The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: For past three days, Jerusalem municipal workers have prevented Palestinian farmers from selling their produce in Jerusalem market, giving advantage to Israeli growers (Fl 9/19).

Arab World: In West Beirut, Joseph Ciccippio, American deputy controller of American University of Beirut, is kidnapped, bringing to 18 the number of foreigners missing in Lebanon after being kidnapped (NYT, WP 9/13). In Alexandria, Egypt and Israel end summit, issue joint statement declaring 1987 "a year of negotiations and peace," but two sides fail to agree on Palestinian issue (NYT, WP 9/13). Israeli P.M. Peres says international conference should be convened and that Israel and Egypt agree to set up preparatory committee for this purpose (NYT 9/16). In Tunis, French F.M. Claude Cheysson meets PLO Chairman Arafat on marketing of Palestinian produce from occupied territories (Fl 9/19).

Other Countries: In Paris, bomb explodes in cafeteria in Paris suburb, wounding 41. "Committee in Solidarity with Arab and Middle Eastern Political Prisoners" claims responsibility (NYT, WP 9/13).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF aircraft bomb Palestinian checkpoint four miles south of Sidon and wound four (AFP 9/12; WP 9/13).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli officials say Ivory Coast will open embassy in Jerusalem on 9/15 (MEI 9/12).

Arab World: Negotiations over Taba end with agreemento go to arbitration, permitting 9/11 Peres-Mubarak meeting (CSM 9/12).

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF intercept Palestinian Liberation Front fighters in rubber dinghy as they attempto reach Nahariya, Israeli seaside resort; fighters escape to Lebanon, but are later captured by Amal militiamen (NYT 9/11, 9/14). PLO Chairman Arafat appeals for their release (AFP 9/10). Israeli cabinet meets to set "guidelines" for Peres-Mubarak summit (NYT 9/9).

Arab World: IDF air raid aimed at Palestinian ammunition dump in Sidon devastates civilian industrial district, kills three, wounds 17, ruins at least 20 workshops and factories with little damage to dump. Raid is response to attempted Palestinian attack on Nahariya (WP, NYT 9/11).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli P.M. Peres pardons seven more Shin Bet agents from Gaza bus hijacking incident (CSM, FBIS 8/25). Peres leaves Jerusalem for two-day visit to Cameroon (with which Israel is to reestablish diplomatic relations) (CSM 8/25). Knesset Interior Committee recommends demolition of Arab village of al-Zubaydat, on grounds that homes were built "without license on state land" (FJ 8/29). In Golan Heights, Arab residents distribute leaflet rejecting their inclusion on Israeli voter registration roll (FJ 8/29).

Military Action

Arab World: Amal holds ceremony to commemorate killing of Shi'a militiamen in fight with French UNIFIL soldiers (FRIS 8/26).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli High Court upholds ruling by Israeli District Commissioner of Jerusalem to close permanently al-Mithaq and al-'Ahd, on grounds papers were supported by PFLP (FJ 8/29).

Arab World: PLO Political Department chief Faruq al-Qaddumi meets visiting deputy of Soviet Foreign Ministry (FJ 8/29).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Defense Ministry denies charge (made in suit in New York federal court) that Israeli agent tried to steal plans for airborne spy camera system from its originator, an Illinois company (CSM 8/21). Jerusalem Electric Co. workers strike to protest 8/19 Israeli action against company (FJ 8/22). Israeli authorities order closure of al-Mawqif after "illegal" leaflet was printed on its press (FJ 8/22). 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bailiffs seize assets of Jerusalem Electric Co. following JEC's failure to pay debt of 15 million shekels to Israel Electric Co. (FBIS 8/22, FJ 8/22) Israeli High Court bars authorities from demolishing three homes in 'Ayn Hud after villagers hold ten-day sit-in. (Author ities claim houses exist "illegally") (FJ 8/22).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli court appointees raid 3 offices of Jerusalem Electricity Company in unsuccessful attempt to confiscate JEC funds they claim were being spent without proper approval from its court-appointed guardian, the Israeli Electric Company [FJ 8/8].

Arab World: U.S. V.P. Bush in Jordan suggests meeting between P.M. Peres and King Hussein. Suggestion rejected by Jordan [LT 8/1].

Other Countries: Reagan administration will funnel $4.5 million in American development aid for Palestinians living in the occupied territories through Jordan; the decision is expected to make it more difficult for Israel to determine how American money is spent in the occupied territories [NYT 8/1]. (The U.S. is already providing $14 million to enhance the "quality of life" of the Palestinians in the territories) [NYT 8/1].

Military Action

Arab World: An Israeli soldier and 2 unidentified Arabs are killed in a gun battle in S. Lebanon according to an Israeli army spokesman [WP 8/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Leaflet signed "Preparatory Committee of a JordanianPalestinian Gathering" is distributed in Jerusalem and Gaza calling on "silent majority" to block the "opportunists" and support King Hussein's policies [FJ 8/1]. Israeli High Court rules the govt. may expel 45 American-born "Black Hebrews"; Interior Ministry spokesman says they will be deported within a few days [NYT 7/30].

Arab World: U.S. V.P. Bush arrives in Amman to meet King Hussein [NYT 7/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. V.P. Bush in Jerusalem meets 18 West Bank and Gaza Palestinians, most of them known to be pro-Jordanian, who urge U.S. to recognize the PLO [NYT 7/30, FJ 8/1, 8/8]. Israeli Central Planning Committee hears objections by 7 West Bank villages to an Israeli plan to confiscate 3,500 dunums of village land for constructing a highway linking Jerusalem with the village of Kufr Qasim [FJ 8/1].

Military Action

Arab World: Car bomb explodes in Muslim West Beirut, killing 25 and wounding 180, while mass funeral is being held in East Beirut for the victims of 7/28 bombing [NYT, WP 7/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. Vice Pres. Bush arrives in Jerusalem to meet P.M. Peres as start of M. E. tour [WP 7/26].

Arab World: King Hassan II quits post as Arab League conference chairman over criticism for Peres meeting [NYT 7/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports Jordan has blacklisted 34 West Bank journalists and given orders for their detention if they enter Jordan. Press agencies and newspapers that criticize Jordan's PLO policy are to be boycotted. Ban affects al-Fajr, al-Quds, and al-Mithaq [FJ 6/13].

Arab World: Muslim religious and political leaders meet in Damascus with Syrian V. P. Khaddam; reach agreement on Lebanese security; extend Lebanese law to Palestinian camps.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek visits nearby Shu'fat refugee camp and offers financial assistance to persuade residents to move to another location; residents vehemently oppose idea [FJ 6/13].

Other Countries: King Hussein announces foreign ministers of Syria and Iraq will meet 6/13 [WP 6/11]. Italian prosecutors release report on Achille Lauro hijacking, say Muhammad 'Abbas planned it [NYT 6/10]. Israeli Palestinian Knesset member Muhammad Mi'ari meets in Tunis with PLO Chairman Arafat [MG 6/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Some hundred Jewish extremists are arrested by Israeli police while trying to reach al-Aqsa Mosque during demonstration by nearly 10,000 celebrating the 19th anniversary of the "reunification of Jerusalem" [AFP 6/6]. According to Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics, "united Jerusalem" now has 460,000 inhabitants, including 331,000 Jews (71.5%). Al-Fajr reports that 2 released members of the Israeli settler underground have been reinstated into the army reserves and given duty [FJ 6/6]. Al-Fajr reports MK Abba Eban told dovish members of Knesset he recently met with PLO officials while in the U.S., that he believes there can be no peace without the participation of the PLO [FJ 6/6]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: New Israeli Attorney General Yosef Harish assumes office [BG 6/6]. Antioccupation protests mark anniversary of 1967 occupation: an Israeli settler in Nablus fired at and injured; the city put under curfew; a bomb in Jerusalem injures 2 Israeli women; a telephone caller claims responsibility for both actions on behalf of Fateh's Force 17; explosion in Afula causes no injuries; 2 petrol bombs hurled at Israeli buses in Janin, no injuries; demonstrators at Birzeit University raise the Palestinian flag and stone Israeli army troops, who respond with tear gas; 3 petrol bombs in Gaza are hurled at Israeli army vehicles, no injuries; one Gaza resident is shot in the leg. Meanwhile, several dozen Israeli "Down with the Occupation" activists demonstrate at Damascus Gate; another group of Israelis tries to carry Israeli flag into the Haram al-Sharif compound; a Gush Emunim march of 2,000 proceeds through the Old City and to Mount of Olives [FJ 6/13]. Prominent Israeli real estate agent Avraham Gindi, implicated in major land scam, commits suicide [FJ 6/12].

Other Countries: Italian Parliament votes to recognize PLO as representative of Palestinians [MG 6/6].

Military Action

Arab World: Fighting in south Beirut continues; estimated death toll exceeds 100 [WP 6/6]. Amal leader Nabih Birri calls for ceasefire in recognition of 'Id al-Fitr holiday [MG 6/10]. SLA demolishes 14 homes at Ruman, one mile north of security zone in south Lebanon, in retaliation for ambush [JP 6/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F.M. Shamir denies involvement in cover-up of Shin Bet's activities in connection with killings of 2 Palestinians in April 1984 [BG 6/4]. Bank of Israel reports that 17,500 Israelis emigrated in 1985, against 12,500 new immigrants; second time since 1948 (1981 was other time) that net immigration negative [AFP 6/3]. Ten ultraorthodox Jews arrested in Jerusalem for damaging bus shelters carrying swimwear advertisements [JTA 6/4]. Israeli troops raid al-Najah University, beating 2 students, arresting 20, confiscating research material and nationalist literature [JP 6/5; FJ 6/6]. Israeli troops shoot into demonstrating crowd in Balata camp, wound 13-year-old Samir Shakir [FJ 6/6].

Arab World: King Hussein meets with Pres. Mitterrand in France.

Military Action

Arab World: Sunni February 6 militia continues to fight Amal in West Beirut, diverting Amal from battle for control of Palestinian refugee camps [WP 6/4]. Seventy are estimated dead, 750 wounded.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Defense Minister Rabin rejects P.M. Thatcher's call for free elections in occupied territories, says EEC should contributeo material improvement of territories [BG, MG 5/27]. P.M. Thatcher later meets 8 Palestinian leaders at British consulate in Jerusalem [CT 5/27], including Bethlehem Mayor Ilyas Furayj, Rashad al-Shawwa, and Hanna Siniora [CT, LT 5/27], who give her memo. Israeli Attomey General Zamir asks police to examine evidence in case involving Shin Bet head [NYT 5/27]. Zamir will proceed with prosecution of Shin Bet head Avraham Shalom [MG 5/27].

Arab World: King Hussein travels to Baghdad to meet Iraqi President Sadam Husayn [LAT 5/27]. Al-Ahram reports Syrian plot to assassinate PLO Chairman Arafat [MG 5/27] and replace him with Syrian-backed Khalid al-Fahum, former chairman of PNC. PLO Chairman Arafat meets in Tunis with Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van den Broek, president of EEC Council of Ministers, despite Israeli protests. Hafiz al-Asad, on official visit to Greece, condemns terrorism.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Margaret Thatcher arrives in Jerusalem, first official visit by British P.M. to Israel [NYT 5/24].

Arab World: King Hussein travels to Damascus to meet Syrian President alAsad, aiming to reconcile Syria and Iraq, isolate Fateh [LT, JP 5/26; MG 5/28]. Yasir Arafat travels to Algeria to discuss steps for intra-Palestinian reconciliation. PLO in Tunis launches appeal to "halt the new plot in which certain Arab parties are implicated againsthe Palestinian people and their camps in Lebanon."

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Julio Maria Sanguinetti, president of Uruguay, arrives for 5-day visit to Israel, receives 21-gun salute in Jerusalem, marking the first time a visiting head of state agreed to be welcomed officially in the disputed capital rather than at Ben-Gurion Airport [LT, JP 5/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Shi'ite guerrillas from the Islamic Resistance Movement say they kill 7 members of the SLA; Israeli reports say 1 Shi'ite was killed and 5 SLA members were wounded; both reports say 3 SLA members were kidnaped by the Shi'ites [NYT, JTA 5/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Th deficit in the balance of goods and services between the occupied territories and Israel increased by 49% in 1985 to total $219 million; the West Bank's trade deficit declined to $425 million in 1985, compared to $428 million the previous year, while the West Bank's surplus in services fell to $206 million in 1985, compared to $281 million in 1984, due to the erosion of Israeli salaries and the cutback in construction work [JP 4/29]. Israeli police announce arrest of members of a "terrorist ring" suspected of 2 killings and 2 attempted killings in Jerusalem in last 6 weeks; Jerusalem court declares news blackout on the case [NYT, PI, MG 4/30]. Later reports indicate 20 Palestinians are arrested [JP 5/6]. Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin has instructed the security authorities to bring to trial the West Bank settlers who blocked a road north of Halhul a fortnight ago to prevent people from reaching a Peace Now symposium in nearby Hebron [JP 4/29].

Arab World: The Jordanian minister for the occupied territories, Tahir Kan'an, was dismissed over the weekend [LT 4/29]. New departments are dedicated for hospital in S. Lebanese Christian town of Marja'uyun; SLA commander Gen. Antoine Lahd thanks Israel for its help in training workers and doctors for the hospital; some $2 million was donated for the hospital, coming from Israel, Middle East Television, and the SLA command [JP 4/29].

Military Action

Arab World: Guerrillas clash on slopes of Mt. Hermon with Israeli army troops; 2 guerrillas are killed, 3 Israeli soldiers wounded [JP, JTA 5/2]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel has quietly moved hundreds of Ethiopian Jewish immigrants to the West Bank, despite U.S. opposition [PI 4/16]. Israeli military authorities order Hebron Polytechnic closed for 2 weeks following riots at the campus on 4/14 [FJ 4/18]. Foreign Minister Shamir states P.M. Peres spoke as the leader of the Labor party, and not as the leader of the country, when he last week called for recognition of the Palestinian nation [JP 4/17]. Students at al-Najah U. protest U.S. attack on Libya; Palestinian students at Ben-Gurion U. in Beersheba and Hebrew U. in Jerusalem also protest the attack [JP 4/17; FJ 4/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In al-Birah, an Israeli soldier kills a Palestinian running away from a bus at which he is said to have thrown something [JP 4/17]. West German tourist isshot and injured by unidentified gunman in Jerusalem's Old City [JP 4/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A Jerusalem court convicts Israeli army Capt. Shlomo Leviatan and Maj. Ronnie Gila of complicity in bombings carried out by anti-Arab Jewish underground group [JP, WP 4/15]. U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Murphy meets with Bethlehem Mayor Iliyas Furayj at reception at American consulate in East Jerusalem; reports circulate that they discussed the "Gaza first" proposals being floated by some circles in Jerusalem; Murphy confirms he attempted to ease tensions between Israel and Syria during recent meetings with Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad [JP 4/15]. Students at Hebron Polytechnic demonstrate in protest of Tehiya convention; 70 students are arrested [JP 4/15; FJ 4/18].

Arab World: West Bank Palestinians travelling to Jordan are experiencing increased bureaucratic harassment, including passport confiscation and interrogation by Jordanian authorities; moves seem to be targetting Fateh supporters [JP 4/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet resolves 8-day coalition government crisis by agreeing that Justice Minister Moshe Nissim and Finance Minister Yitzhak Modai change jobs, to satisfy P.M. Peres' demands that Modai be ousted from his post for insulting Peres [NYT, WP 4/14]. Tehiya party convention opens in Jerusalem, to be followed by working sessions at Kiryat Arba; party leader Yuval Ne'eman calls for transfer of 500,000 Palestinian refugees from occupied territories to Arab countries as precondition for peace negotiations [JTA 4/16]. Several hundred Israeli settlers in the Gaza Strip demonstrate near Rafah, protestingovernment plans to resettle some 7,000 Palestinian refugees from the Egyptian side of the town [JP 4/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three Israelis are wounded, one seriously, when their bus is attacked by gunfire in the West Bank; roadblocks are erected on road to Ramallah for several days [CSM 4/14; FJ 4/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres states in keynote speech opening Labor party convention that Israel recognizes the Palestinians "as a nation," states Israel is trying to "create interim conditions for an interim arrangement" in the occupied territories until their final status is resolved [DT 4/10]. Egyptian delegation headed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Butrus-Ghali attends the convention, as well as delegations from 20 other countries [JP 4/9].

Arab World: Former chief of intelligence for the PLO, 'Atallah 'Atallah (Abu Za'im), is reported to have been touring Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan delivering speeches critical of policies of Yasir Arafat and blaming him for the collapse of dialogue with King Hussein; Abu Za'im's statements have been given front-page coverage in Amman [JP 4/8; NYT 4/9]. Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Abba Eban arrives in Cairo for a visit [JP 4/9].

Other Countries: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy, originally scheduled to accompany Vice Pres. George Bush on his M.E. tour, stops instead in Cairo and then proceeds to Israel; Bush tells press conference Murphy is investigating a new peace initiative [LAT, BG 4/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Firebomb is thrown at bus on northern edge of Jerusalem, injuring 9 Israeli passengers; police detain 17 Palestinians for questioning [LAT, WP 4/9]. A bomb explodes in Afula, injuring a soldier; WAFA, the Palestine News Agency, states the PLO is responsible for placing the bomb [WP, LAT 4/9].

Arab World: Suicide bomber drives car into checkpoint near Hasbayya, at edge of Israeli-declared "security zone," killing himself and injuring 3 SLA militiamen and 3 civilians; the pro-Syrian Lebanese Ba'th party claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. Car bomb in Christian port city of Juniyah kills 10, injures over 100; no one claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres demands resignation of Finance Minister Yitzhak Modai, who publicly criticized Peres over the weekend [LAT, CT 4/8]. Smith Research Center poll finds 54% of Israeli public wants rotation agreement between P. M. Peres and Foreign Minister Shamir to be honored [JP 4/7].

Other Countries: Greece and Israel sign a cultural and scientific cooperation agreement [JC, JTA 4/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ten people are injured, one seriously, by gasoline bomb thrown through back window of Egged bus in north Jerusalem suburb of Neve Ya'acov UP 4/9].

Arab World: Israeli planes attack Palestinian guerrilla bases around Sidon, killing 2 and wounding 20 [NYT, WP 4/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities have arrested scores of West Bankers and 1 Gazan on charges of committing attacks that have wounded at least 8 Israelis; most of the suspects are said to belong to Fateh cells active in the Jerusalem and Ramallah areas, to have been responsible for series of bombings since last September [JP, JTA 3/24].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat repeats PLO offer to trade acceptance of UN resolutions 242 and 338, and therefore acceptance of Israel, in return for guarantees by the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council of the Palestinians' rights to selfdetermination [BG 3/25]. Morocco's King Hasan proposes a summit conference between a chosen Arab leader and P.M. Peres to hear Israel's views on the Fez peace plan [JP 3/25].

Other Countries: U.S. is reportedly pressuring Israel to sell arms to Iraq, including Israeli "drone" reconnaissance aircraft and Soviet weapons captured by Israel during past wars with Arab neighbors [DT 3/24].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese state radio reports Israeli forces shelled Nabatiyyah, killing 3 civilians and wounding 22 [NYT 3/25]. Jerusalem Post reports the SLA shelled Nabatiyyah in response to 12 katyusha rockets that landed in "security zone" in early morning [JP 3/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Herut party convention ends in chaos and intra-party violence; no new party chairman is named [JTA 3/13; NYT 3/14]. Foreign Ministry expresses official dissatisfaction with Egypt's report on Ras Burqa massacre [JP 3/14].

Other Countries: Hanna Siniora, editor of al-Fajr newspaper, states during visit to Washington, D.C. he is exploring possibility of an international conference without preconditions, in which individual Palestinians would be part of a single Arab delegation [JTA 3/13]. Pakistani Pres. Zia al-Haq urges PLO to recognize Israel's right to exist, supports peace plans put forward by King Fahd and King Hussein UP 3/14]. U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy ends visit to Tunis, Cairo, and Jerusalem with no significant progress made [JP 3/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy meets in Jerusalem with Israeli Foreign Minister Shamir and Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin [JTA 3/13]. Ariel Sharon defeats Binyamin Begin, son of Menachem Begin, in election for key position in the Herut party convention [NYT, BG 3/13]. Begin supports Yitzhak Shamir, who faces opposition from Ariel Sharon and David Levy in the struggle for party control [JTA 3/13].

Arab World: Egypt gives Israel a report on the Ras Burqa massacre in which 7 Israelis were shot dead by an Egyptian security man last October [JP 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Fifteenth Herut party convention opens in Jerusalem [JTA, WP, BG 3/10].

Military Action

Arab World: One Israeli soldier, 2 unidentified Arab militiamen are killed in clash in S. Lebanon; 5 other Israelis wounded [WP, PI 3/10; JP 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: About 50,000 mourners attend Zafir al-Masri's 2-hour funeral procession through Nablus, carrying Palestinian flags and pictures of Yasir Arafat, and chanting pro-PLO slogans [WP, CT 3/4]. P.M. Peres states Israel will not be deterred from implementing policy of "devolution" in occupied territories, will continue to hand over administrative powers to residents there [JP 3/4]. Nadim Zaru, of Ramallah, and Walid Mustafa Hamad, of al-Birah, withdraw candidacies for mayoralities of those 2 towns [JP 3/4; WP 3/5]. Plans for delegation of senior pro-Jordanian figures to visit Amman to express support for King Hussein are also shelved [JP 3/4]. Sephardic speakers at press conference called by the Jerusalem Committee for Sephardic Jewry and the World Sephardic Federation state Jewish communities in Syria and Lebanon are being neglected [JTA 3/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian Muhammad Mahmud Abu Dar'a, 57, is shot in the head and killed, and his son Mahmud Muhammad Abu Dar'a, 22, is wounded in separate demonstration in Balata refugee camp in which the murdered man reportedly tried to strangle an Israeli soldier; 4 Palestinians are arrested [WP, CSM, CT, JP 3/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel plans to increase aid to El Salvador, now that a Salvadoran ambassador has been named to the disputed Israeli capital of Jerusalem [CT 2/20].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat meets with top aides in Baghdad to discuss implications of King Hussein's 2/19 speech [JP 2/21].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. issues statement blaming breakdown of talks between King Hussein and Yasir Arafat on the PLO, says it will continue efforts to encourage direct negotiations between Jordan and Israel, although process is entering "period of reflection" [LT, WP 2/21].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli army clashes with Lebanese guerrillas in S. Lebanon; 1 Israeli, 8 Lebanese killed [NYT, LAT 2/21]. Lebanese sources state Israeli army has rounded up 200 people during search [NYT 2/21].