The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, PA security forces, dressed in civilian clothes, violently dispersed Palestinian students and staff protesting the dismissal of 10 students from the Islamic bloc and 5 employees at An-Najah National University in Nablus, causing several injuries from beatings and pepper spray. The Iranian news agency Tansim said 1 of its Palestinian reporters was abducted by Palestinian gunmen while covering the events before being beaten and warned against writing negatively about the PA. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Nablus and Jenin. Israeli settlers also vandalized 8 olive trees in Qaryut. Israeli forces evicted 4 Palestinians from their land in Wadi Fukin. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Tuqu‘, Bethlehem, Surif, al-Tabaqa, Nablus, Far‘un, Rumana, and Aqabat Jaber refugee camp; Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the raid in Nablus, injuring 2 with shrapnel. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted and arrested 2 Palestinians in Silwan and arrested 1 other in Isawiya. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA 6/14; PCHR 6/15; PCHR 6/16; AP, HA 6/17; UNOCHA 7/2)

Hamas released a statement accusing PA forces in the West Bank of torturing Hamas supporters. (ALM 7/2)

EU commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced that the frozen $224 million in economic aid to the PA from 2021 had been unfrozen and would be transferred to the PA. The announcement came ahead of a meeting between President von der Leyen and PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh in Ramallah. Von der Leyen later met with Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett and president Isaac Herzog. The EU funding to the PA was frozen due to 1 Hungarian commissioner’s concern over “incitement” in PA schoolbooks. Prime Minister Shtayyeh also met with his Italian counterpart Mario Draghi. (AA, HA, JP, POL, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/14; AJ, WAFA 6/15)

Israel’s deputy religious affairs minister Matan Kahana of the Yamina party was filmed telling Israeli high schoolers in the Efrat settlement that “if there was a button that could be pressed, that would remove all the Arabs from here, send them on an express train to Switzerland—where they would live an amazing life, I wish them all the best in Switzerland—I would press that button. . . . there is no such button. We were probably meant to [co]exist here on this land in some form,” Palestinian members of the Israeli parliament attacked Kahana for his remarks and he later apologized for wording his statements poorly. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE 6/14; HA, MDW, TOI 6/15)

The U.S. White House expressed concern over negotiations between the Israeli spyware company NSO Group and the American defense contractor L3Harris for the latter to buy technology from the former. The deal would see NSO Group removed from the U.S. department of commerce’s blacklist and would transfer NSO’s clients in the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, and possibly EU and NATO countries to L3Harris. The New York Times later reported that the negotiations had collapsed after they were made public and that U.S. intelligence officials had backed L3Harris’s potential acquisition of NSO Group. (HA 6/14; MEE, REU 6/15; NYT, WP 7/10; HA, TOI 7/11)

In the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian sniper shoots and kills an Israeli Ministry of Defense contractor working on the border fence nr. kibbutz Nahal Oz, an attack claimed by the Popular Resistance Cmtes. In response, the Israeli military launches attacks on 6 separate sites across the Gaza Strip, killing 1 child in al-Maghazi r.c. and wounding a total of 10. Separately, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians collecting scrap metal close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1 with live ammunition. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. The IDF also demolishes 15 houses in Ras Karkar and Dayr Ammar villages nr. Ramallah, as well as properties in Fasayil village in the n. Jordan Valley. Meanwhile, Palestinians throw stones at a bus carrying Israelis nr. Qalqilya, wounding 1. (HA, MNA, REU 12/24; YA 12/25; PCHR 12/26)

In an attack on a police headquarters in Egypt’s Nile Delta, a bomb kills 15 people and wounds more than 100. Authorities blame the Muslim Brotherhood, which for their part condemn the attack and deny any connection to it. The attack is subsequently claimed by Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. Following the attack, Dep. PM Hossam Eissa reads a govt. statement declaring the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. In response to developments, the U.S. State Dept. condemns the bombing but also urges Egypt to have an “inclusive political process,” noting the Brotherhood’s condemnation of the attack. (AP, REU 12/24; AP, REU 12/25)

Palestinian prisoner and administrative detainee Samer al-Issawi agrees to end his hunger strike—which has lasted for more than 8 months and inspired widespread Palestinian protest in solidarity—in exchange for an early release. At one such rally today, IDF soldiers clash with residents in Abu Dis, East Jerusalem, shooting and injuring 1. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers destroy hundreds of almond and olive trees in Bayt Dajan nr. Nablus, while in Dayr Jarir nr. Ramallah, settlers attack Palestinian property and set fire to 10 vehicles. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jericho, 3 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Salfit and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. IDF soldiers conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin and in 1 village nr. Jericho at night. The IDF conduct a ground incursion close to the border nr. Bayt Hanun and level land. (REU, WAFA 4/22; MNA 4/23; PCHR 4/25)

An Israeli delegation meets their Turkish counterparts in Ankara to discuss ways of improving bilateral relations, including the question of financial compensation by Israel to the families of Turkish activists killed on the Mavi Marmara in 2010. (JP 4/21)

Al-Ahram cites Palestinian government sources claiming that Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas has asked Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Turkey play a more prominent role in the drive for national reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas. (HA 4/22)

U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel announces an arms deal with Israel at a press conference in Tel Aviv alongside Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon. The sale includes V-22 Osprey helicopter-plane aircraft, refueling tankers, advanced radars for fighter jets, and advanced missiles that target air defenses. During their remarks, Ya’alon tacitly confirms that Israel was responsible for a 1/30 air strike on an army convoy in Syria, saying that Israel has already acted to stop weapons falling into Hizballah’s hands: ‘‘When they crossed this red line, we acted.’’ (AFP, JP 4/22)

The IDF sends troops, helicopters into Rafah; fires on residential areas, fatally shooting a Palestinian taxi driver, wounding 4 Palestinians; demolishes 20 Palestinian homes (leaving 177 people homeless), 15 shops, 4 sewing factories. The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian bystander during a bungled undercover arrest raid in Jenin; bulldozes 18 d. of Bayt Lahiya land nr. Dugit; conducts arrest raids in Nablus, Ramallah. A Palestinian sniper wounds 2 IDF soldiers guarding a Jewish settlement in s. Gaza. Palestinians fire mortars at an IDF post in Gaza, lightly injuring 3 IDF soldiers, 1 Israeli military contractor; fire a mortar at Gush Katif, wounding 2 Jewish settlers. (PRCS 11/3; VOI, VOP 11/3 in WNC 11/5; NYT, PCHR, WT 11/4; VOI 11/4 in WNC 11/6; PRCS 11/11)

Arafat’s health takes another turn for the worse; doctors admit him to the intensive care unit after he reportedly slips in and out of consciousness several times. (JAZ 11/3, 11/4 in WNC 11/6; BBC, NYT, WT 11/4)

On his way fr. Gaza to the weekly PC session in Ramallah, Arafat's helicopter is forced to hover for 45 mins. before being permitted to land. At the PC, Arafat accuses Israel of "declaring a state of war against the Palestinian people," rejects U.S. appeal for an Abbas-Gold meeting. For 1st time since 1993, he calls for 1-day general strike 8/29, prayer rally in Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque for 8/30. PM Netanyahu warns Arafat against an escalation of rhetoric, violence. (MM 8/28; ITV 8/28 in WNC 8/30; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/29; ITV 9/2 in WNC 9/4)

UN Coordinator Larsen leaves Paris for Israel immediately after Arafat speech to attempt to "serious crisis" btwn. PA, Israel. (WP 8/29)

Israel, Turkey sign defense industry deal, stepping up military cooperation. Agmt. includes technology exchanges, is expected to pave way for $650-m. deal for Israel to overhaul 54 Turkish F-4 Phantom jets. Iran expresses concern. (CSM, MM, WP 8/29; VIRI 8/29, TDN 8/30 in WNC 9/3; VIRI 8/29 in WNC 9/4; RJ 9/4 in WNC 9/6 JP 9/7)

In Tulkarm, IDF demolishes 5 Palestinian homes built without permits. (PR 9/6)

Israeli police release Human Rights Watch employee Tarabiyya, arrested 8/19. (IDF Radio 8/28 in WNC 8/30; JP 9/7)

Unidentified gunmen open fire on an Israeli bus traveling on a Israeli-only bypass road to the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba in the West Bank, slightly wounding 2. (MM, NYT, WP 8/29; MA 8/30 in WNC 9/5)

Israeli police arrest 3 Palestinians who pitch tents at site of clinic in East Jerusalem which was demolished 8/27. (WT 8/29)

Amal attacks 2 SLA patrols in s. Lebanon, killing 1 soldier, wounding 5. (RL 8/28 in WNC 8/30)

Iran, Turkey connect electricity grids in keeping with agmt. signed by Turkish PM Erbakan during his 8/11-13 visit. (VIRI 8/18 in WNC 9/3)

In n. Iraq, KDP, PUK fighting intensifies, with the PUK gaining the upper hand. Iran calls for talks to end fighting, is generally seen as being the winner of the current crisis. (MM 8/27) (see 8/25)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Military Action:

IDF patrol attacked in Chouf; RPG fired at IDF position near Amik in Bekaa; 2 IDF patrols attacked near Sidon; Syrian forces shell IDF positions in eastern Bekaa.

Casualties:

1 IDF soldier killed, 1 wounded in Chouf attack.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Defense Minister Arens says Reagan statement on F-16s is unprecedented in 35 years of US-Israel relations, forces re-evaluation of sources of arms, reduction of reliance on outside sources and build up of domestic arms industry; Arens also says Haddad must be commander of army in South Lebanon; kibbutz Sde Yoav votes to instruct its members to return Lebanon campaign ribbon; IDF sergeant who refuses Lebanon ribbon sentenced by military court to 6 days imprisonment, reduction in rank; Begin, Arens and Shamir meet Habib; journalist and publisher arrested in Ramallah for possessing large quantities of illegal literature; 6 Gaza students detained for 30 days on charges of incitement while visiting patients in Jenin hospital; IDF limits number of Peace Now protesters at Upper Nablus site to 15.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, in Stockholm, meets Swedish PM, Social Democratic leaders, says he is ready to resume talks with Hussein; negotiations continue in Khalde, Habib leads US delegation; after meeting with Hussein, FM Salem says Jordan-PLO talks have not collapsed, have reached crucial milestone; Issam Sartawi buried in Amman.

US and Other Countries: US Ambassador to Israel says Reagan Administration is determined to improve and rebuild basic confidence between the two countries; Israel Bonds dinner in NY, attended by Israeli Finance Minister, raises $8.8m.; British Foreign Secretary says West Bank settlements are illegal and completely contrary to Reagan plan, might soon make a negotiated peace impossible.