The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several W. Bank and Jerusalem Palestinian political activists are arrested, charged with organizing demonstrations [WP 9/17; FJ 9/20]. Bethlehem U. students hold symbolic funeral to commemorate 5th anniversary of Sabra and Shatila massacres [FJ 9/20]. Inner cabinet adopts economic and cultural sanctions against S. Africa [NYT, WP 9/17]. Palestinian political prisoners at Nafha Prison begin 2-day hunger strike to protest conditions; strike at Ashkelon Prison enters 6th week [FJ 9/20]. Authorities arrest 12 Palestinians in occupied territories: 3 are placed under administrative detention for 6 months; 9 receive 9-day detentions for planning strikes, demonstrations [FJ 9/20]. Israeli High Court rules non-striking Palestinian lawyers have right to form union [FJ 9/20]. Al-Najah U. administration adopts new regulations concerning campus mosque, religious celebrations [FJ 9/20]. Israeli authorities confiscate copies of Arabic dailies in the occupied territories [FJ 9/20].

Other Countries: Hasan 'Abd al-Rahman, director of Palestine Information Office in U.S., says he will sue to prevent State Dept.-ordered closure of PIO [LAT 9/18].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese National Resistance Front, groups of Syrian-sponsored Palestinian and leftist Lebanese fighters, attack Israeli patrol just north of Israeli border, killing 3 Israelis. Israeli sources allege guerrillas were trying to infiltrate border and take hostages. In Rashayyah, Israeli infantry and helicopters follow group of fighters spotted approaching Israeli border; 3 guerrillas are killed [WP 9/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's 10-member inner cabinet meets to discuss security situation in occupied territories, resolves to tell Jordan again to remove PLO "bases" recently set up there [LT, BG, FT 9/5]. Inner cabinet approves proposal from Ariel Sharon that the authorities conduct general review of institutions in occupied territories that are supportive of the PLO [FJ 9/6]. Israeli soldiers rebuild wall separating Hebron's main mosque from marketplace, which settlers destroyed after 9/3 stabbing of two soldiers [GD 9/5]. MKs Yossi Sarid and Dedi Zucker of the Citizen's Rights Movement present document to Police Min. Haim Bar-Lev alleging Jumbo construction company made millions of dollars from fraudulent and illegal land sales [JP 9/5]. P.M. Peres sends close aide Avraham Tamir to unannounced ovemight visit with Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak to discuss ways of advancing relations between the two nations [CSM 9/6]. Israeli settlers try to squat in Hebron where 2 Israeli soldiers were stabbed 9/3. Army evicts them [CSM 9/6]. Five hundred Ethiopian Jews demonstrate in Jerusalem against rabbinical demands that they undergo symbolic conversion before marrying [WP 9/7]. For. Min. Shamir leaves for Japan to try to persuade Japanese leaders to relax their adherence to Arab boycott and increase trade with Israel [JP 9/4].

Other Countries: Operation Independence, a group of 100 international Jewish business leaders wishing to strengthen Israel's economy, sponsors New York meeting of hotel, airline, and tourism groups and prominent Jewish business leaders to discuss ways to increase American tourism to Israel [JTA 9/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palesine/Israel: Several katyusha rockets land in Galilee; no injuries reported. This is 4th katyusha attack on Galilee in recent months [JP 9/5].

Arab World: Israeli jets bomb suspected PLO guerrilla base in Lebanon's Biqa' Valley, 11th such strike inside Lebanon this year [NYT 9/5]. Reports say 6 Palestinians killed and 10 wounded in the attack [CSM 9/6]. Shi'ite and Palestinian militias battle around Burj al-Baraj inah refugee camp south of Beirut in worst fighting since June, when Syrian-sponsored cease-fire ended fierce clashes in 3 Palestinian refugee camps. Latest fighting leaves 10 dead, 27 wounded [NYT, LAT 9/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Settlers and their supporters parade through Hebron's main streets carrying 5 Torah scrolls evacuated from the city during the 1936 riots. Event marks anniversary of 1929 violence in Hebron [JP 8/6]. Israeli P. M. Peres announces Israel "totally rejects" apartheid system of South Africa [JP 8/6]. Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee unanimously condemns apartheid in South Africa [JP 8/7]. Residents of Mitzpe Jericho send away 20 youths attending the Kach training camp on field adjoining the settlement, saying the presence of Kach violates the spirit of Mitzpe Jericho [JJP 8/6].

Other Countries: U.S. State Department criticizes new security measures approved for occupied territories by the Israeli Cabinet; asks they not be implemented [WP, LAT 8/6].

Military Action

Arab World: Two Israeli soldiers and 3 Lebanese guerrillas die in a shootout in south Lebanon. The Lebanese attackers are believed to have been from Amal [NYT 8/6].

Military Action:

Israeli jets bomb guerrilla bases in areas around Sofar, Falougha and Bhamdoun, reportedly hit as-Saiqa, Syrian Baath party, PFLP-GC and Druze positions, intense and effective anti-aircraft fire deployed; brief exchanges of artillery fire between LAF and PSP around Souq al-Gharb; fierce fighting continues around Baddawi, PLO loyalists and rebels both claim control of major parts of camp; all areas of Tripoli come under rocket and artillery fire.

Casualties:

1 Israeli jet shot down by shoulder fired SAM-7, pilot is rescued by LAF patrol after parachuting into Beirut suburb, Syria says 2nd jet was downed; casualty reports from air raid range from 2-18 killed, 8 wounded, damage to targets reportedly minimal; no reliable estimates possible of casualties in Tripoli, ambulances unable to move; Red Cross estimates 13,000-15,000 refugees from fighting at camps are in Tripoli.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF says air raid in Lebanon is reaction to long chain of terrorist attacks against IDF in South Lebanon, 35 IDF soldiers killed, 64 wounded since redeployment to Awali on September 4; Arens, addressing Moral Majority delegation in Jerusalem, says there will be no withdrawal from the West Bank; minister without portfolio Ben Porat says his plan to rehouse 250,000 Palestinians now living in refugee camps will cost between $2 and $1.5 b. over next six years, Shamir to raise the subject in forthcoming meetings with Reagan; IDF say group of Muslim extremists has confessed to the killing of a Jewish religious student in Hebron on July 7; settlers block road near Halhoul after stone throwing incident, enter town, break windows of cars and houses.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel ends 2 days of meetings in Saudi Arabia with King Fahd.

US and Other Countries: Rumsfeld makes first official visit to Damascus, meets FM Khaddam; Iranian official says 14 Revolutionary Guards and about 30 Lebanese were killed in Israeli and French air raids near Baalbek last week; Soviet Union calls on PLO factions to cease senseless bloodshed, resolve differences through political means.

Military Action:

Artillery fire exchanged between LF and PSP militias in Kharroub area south of Beirut; sniper fire continues against LAF and LF positions; Western military sources say Syria is blocking entry of Palestinian guerrillas to Chouf and evacuating those already there.

Casualties:

1 LF militiaman killed, several wounded by snipers in Deir al-Q;mar.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Talks on formation of government of national unity between PM-designate Shamir and Labor leader Peres break down.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Cease-fire security committee agrees to put roads leading to airport under LAF control, remove militia checkpoints on roads south of Beirut, exchange persons kidnapped during fighting by opposing militias, permit Red Cross to enter battle areas.

Arab Govemnments: Mubarak, on official visit to US, meets Reagan, other administration officials, calls for reactivation of September 1982 Reagan plan.

US and Other Countries: Shultz and Syrian Foreign Minister discuss monitoring of Lebanon cease-fire, Syria reportedly objects to use of UN observers.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Deputy PM Ehrlich dies after stroke.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat begins meeting of Fateh Revolutionary Council in Damascus, no rebel leaders reportedly present; Abu Ziad, Arafat aide, wounded in shooting incident after guerrilla training camp near Damascus taken over by Fateh rebels; Fateh loyalists retake PLO battalion HQ previously occupied by rebels.

Military Action:

IDF imposes indefinite curfew on 11 towns and villages in South Lebanon, begins house-to-house search for arms and guerrillas, eventually detains 200 civilians on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities; 2 rockets hit port of Jounieh, north of Beirut; fighting continues in Chouf mountains.

Casualties:

2 IDF soldiers killed, 2 wounded, 4 civilians, 1 policeman wounded by Beirut car bomb; 2 killed in Jounieh; 3 killed, 2 wounded in Chouf mountains; 1 killed, 2 wounded in Aley; protests continue for 4th day at Ansar detention camp, Gemayel reportedly pressing IDF for release of prisoners.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Knesset votes 55 to 47 against Labor Party motion for immediate pull-back of IDF; reports circulate that Begin is in gloomy state of mind, avoiding most public appearances.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat meets Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, receives support for unity in PLO, travels to Qatar.

US and Other Countries: Reagan meets Lebanese Foreign Minister Salem.

Military Action:

IDF reinforcements, moved into Beqaa during last week's build-up of forces, begin to pull back, estimated 10,000 troops involved.

Casualties:

1 IDF soldier wounded, 1 guerrilla captured in Beirut attack; IDF arrests more than 100, mostly Lebanese, after massive search operation around Tyre, Sidon and Nabatieh, prison camp set up for 50 women detainees; 1 IDF soldier wounded by remote controlled bomb near Sidon, several villagers arrested.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin defends policies against Labor criticism in Knesset; Deputy Foreign Minister, in New York, says he will discuss unilateral IDF pull-back to more defensible lines with US officials this week.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Declaration by Fateh rebels opposes Reagan plan, Israeli-Lebanese agreement, Fez resolution, withdrawal of PLO forces from Lebanon, says military struggle is only way to liberation.

Arab Governments: Assad makes one-day official visit to Libya, says Israeli-Lebanese agreement is in its death stage.

Military Action:

1200 US Marines arrive in Beirut to relieve units deployed with MNF since February; IDF reinforces positions in Bekaa, keeps troops on special alert for 4th consecutive day; Lebanese TV reports exchange of artillery rounds across Syrian-Israeli lines in Bekaa; Israeli jets repeatedly break sound barrier over Bekaa during dozens of reconnaissance flights, encounter anti-aircraft fire from Palestinian positions in north Lebanon; Lebanese guerrillas attack IDF vehicles near Bhamdoun; grenade thrown at Israeli civilian truck in Nabatiyeh; grenade thrown at IDF vehicle in Beirut; IDF APC hits mine near Yanta; IDF position fired on from behind Syrian lines near Amik.

Casualties:

1 civilian killed, another wounded in Syrian-Israeli artillery exchange; 2 IDF soldiers killed, 3 wounded in Bhamdoun attack; IDF warns soldiers in Lebanon not to buy drinks or pita bread locally, due to recent incidents of booby-trapped food.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet approves continuation of military alert status; Peace Now march to get Israel out of the Lebanese quagmire begins at Rosh Hanikra on Lebanese border and heads for Tel Aviv; police arrest son of Rabbi Hirsh, leader of anti-Zionist Orthodox Jewish Neturei Karta movement, on charges of failing to register for military conscription; 20 West Bank sites advertised by private companies for construction of villas have not been approved by Ministerial Settlement Committee.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Abu Saleh, dissident Fateh officer, denies Libyan support, but says he would welcome it; PLO denies right-wing Lebanese radio report of assassination attempt on Arafat; Arafat tours PLO positions in Baalbek area; Gemayel speaks to largely Muslim rally in West Beirut, calls for Lebanese unity; mufti of Lebanon opposes Lebanese-Israeli agreement.

Military Action:

IDF kills two guerrillas in Bekaa near Syrian lines.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF tries to exclude Israeli military correspondent from press conference for reporting on soldier disaffection in Lebanon (other military correspondents support fellow journalist); Commission of Inquiry takes testimony in secret from head of military intelligence.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese officials meet with Draper to discuss moving toward agreed agenda; senior Lebanese official claims Israel hardens its position on normalizing relations.

Arab Governments: Egypt says Israel releases 10 Egyptians captured in Lebanon invasion and plans to free remaining 21.

Military Action:

Fighting between Sunni and Shiite militias in Tripoli; Chouf region tense following more clashes, IDF surrounds Brih and Kfar Nabrakh to stop fighting; Phalange calls on East Beirut residents to cooperate with Lebanese Army as it moves into center of East Beirut with support of French and Italian forces; US Marines postpone deployment into East Beirut; 6 Israeli Druze in IDF court-martialled for entering Lebanese Druze village without permission; Finland agrees to send 460-man battalion to replace Nepalese soldiers in UNIFIL in South Lebanon; grenade tossed at IDF vehicle in center of Sidon, following similar incidents along coastal road.

Casualties:

Estimates of 8 to 20 Lebanese killed, over 21 wounded in Chouf fighting; UPI reports death toll in Beirut massacre now estimated at 1,962; IDF concedes troops looted in Lebanon "in a number of isolated instances," but claims all looters were severely punished.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli foreign ministry official claims 2-3,000 PLO guerrillas have infiltrated into Bekaa since evacuation from Beirut in August, another 4-5,000 in camps around Tripoli; Shamir, in Knesset debate, defends Government policy in Lebanon against Labor Party attacks, says IDF will remain until "peace for Galilee" achieved, and berates Gemayel government for "negative tones"; aide Avi Dudai says Sharon personally gave order allowing Phalange to enter camp, in closed testimony before Commission of Inquiry; protests continue throughout Occupied Territories, leading to closure of Ramallah Teachers College; al-Fajr journalist Samaan Khoury gets one-year suspended sentence for possessing banned magazine; Jewish settlers hold emergency meeting to discuss growing attacks on settlers; Gush Emunim announces new yeshiva to be opened at site of Joseph's tomb in Nablus; Housing Minister David Levy announces plans for 5 more settlements on West Bank.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel meets with officials seeking to halt spread of fighting in Chouf; Wazzan says government has agreed on new measures to stop fighting.

Arab Governments: King Fahd visits King Hassan in Fez to discuss diplomatic campaign for peace settlement.

US and Other Countries: White House announces Begin to meet Reagan November 19 during "private" visit; Italian Prime Minister Spadolini, following meeting with Reagan in White House, says US and Italy exploring ways to increase presence in Lebanon.

Military Action:

Lebanese President-elect Bashir Gemayel killed by bomb blast at Phalange Party office in East Beirut; Lebanese Army closes Green Line to traffic.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli officials decline to comment on Gemayel death pending official notification; Sharon requests meeting with Begin, outlines "Operation Iron Brain" to "purge" Shatila and Sabra camps of estimated 2,000 PLO guerrillas he fears will exploit political vacuum following assassination; Labor Party leader Peres denies advance notice of US peace plan; Sharon announces review of West Bank Civil Administration (Col. Lunz, military commander and Civil Administrator of Gaza, may replace Milson after latter's contract expires in October); Jerusalem Press Services office closed for 6 months under 1945 emergency regulations; Palestinian charged with sending threatening letters to West Bank personalities with signature of Village Leagues and Meir Kehane.

Arab Governments: Jordan's King Hussein praises Reagan initiative as "constructive," offers to play "active part" in creating West Bank-Jordan confederation, but asserts he has no authority to negotiate on behalf of PLO.

US and Other Countries: White House condemns Gemayel assassination, promises support for Lebanon, fears renewed violence; Morris Draper arrives in Israel on way to Lebanon; Alexander Haig, at UJA dinner, attacks Reagan plan's call for freeze on West Bank settlements as a "serious mistake"; Brezhnev urges Arafat to reject Reagan initiative, affirms support for PLO.

Military Action:

Fierce fighting between LNM militia and Lebanese Army along Green Line as final French contingent prepares to leave (during 4-hour battle French ammunition truck on way to port is hit); machine-gun fire, rocket-propelled grenades exchanged in Ras Nabeh area near recently reopened Sodeco crossing point; IDF jets destroy Syrian SAM-9 anti-aircraft missile site in Central Lebanon near Dahr al-Baydar as tension continues along Beirut-Damascus highway (third air strike in four days); guerrillas again attack IDF troops using rocket-propelled grenades in Bekaa; IDF background paper claims 98 Syrian/Palestinian cease-fire violations since July 23.

Casualties:

Fighting burns some buildings; 1 Lebanese Army soldier killed, 13 wounded, 2 civilians killed, several in LNM militia killed and wounded.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Cabinet warns Syria against violating cease-fire or war of attrition, says it will seek to prevent Arafat meeting with Pope; roads extended to new Jewish settlements near Nablus; 3 Najah University professors ordered deported after refusing to sign anti-PLO pledge.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, in Algeria, reviews PLO fighters, plans to tour PLO camps in Syria, Tunisia, South Yemen, and Sudan; Prime Minister Wazzan goes on TV to urge backing for Army; Gemayel issues call for Christians and Muslims to work together.

US and Other Countries: Shultz, addressing United Jewish Appeal (UJA) fundraiser for Israel, urges Israel to remain "open" to Reagan peace initiative, reiterates US promise to not pressure Israel economically or militarily; Senator Arlen Specter (R.-Pa) visits Begin in Jerusalem after talks with Gemayel and Sarkis in Lebanon.

Military Action:

Over 700 PLO guerrillas arrive by ship in Tartus including four top PLO leaders (George Habash, Nayef Hawatmeh, Ahmed Jibril, Talaat Yaqub), are greeted by Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Hamdoun; thousands of Tunisians led by Bourguiba greet 1,100 PLO fighters arriving in Tunisia aboard ferry (total evacuated in one week now estimated at 7,400); IDF reports PLO bazooka fire from West Beirut on IDF positions southeast of city, around airport; Lebanese Army reluctant to deploy along Beirut-Damascus road (Habib warns Sarkis that failure to move quickly may provide Israelis with pretext for moving into West Beirut); US forces refrain from deploying beyond port area; 147 PLO wounded arrive in Greece.

Casualties:

2 French soldiers slightly injured in mine-clearing operation.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Knesset extends emergency regulations allowing arrest of combattants/ civilians captured during the Lebanese invasion for another 6 months (would have expired in September); Shamir calls on other countries to drop recognition of PLO; Sharon attends Israel Bond dinner in US, warns Lebanon against new Syrian, PLO ties.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat receives delegation of Egyptian opposition parties; holds press conference at Saeb Salam's house; PLO spokesman Kaddoumi announces Arafat will attend Arab League summit in Morocco; Wazzan reaches agreement with Muslim leaders about deployment of troops in West Beirut.

Arab Governments: Arab foreign ministers meet in Morocco (only Libya, Mauretania absent).

US and Other Countries: US Administration hints it is about to launch new political initiative; Socialist International plans diplomatic initiative following return of study mission to Beirut; 600 US Jewish leaders pledge to raise $550 m. to help pay for war.

Military Action:

Cease-fire generally holds, despite intermittent artillery duels between IDF and PLO; IDF pounding guerrilla positions with artillery from land and sea, particularly around the Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp, but clashes remain limited; Palestinian guerrillas shower E. Beirut suburb of Baabda with rocket and shellfire as Israeli Defense Minister Sharon arrives to meet with US envoy Habib; IDF tanks surround small Lebanese military port of Kaslik.

Casualties:

First running water in two weeks draws many out of buildings (resumption of water seems to be a result of US pressure); rescue workers still pulling out bodies from collapsed buildings; estimated 130,000 refugees living hidden in lobbies, basements, underground garages of unfinished buildings and in public gardens.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon campaigns against Habib plan for PLO evacuation (Sharon, after meeting with Habib outside Beirut, denies there is an agreement; aides call Habib plan a "fraud" that will allow PLO to stay on in Beirut behind protection of international peacekeeping force); Israeli Cabinet sharply divided (Begin reportedly disassociates self from Sharon); Muslim leaders call strike on West Bank to "reflect" on events in Lebanon; Israelis want a multinational peacekeeping force deployed only after all or most of the Palestinian and Syrian fighters have left; PM Begin believes that PLO guerrillas will leave shortly without IDF having to enter W. Beirut; Israeli Ambassador to US Moshe Arens states that Israel requires rosters accounting for all Palestinian guerrillas in Beirut.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO proposes first group leave by sea; Lebanese government expected to make official request for international forces to come to Beirut within next 24 hours; Camille Chamoun calls on Syrians to evacuate Bekaa; Major Haddad rejects buffer troops before PLO pullout; Muslim leadership fears that IDF and Phalangist ally will occupy W. Beirut if PLO leaves before arrival of international force.

Arab Governments: Arab League head says quorum of member states agree to attend meeting; Sudan indicates willingness to provide refuge for guerrillas; in Kuwait, 100,000 protest Israeli invasion; Jordan announces willingness to accept some fighters; Iraq signals approval; Syria agrees to accept PLO leadership and headquarters and any fighters who served under Syrian command in Lebanon; King Hussein willing to grant general amnesty to Palestinians holding Jordanian passports who fled after 1970 civil war.

US and Other Countries: Shultz sends letter to Begin assuring Israel a final agreement nears completion; Newsweek poll indicates 60 percent of Americans disapprove of Israeli invasion of Lebanon, 43 percent favor cutting off Israeli military aid, nearly half think US should deal directly with the PLO (43 percent opposed); France has two regiments of paratroopers on stand-by orders to go to Beirut to supervise PLO evacuation; Italian government ready to send mechanized battalion to join French regiments.