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/17)

Israeli Yuval Golan, stabbed in Hebron 12/29/93 by Palestinian, dies of wounds, becoming 201st Israeli killed by Palestinians during intifada according to AFP figures.  1,179 Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire in same period.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Hamas's `Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade issues statement offering "protection and weapons" to Palestinian collaborators who kill their Shin Bet control officers.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

MK `Abd al-Wahab Darawsha (Arab Democratic party) announces Syrian govt. has allowed him to visit Damascus at head of 31-mbr. delegation to pay condolences on death of Basil al-Asad.  Visit will be 1st official trip by Israeli Arab allowed by Syria.  PM Rabin calls trip a "positive step." (MM, WP 2/18; WT 2/19; NYT 2/20)

Congolese Int. M Martin Mberri confirms Brazzaville has signed $50 m. contract with Israeli company for training, equipping Congolese army.  Officials say 40 Israelis training presidential guard unit, 20 more to come.  Mberri says France will train regular army and police.  Congo armed forces fighting guerrillas loyal to frmr. dictator Denis Sassou-Nguesso for 8 mos.  (WP 2/18)

Vatican Undersecy. for Foreign Relations Msgr. Claudio Celli and Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin sign 15-point "fundamental agreement" establishing diplomatic relations. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/31)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Cairo with Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa, refuses to accept Israeli proposals on Gaza-Jericho agreement. Arafat flies to Amman for consultations with Jordan's King Hussein. (RJ 12/20 in FBIS 1/3; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/31)

3 Fateh-Uprising guerrillas killed by IDF while crossing Lebanon-Israel border. IDF rockets village in southern Lebanon in retaliation. (Qol Yisra'el 12/30 in FBIS 12/30; CSM, NYT, WT 12/31)

Demonstrations in Gaza mark anniversary of founding of Fateh. (WP, WT 12/3)

Syrian Chief Rabbi Ibrahim Hamra confirms govt. is issuing exit visas to Jews at rate of 25-30 a day. Hamra says community numbers 1,250 and that not all who receive visas will leave. (WP 12/31)

30 Japanese businesses announce plans to form Japan-Israel Business Club to promote Japanese-Israeli trade. (WT 12/31)

PLO rep. in Jordan Tayib 'Abd al-Rahim announces that 2 plots to kill PLO Chmn. Arafat have been foiled. 1 attempt was by Arafat bodyguards suborned by FRC ("Abu Nidal"), 2d by unidentified group that sought to bomb Arafat's plane. (WT 10/10)

2 Israeli hikers fr. Jerusalem stabbed and shot to death in Wadi Qilt, near Jericho in the West Bank. "Al-Aqsa Brigade" of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, in statement released in Amman, claims responsibility, says 3 killed. Statement declares, "We will never surrender or accept any concessions on the land of Palestine which will become a graveyard for the Jews." PFLP also claims responsibility. (NYT 10/10; MM, NYT, WT 10/11)

PFLP guerrilla killed by Israeli soldiers as he sails jet ski off Lebanese coast near Israeli border. UN sources report 2 killed, not 1. (NYT 10/10, 10/11)

Palestinian factions opposed to DoP-including DFLP (Hawatmah faction), PFLP, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad-announce in Damascus establishment of National Islamic Front to counter PLO. Alliance fails to call congress to elect new PLO leadership due to reluctance of Islamic groups to identify with secular PLO. Front's declaration calls Palestinian police to be set up under PLO-Israel accord "a traitor force, and an oppressive enemy force." (CSM 10/14)

Jordan denounces 9/23 Israeli court ruling on status of Haram al-Sharif, says it will continue with restoration work on Dome of the Rock regardless of Israeli stance. (MM 10/11)

Israeli cabinet issues statement warning guerrillas in southern Lebanon that Israel will retaliate for recent attacks in "security zone." Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi replies that "lf peace is not achieved in the south, the entire Lebanese people will join the resistance in fighting Israel." (Qol Yisra'el 7/18 in FBIS 7/19; CSM, WT 7/19)

Israeli warplanes overfly lqlim al-Tuffah and Beirut as tensions on Lebanon-Israel border mount. (MM 7/19)

IDF wounds 6 Palestinians, including a 10-year-old shot in the head, in clash at Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza. (WT 7/19)

Fateh Central Committee and Revolutionary Council meet in Tunis. (Sawt al-Sha'b 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

Palestinian delegation head Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi warns that unless Israel concedes Palestinian rights in Jerusalem "it will kill the peace process." (NYT 7/17)

Secy. of State Christopher announces he will travel to Middle East 8/1-5 to pursue "role of honest broker" in peace talks. (USIA Wireless File 7/19)

Dahaf Institute poll indicates 42% of Israelis favor talks with PLO, 57% oppose. (Yediot Aharonot 7/16 in MM 7/16)

Syrian FM al-Shara' rejects Israeli warning to curb guerrilla activity in southern Lebanon. (MM 7/16)

Chmn. Arafat meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus. (MM 6/1)

UNLU issues call no. 83 calling for control of killings of alleged collaborators. Proclamation also condemns visit made by Shaykh Ishaq Idris Sakhouta, head of World Islamic League, to Israel and o.t. (Algiers VOP 5/30 in FBIS 6/2)

Israeli security guard killed when 2 infiltrators swim to Eilat from Aqaba, Jordan. IDF, police kill 1 guerrilla, capture second following gunbattle. Two more infiltrators drown before reaching Israel. (WP 5/31)

IDF raids Aqraba, near Nablus, arrests 71 persons. (Ha Aretz 6/2 in FBIS 6/3)

Steering committee of multilateral peace talks begins meeting in Lisbon to discuss results of 5 sets of talks held during May. (Qol Yisra'el 5/27 in FBIS 5/28)

France announces it will provide $500 million in loan guarantees to Israel to assist in infrastructural development. (MM 5/28)

Police arrest 150 Jewish rioters in Bat Yam as anti-Arab riots continue. Rioters burn tires in the streets, attack police; 7 persons are injured. Faisal Husseini denounces 5/24 killing of Jewish girl which sparked the riots. (Qol Yisra'el 5/27, 5/28 in FBIS 5/28)

Gazan from Dayr al-Balah stabs and kills settler in Kfar Darom, Gaza. Settlers later rampage in Dayr al-Balah, damaging Palestinian crops and attacking residents. IDF evacuates schoolchildren after settlers besiege an elementary school. More than 100 settlers are arrested. IDF imposes curfew on Dayr al-Balah and extends travel ban imposed 5/24 for another 3days. (WP 5/28)

Bomb attack on IDF convoy near Arnun, S. Lebanon (near Beaufort Castle), kills 1 Israeli soldier. 3 guerrillas killed in subsequent gunbattle. Lebanese National Resistance Front claims associated fighters from PFLP, Syrian Social Nationalist Party-Higher Council (Da'ud Baz faction) carried out attack. IDF continue shelling S. Lebanese villages. (ITV 5/27, Radio Lebanon, AFP 5/27 in FBIS 5/28; WP 5/28)

Fateh, Hamas supporters clash in Qalqiliya, W. Bank. (Qol Yisra'el 5/28 in FBIS 5/28) Israel, Sierra Leone reestablish diplomatic relations. (Qol Yisra'el 5/27 in FBIS 5/27)

Soviet pres. Gorbachev holds talks with PM Shamir in Madrid, the first summit meeting ever held by leaders of Israel, USSR. (WP 10/30)

Israel concedes to U.S. decision to allow 45 minutes to both Palestinian, Jordanian sections of Palestinian-Jordanian delegation for opening remarks at peace conference. (MEM 10/29)

PFLP claims responsibility for 10/28 attack on bus carrying Israeli settlers. (AFP 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Some 1,000 supporters of Fateh stage propeace conference demonstration in Gaza city, shaking hands with Israeli soldiers and handing them olive branches. Another pro-peace conference march held in Jenin. (MEM 10/29)

Roadside bomb kills three Israeli soldiers, injures a fourth near 'Aramta, S. Lebanon; Islamic Resistance coalition (led by Hizbullah) claims responsibility. In a separate incident, guerrillas attempting to infiltrate into Israel near town of Biranit ambush Israeli patrol, wounding five; two are killed. Islamic Jihad Movement of Palestine [Fathi Shaqaqi] claims responsibility. Israeli helicopters attack area near Rashidiyya refugee camp, Hizbullah office in Nabatiyya. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/30; MEM 10/29; WP, MEM 10/30; NYT 11/2)

Some 5,000 Islamists, leftists, Nasirists demonstrate against peace conference at Cairo University in wake of police crackdown on anti-conference activists. (MEM 10/30)

Palestinian fighters inboats are forced to land at Naqura inside Israel's Lebanese "security zone," by Israeli naval patrol boats. The guerrillas take several UNIFIL soldiers hostage. One guerrilla, one Swedish UNFIL soldier, five other UN troops wounded in subsequent clash, which UN states was started when SLA troops opened fire during negotiations to free the hostages. (NYT 9/14)

One of captured fighters claim group belonged to Fateh. (Qol Yisra'el 9/14 in FBIS 9/18)

For 2d time in 48 hours, U.S. fighter shoots down Iraqi warplane, this one over Kirkuk, Iraq. Bush admin. vows to continue to shoot down any military aircraft, and insists that it is not meddling in the uprising against Saddam Hussein [LAT, NYT, WP 3/23; MET 4/2].

Full Congress gives final approval of bill authorizing $42.6 billion in U.S. and allied payments toward cost of Gulf war, and passes $4.8-billion "dire emergency" bill that contains $650 million for Israel and $200 million for Turkey to defray war-related costs. Congress keeps provision cutting off aid to Jordan, but modifies it to allow resumption of aid if it is determined Jordan is aiding Middle East peace process. Bush admin. informs Congress that it intends to sell to Israel another Patriot missile unit for $350 million [WP, NYT, LAT 3/23].

Bush admin. is putting pressure on Japan to improve its relations with Israel, and, in particular, to end longstanding compliance by many Japanese companies with Arab boycott of trade with Israel [LAT 3/23].

UN Sec. Council's sanctions committee agrees to ease restrictions on food and other essential supplies for Iraq following 3/21 release of UN report warning of catastrophe in war-ravaged Iraq [LAT, NYT, WP 3/23; MET 4/2].

During tour of West Bank settlements, Housing Minister Ariel Sharon says construction of 13,000 housing units in o.t. has been approved for next 2 years. Plans contradict statements by P.M. Shamir who has told Bush admin. that gov't. has not approved such plans [LAT 3/23; JPI 3/30].

IDF says that 2 Arab guerrillas with automatic rifles crossing border from Jordan into northern Israel were shot dead by army patrol [LAT 3/23; JDS 3/22 in FBIS 3/22].

New York Times reports that Bush admin. began planning offensive campaign to remove Iraq from Kuwait as early as September 1990, despite public insistence that U.S. troops were to defend Saudi Arabia and enforce UN sanctions [NYT 3/3].

Allied officials and Iraqi refugees report chaos and near anarchy in Basra as Iraqi troops leaving Kuwait arrive [NYT, WP 3/3].

American officer reports that dozens of Iraqi tanks, perhaps lost and without communications, attacked U.S. troops in worse violation of cease-fire. American forces repel attack, destroying about 60 vehicles and capturing about 80 tanks and personnel carriers; there are no American casualties [NYT, WP 3/3].

Senior U.S. admin. officials say Washington wants to maintain much larger military presence in Gulf region than it had before Iraq invaded Kuwait in order to deter aggression against U.S. allies [NYT 3/3].

UN Sec. Council adopts, by 11-1 vote, resolution 686 which reaffirms, in more detail, cease-fire conditions imposed on Iraq (cf. 3/3) [WP, MEM 3/4].

PLO leadership meets in Tunis, calls for urgent" measures to halt attacks and arrests of Palestinians in Kuwait [TDS, AFP 3/3 in FBIS 3/4; AVP 3/3 in FBIS 3/5].

Lebanon's Pres. Hrawi warns in speech that Palestinian guerrillas will no longer be allowed to attack Israel from Lebanon: we will not tolerate the use of Katyusha rockets to provoke an invasion of this country. The liberation of Palestine cannot be fulfilled by the firing of Katyusha rockets" [NYT 3/4; MEM 3/5]. 

45 Democratic lawmakers file suit in Washington to try to force Pres. Bush to seek authority from Congress before ordering U.S. military attack in Gulf [LAT, NYT, MEM 11/21].

New York Times/CBS News poll finds 47% of respondents are increasingly worried Pres. Bush has been too quick to commit troops to Gulf, 51% expect U.S. to go to war, and 51% say Pres. has not explained clearly enough why troops are in Gulf [NYT 11/20].

In Paris, Sec. Baker meets with Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze; U.S. and USSR agree further UN action is needed to force Iraq out of Kuwait, but disagree on exact steps [NYT, WT, WP 11/21].

Israeli F.M. David Levy informs UN Sec.- Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar that Israel will receive UN envoy Jean-Claude Aime if Amie's mission is not connected to 10/8 Haram al-Sharif killings [JDS 11/20 in FBIS 11/20; WT 11/21].

Israeli officer and 4 Palestinian guerrillas are killed in 8-hour firefight in S. Lebanon after Israelis ambush guerrilla squad [JDS 11/20 in FBIS 11/20; MEM 11/20; NYT, WP 11/21; MET 11/27]; Palestinian Popular Struggle Front (PPSF) claims responsibility for operation [QUD 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; MEM 11/20].

General strike called for by UNLU is observed throughout o.t. [MEM 11/20; FJ 11/26; MET 12/4].

Iraqi gov't. announces it will free all German hostages, acknowledging that move is meant to divide international coalition against Baghdad [BADS 11/20 in FBIS 11/20; NYT, WT, WP, CSM 11/21].

Chrmn. of Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Colin Powell says Iraq's decision to send 250,000 additional troops to Kuwait might create "new vulnerabilities" for Baghdad "rather than added strength" [NYT, WT, WP 11/21].

New York grand jury indicts Sayyid Nosair, Egyptian-born maintenance worker, on charges of assassinating Meir Kahane on 11/5 [WP 11/21].

Ethiopia has reportedly stopped issuing exit visas for Jews in attempt to compel Israel to send Ethiopian gov't. more weapons. Israeli advisors, weapons, and surveillance equipment are being used by gov't. against rebel guerrilla armies [WJW, WT 7/12; NYT 7/13, 7/14]; Washington Jewish Week says classified congressional memorandum confirms that Israel has supplied Ethiopia with cluster bombs, military trainers, etc. as part of deal [MEM 7/13; JDS 7/13 in FBIS 7/13].

Israeli Labor party's 150-member leadership bureau abandons its 7/5 position of not taking sides in party leadership struggle, backs Yitzhak Rabin over Shimon Peres on major issues; Labor's 1,400-member central committee will reach final decisions at 7/22 meeting [JDS 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; NYT, WP, WT 7/13].

West Bank settlers have set up "foreign office," called Foreign Relations Forum of the Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, whose task is to explain to foreign and domestic gov't. and media personalities the "needs and rights" of settlers [JPD 7/12 in FBIS 7/12].

Chrmn. of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Colin Powell, arrives in Israel, meets with D.M. Moshe Arens [JDS 7/ 12 in FBIS 7/13].

In Moscow, Soviet-Arab dialogue continues as Soviet officials host delegation from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia [IZV 7/14]. 

Israeli soldiers thwart 2 boats off Tel Aviv coast carrying guerrillas of Palestine Liberation Front (PLF); 4 attackers are killed in firefight, 12 captured [WP, LAT, WT, NYT 5/31]; Israel calls on U.S. to end dialogue with PLO [WP 5/13]; U.S. State Dep't., White House issue sharp criticism; continuance of U.S.-PLO dialogue is questioned [LAT 5/13].

Concluding 3-day meeting, Arab League issues statement condemning emigration of Soviet Jews to Israel, finding U.S. responsible because of aid to Israel [TASS 5/30; WP, NYT, LAT, WT 5/31; CSM 6/1]; Sec.-Gen. Chedli Klibi delivers to U.S. ambassador to Tunisia Robert Pelletreau Arab League memorandum responding to earlier U.S. memorandum [MEM 6/8; QNA 6/8 in FBIS 6/13].

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak stops in Syria after Baghdad summit; meets with Pres. Asad to discuss summit resolutions [MENA 5/30 in FBIS 5/31].