The Palestine Chronology

Israeli FM Sharon, PA cheif negotiator Mahmud Abbas meet at the Israeli FMin. in Jerusalem to discuss final status talks, progress of the PA-Israeli comms. on the economy, Gaza port, FRDs. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/19; ITV 11/20 in WNC 11/23)

Israel, the PA finalize procedures for Gaza airport. (ITV 11/19 in WNC 11/20; MM 11/24)

The PA runs text of the 5/98 Palestinian Weapons Control Law in Palestinian local newspapers. (MEI, PR 11/27)

In Amman, PC Speaker Ahmad Qurai` meets with Crown Prince Hassan to discuss final status negotiations. (Petra-JNA 11/18 in WNC 11/19, 11/20)

Israel complains that the U.S. is blocking its sale of Falcon air surveillance system, Arrow missiles to India. (ITV 11/18 in WNC 11/19)

Russia says that it is prepared to sell Syria hundreds of millions of dollars worth of military hardware; expects bilateral arms trade to be worth $5 b. over the next 5 yrs. (Interfax, ITAR-TASS 11/18 in WNC 11/19; al-Quds al-Arabi 12/2 in WNC 12/7; ITV 12/24 in WNC 12/28)

Israeli PM Netanyahu admits that 2 Israelis arrested in Cyprus 11/7 are Mossad agents but says that Israel was not spying on Cyprus or on Turkey's behalf. (ITV 11/18 in WNC 11/20)

IDF evicts settlers fr. hilltop nr. Keddumim, but takes no action against settlers who set up 6 mobile homes on hill nr. Halamish. (WT 11/19) (see 11/17)

PM Netanyahu meets with his security cabinet to discuss upcoming Washington talks; for the 1st time presents Ms with 2 2d FRD maps. (ITV 10/8 in WNC 10/14; NYT 10/10)

U.S. envoy Ross, Palestinian-Israeli Steering and Monitoring Comm. (PISMC) heads Saeb Erakat and Dani Nave discuss security at Gaza airport. (ITV 10/8 in WNC 10/14)

U.S. Asst. Secy. Indyk phones Syrian FM Shara` fr. Cairo to discuss crisis btwn. Syria, Turkey. Shara` calls on the U.S. to adopt a clear stand, back mediation efforts. Indyk publicly calls on Turkey to exercise self-restraint, then heads to Jordan to brief Crown Prince Hassan on Albright trip. (MENA 10/8 in WNC 10/9; SATN 10/8, RJ 10/9 in WNC 10/14)

In Moscow, Arafat briefs Russian Pres. Boris Yeltsin, PM Yevgeny Primakov, Duma Chmn. Gennady Seleznev on his recent mtgs. with Pres. Clinton, Secy. Albright. (Interfax, ITAR-TASS 10/8 in WNC 10/14)

Iran reports clash with Taliban troops along the border with Afghanistan, marking the 1st significant military incident in their 2-mo.-old standoff. Taliban denies any clash took place. 270,000 Iranian troops are facing 10,000 Taliban troops along the border. (NYT, WP, WT 10/9; MEI 10/16) (see 9/12)

Iranian FM Kharrazi arrives in Syria for talks with senior officials on lowering tensions with Turkey. (IRNA, SANA 10/8 in WNC 10/9; MM 10/9; IRNA, SANA 10/9 in WNC 10/14)

In a ceremony attended by Israeli mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert and 50 mbrs. of the Ateret Cohanim settler group, 3 Jewish settler families move into a home in East Jerusalem. Israel also announces that 150 new housing units will be added to Ma'ale Mikhmas settlement nr. Ramallah. (AFP 10/9 [Internet])

In continuing clashes in Hebron, IDF troops open fire, killing a Palestinian protester, seriously wounding a news photographer, 20 other Palestinian protesters. (MM 10/8; CSM, NYT, PR, WT 10/9; WP 10/10; MEI, PR 10/16; JP 10/29)

Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz arrives in Jordan for 2-day talks on bilateral relations with Crown Prince Hassan, marking 1st leg of Middle East tour. (JTV, Petra-JNA, al-Ra'i, RJ 9/6, JT, RJ, RL, SATN 9/7, JT 9/8 in WNC 9/9; MM 9/7; al-Majd 9/28 in WNC 9/29)

Nr. Jerusalem, at least 5 Palestinians, 5 Israeli policemen are wounded when IDF opens fire with rubber bullets on Palestinian protesters at Shuafat refugee camp. Shuafat resident Muhammad al-Karaki dies when an Israeli ambulance refuses to enter the camp without military escort. (WP 9/6; LAW 9/7; PR 9/11)

An Israeli judge rules that American teenager Samuel Sheinbein, wanted for murder in Maryland, is technically an Israeli citizen but may be extradited because his tie to Israel is only that of an "outside observer." Sheinbein's lawyer immediately appeals the ruling, which could have important impact on Israeli immigration. (NYT, WP, WT 9/7; WJW 9/10; MA 10/6 in WNC 10/7) (see 3/2)

Knesset approves $543-m. increase to Israel's $8.85-b. defense budget for FY 1999. Netanyahu cited the increased threat fr. Iran following the 7/22 missile test in requesting the additional funds. (MM 8/12, 8/13; Tishrin 8/15 in WNC 8/19; CSM 8/18)

In Jerusalem, Trade M Sharansky, Jordan's Trade M Hani al-Mulqi discuss ways of expanding bilateral trade. Mulqi also meets with PM Netanyahu, hands him a letter on the peace process fr. Crown Prince Hassan. (JT 8/10 in WNC 8/11; IGPO 8/12; RJ 8/12, JT 8/13 in WNC 8/14)

In Riyadh, King Fahd of Saudi Arabia has surgery to remove his gall bladder. (WP, WT 8/13)

Israel's Peace Now reports that 2,888 of 42,000 apartments in the settlements stand empty, compared with 3,200 last yr.; 5,892 apartments are under construction, compared to 5,200 last yr; annual growth in the settlements is 3.2% while construction is increasing housing supply by 15%/yr. YESHA claims data is false, says only a few hundred apartments are empty while the final touches are applied before they can be occupied; claims 7,200 apartments are under construction to meet natural growth. (YA 8/13 in WNC 8/14)

PLO Political Dept. head Faruq Qaddumi and delegation arrive in Damascus for talks with Pres. Asad regarding recent events in the Middle East. (SANA 8/15 in WNC 8/18)

In Aqabat Jabr refugee camp, Israeli police find the auto of an Israeli taxi driver who disappeared en route btwn. Jerusalem and the West Bank settlement of Beyt Ha'arava 8/14. Israeli police place a curfew on the Jericho area. Israeli police, IDF, PA police begin search. (ITV, QY 8/15 in WNC 8/18)

Hrs. after they are released by the PA atty. gen., 10 Hamas mbrs. are rearrested by the PSF. The PSF also detain 2 PA officials for complying with the atty. gen.'s orders. (LAW 8/19)

Crown Prince Hassan's son Prince Rashid Bin al-Hassan is injured in a car accident on his way to Aqaba, 2 passengers are killed, 1 is injured. (JTV 8/15 in WNC 8/20)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan travels to Cairo to brief Pres. Mubarak on his talks with PM Netanyahu. (RE, RJ 8/7 in WNC 8/8)

IDF demolishes 2 more Palestinian homes in Jerusalem ostensibly for having no permit. (LAW 8/7; CSM 8/8)

Israel says that it is no longer seeking the arrest of PA police cmdr. Brig. Gen. Jabali. (ITV 8/7 in WNC 8/8) (see 7/31)

Jordan's al-Mustaqbal Party announces that it will boycott the 11/97 elections. (al-Ra'i 8/7 in WNC 8/11) (see 7/28)

As violence in s. Lebanon escalates to levels not seen since the 4/96 understanding, 1 Lebanese woman, 2 children are killed by a roadside bomb planted by unknown assailants; 1 SLA mbr. is killed by a bomb planted in his car; 1 farmer is killed by IDF retaliatory shelling. (RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8; WP 8/8)

Israel releases Lebanese reporter Nahra. (RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8) (see 7/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright endorses PM Netanyahu's plan for accelerated final status talks with the PA, stresses that no progress can be made until Israel is certain that the PA is making 100% effort to fight "terrorism"; says that she will travel to the region at the end of the mo. (MM 8/6; ITV, QY 8/6 in WNC 8/7; NYT, WP, WT 8/7; IDF Radio, IGPO, ITV, MA, YA 8/7, Hatzofe 8/8 in WNC 8/8; MM, NYT 8/8; NYT 8/9; al-Thawra 8/9, IDF Radio 8/10 in WNC 8/12)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, PM Majali meet with PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The crown prince terms the Israeli-Palestinian situation a "very dangerous crisis," recommends Israel adopt a softer line with the Palestinians, invites Netanyahu to visit Amman next wk. (MM, NYT 8/6; ITV, JTV, RJ, YA 8/6 in WNC 8/7; CSM 8/7; MA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Ra'i 8/7 in WNC 8/11)

In Amman, King Hussein meets delegation fr. Israel's Histadrut Labor federation. (JTV 8/6 in WNC 8/8)

The U.S. group Builders for Peace, initiated by VP Al Gore to promote economic development in the territories, announces it is closing its doors, saying that "political conditions in the region . . . render the prospects of success for any given project remote." (Builders for Peace press release 8/6)

For the first day since the 7/30 bombings, Israel allows flour, vital goods, medical supplies to enter the West Bank, Gaza. (NYT 8/7; WT 8/8)

A delegation fr. the Syrian Chamber of Commerce travels to Iraq to discuss trade contracts under the UN oil-for-food agmt. (SA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Quds al-Arabi 8/8 in WNC 8/11) (see 8/3)

IDF sends reinforcements to s. Lebanon. (RL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

5 UNIFIL soldiers are killed when their helicopter crashes in s. Lebanon. UN suspects mechanical failure. (AFP, London Press Association 8/6, RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8; WP 8/7; JP 8/16)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA soldier is killed when Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb as his car passes. Hizballah also fires several katyushas toward n. Israel, but they land in s. Lebanon, causing no injuries. (MM 8/7; Voice of the South 8/7 in WNC 8/8; MM 8/8)

Lebanon files claim with ILMG regarding death of a civilian in s. Lebanon 8/5. (VOL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Washington for AIPAC conference, holds talks with Pres. Clinton, Secy. of State Albright (MM 4/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8; ITV 4/8 in WNC 4/9; CSM, NYT 4/9; MA, La Repubblica [Rome] 4/9 in WNC 4/10; al-Thawra [Damascus] 4/9, RE, RL 4/10 in WNC 4/11; PR 4/11; al-Ahram [Cairo] 4/11 in WNC 4/17; WJW 4/17; MEI 4/18; MM 4/28)

In Amman, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, Arafat dep. Mahmud Abbas discuss Jordanian-PA coordination on political, economic issues. (RJ 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

In preparation for trial, Jordanian military team visits Israel to interview victims of the 3/13 Daqamsa shooting. (JT 4/9 in WNC 4/10) (see 3/27)

Vatican says that it has reached a critical stage in its relations with Israel, that Israel should renew its commitment to peace for normalization to progress further. (WJW 4/17)

In Moscow, Lebanese PM Hariri, Russian PM Viktor Chernomyrdin, Dep. FM Yevgeny Primakov discuss peace process, bilateral relations. (RL 4/7 in WNC 4/8; RL 4/8 in WNC 4/9)

In Manhattan, federal prosecutors for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) open exclusion proceedings against Hamas political leader Abu Marzuq. Abu Marzuq is willing to withdraw his application to reenter the U.S. and agree to exclusion (i.e., immediate deportation), but INS says he cannot do so without either conceding or contesting the terrorism charge, otherwise he could be detained indefinitely. Abu Marzuq refuses to concede; contesting the charge could take yrs. The exclusion proceeding is closed; the INS does not have to reveal the sources of its evidence. (MM 4/8; NYT 4/13; WJW 4/17; MEI 4/18) (see 4/3)

The Knesset Finance Comm. agrees (by vote of 6-5) to demand that the PA detail the use of funds in its Bank Leumi account. Some MKs suspect the account is a secret petty cash fund. (Globes [Internet] 4/7 in WNC 4/9)

In Kharbata village nr. Ramallah, a Jewish settler opens fire with an M-16, handgun on Palestinians who stone his car, wounding 2. Villagers say the settler is known for intimidating local Palestinians, driving through the village instead of using the Jewish-only bypass road. (MM 4/7; WT 4/8)

Islamic University of Hebron holds student council elections. Hamas-Islamic Jihad list wins 19 of 35 seats; pro-Arafat Fatah lists wins 15 seats; PFLP 1 seat. (WT 4/8; MEI, PR 4/18; JP 4/19)

The Kuwaiti government denies the Comm. for the Defense of Islamic Issues permission to stage a rally outside parliament to protest Israel's policies on Jerusalem, U.S. support for Israeli actions. (AFP 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

SLA exchanges 3 Hizballah mbrs. being held at al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon for 1 SLA soldier held by Hizballah. (RL 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

Lebanese FM Buwayz sets 3 conditions for resumption of negotiations with Israel: U.S. must send Lebanon a credible Israeli proposal for review; proposal must not contradict Lebanese principles for resuming talks; Israel must 1st withdraw fr. s. Lebanon. (RL 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Multilateral Working Group on Water closes session in Amman. Parties propose joint projects totalling $50 m. (IGPO 6/23 in FBIS 6/28)

FM Peres, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meet in Amman, discuss water, technical, scientific cooperation. (MM 6/22; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; RJ 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Arafat holds mtgs with Israeli Knesset Dep. Speaker Rafael Edri on implementation of 2d stage of self-rule; with UN coordinator Terje Larsen on UN activities in the o.t.; with World Bank rep. Kem Chin on donor states' assistance. (VOP 6/23 in FBIS 6/23)

Mahmud al-Khawaja, top leader of Islamic Jihad, is killed in a drive-by shooting in Gaza. Islamic Jihad blames Israeli security services, vows retaliation. Israel neither confirms, denies the accusation. (AFP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; AFP 6/22, SA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 6/23; PR 7/2)

In Hebron, IDF shuts 4th mosque in 2 wks. after security forces find alleged Hamas material during raid. (PR 6/18; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/15)

In Ramallah, IDF shoots, wounds 4 Palestinians during demonstration by 100s of Palestinians in support of prisoners' hunger strike. (HA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/17)

IDF shells Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 child. (QY 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; WP 6/24)

To date, 55 senators have signed onto Sen. Robert Dole's bill that would move the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (see 5/9). Secy. of State Christopher warns senators Clinton will veto. (JP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22)

In Cairo, Israeli, PA teams begin writing draft of election proposal, focus on structure of legislative council but end talks without making progress. (AN, MM 3/16; AN 3/17)

German Chancellor Kohl, Israeli FM Peres, Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan meet in Bonn to discuss water, dam projects. Germany reportedly makes its financing of Yarmuk dam conditional on Syrian approval of project. (HA 3/16 in FBIS 3/17; al-Quds 5/9 in FBIS 5/12) (see 3/12)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin meets Jordanian FM `Abd al-Karim al-Kabariti in Amman, discusses Christopher visit, plans for Amman conference to follow up on Casablanca mtg. of 10/30/94, scheduled for 4/10. (JT, QY 3/16 in FBIS 3/16)

After 1-mo. ban, Egypt allows Israel's Jerusalem Post to be sold again. (JP 3/15 in FBIS 3/17) (see 2/15)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arafat's advisor Faisal Husseini, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meet in Amman for talks on Jerusalem, reportedly clear way for Arafat visit to Amman. (WT 12/4; RMC 12/2, RJ 12/3, VOP 12/3, 12/4, Al-Dustur 12/4 in FBIS 12/5)

Arafat names PA Culture M `Abid Rabbu new head of delegation to elections talks in Cairo, replacing Mahmud 'Abbas ("Abu Mazen") who is protesting Arafat's handing of PA. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 12/5 in FBIS 12/6)

Ban placed on 4 newspapers by PA 11/28 is lifted. (NYT, PR 12/4)

PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli PM Rabin hold 90-minute summit  mtg. at Erez crossing, Gaza Strip.  Israel agrees to open safe passages btwn. Gaza and Jericho, permit 6,000 more Palestinian workers into Israel.  Both sides agree to pursue negotiations on expanding West Bank self-rule.  Israel puts off discussion of Jerusalem, criticizes PLO Political Dept. head Faruq Qaddumi's remarks on attacks on Israelis.  (Qol Yisra'el 8/10 in FBIS 8/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/11)

World Bank announces establishment of field office in Gaza.  (World Bank release 8/10)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meets 98-mbr. United Jewish Appeal delegation in Amman, says Jordan and Israel should coordinate economic policies before 10/94 Casablanca economic conference.  (MM 8/11)

Argentine Pres. Carlos Menem threatens to expel Iranian amb. over Tehran's alleged role in 7/18 bombing of Buenos Aires Jewish center.  Embassy had protested issuing of warrants for arrest of 4 Iranian diplomats in case.  (NYT, WT 8/11)

Senate approves foreign-aid bill 88-12, sending $13.8 b. measure to Pres. Clinton for signature.  Legislation, passed by House 8/4, includes $99 m. "down payment" on Jordanian debt relief, $3 b. in economic and military aid to Israel.  (WP 8/11)

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)

Israeli human-rights. org. B'Tselem issues report criticizing both PLO and Hamas for torture, killing of Palestinians collaborating with Israeli occupation authorities. Group says btwn. 770 and 942 suspected collaborators killed since outbreak of intifada in 12/87. Report also criticizes Israeli authorities for using "pressure and extortion" to recruit Palestinian informants. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/10)

King Hussein appoints Royal Commission on Jerusalem headed by Crown Prince Hassan. (MM 1/10)

U.S. coordinator Ross holds talks in Jordan with King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan, other Jordanian officials, proceeds to Jerusalem for meetings with Palestinians, Israelis including PM Rabin, FM Peres. (MM 10/20)