The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians protesting the incursion; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian farmers with pepper spray east of Hebron. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 1 mosque, 3 houses, and 1 commercial structure in Marda. Israeli forces also forced Palestinian business owners to close their shops in Huwwara, claiming that stones had been thrown at Israeli settlers near the shops. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 4 water wells in Khallet al-Dabe. Israeli forces also demolished 1 commercial structure in ‘Anata. Israeli military said that shots were fired from a car at Israeli soldiers near Nablus; no injuries were reported. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 10 during late-night raids in Dahariya, Za‘atra, Silwad, and Zeita; 3 were arrested at checkpoints near Bethlehem and Nablus. (TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/2; MEMO, MEMO, PCHR 2/3)

Haaretz reported that Israeli attorney general Avichai Mendelblit authorized establishing an Israeli settlement on the evacuated Evyatar settlement outpost near Beita. Attorney General Mendelblit is leaving office this week. Palestinians have held weekly protests at the site since the outpost was erected in May 2021. The outpost was evacuated in June 2021, but the houses erected remained as the settlers struck a deal with the Israeli government that they could move back if Israel deemed that the land is state-owned. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz will have to declare the area state-owned, after which there will be a 45-day period to file objections. Several Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the past year while protesting the outpost. In a letter from Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, Lapid warned that if the Israeli government legalized the Evyatar settlement outpost, it “could have serious diplomatic consequences and damage foreign relations, first and foremost from the United States,” saying that the U.S. has already made this clear to him. Labor and Meretz publicly opposed legalizing the settlement outpost. (AP, HA, IN 2/2; HA, JP, MEE, TOI, TOI, TOI 2/3; HA, HA, HA 2/4; UNOCHA 2/11)

The Shin Bet admitted to having threatened random Palestinians in Israel that it would “settle the score” if they had participated in protests related to the May 2021 uprising in Israel that coincided with Israeli attacks on Gaza and eviction threats against Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah. (HA, MEE 2/3)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Amnesty International’s secretary-general Agnès Callamard in Ramallah, discussing the report Amnesty released on 2/1 that charged Israel with the crime of apartheid. (WAFA 2/2)

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, at a conference in Tel Aviv, that the Israeli military on 4 occasions had offered assistance to Lebanon. According to Gantz, the offers were made to strengthen the Lebanese army in facing “the strengthening of Hezbollah under Iran’s support.” Israeli military sources later denied that Israel had made such offers and that Israel had only offered humanitarian aid following the explosion in the Beirut port. (HA 2/2; MEMO 2/3)

Israel, Oman, and Saudi Arabia all took part in the International Maritime Exercise 2022, led by the U.S. and with the participation of nearly 60 countries. It was the 1st time that Saudi Arabia and Oman partook in a naval exercise with Israel, which they have no formal relations with. (AJ, ALM 2/2)

The FBI confirmed reporting from the New York Times published on 1/28 that the agency had bought the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, but claimed to never have used it. The FBI further stated that it had bought the spyware for “product testing and evaluation.” (ALM, AP, HA, REU 2/2; MEMO 2/3)

In the West Bank, Palestinians fended off Israeli settlers trying to seize their land in Birin. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition near the separation wall north of Jenin. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Nablus, Anata, Kisan, and Hebron; 1 was arrested by undercover Israeli forces while working at a gas station near Kafr Qaddum. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians started demolishing their own homes to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces summoned 3 members of Fatah for interrogation in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA 8/31; PCHR 9/3)

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar announced that Hamas and Israel had reached an understanding to de-escalate the conflict after nearly a month of daily attacks on Gaza and incendiary balloons launched toward Israel. The understanding was facilitated by Qatari mediators. As part of the de-escalation, the Kerem Shalom border crossing would be reopened on 9/1 and the fishing zone would be reopened up to 15 nautical miles. Sources in Hamas told Haaretz that Israel would allow Qatari aid to enter Gaza again, and that Qatar was granted approval by Israel to build a gas pipeline and operate a power station in Gaza. (AJ 8/31; HA 9/1)

A delegation of senior Israeli and U.S. officials arrived in the UAE to discuss the details of the UAE’s normalization deal with Israel. The delegation arrived in the UAE on an El Al plane flying directly from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi using Saudi Arabian airspace. In Israel, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a press conference that he would discuss sales of U.S. F-35s and other advanced weaponry to the UAE with U.S. president Donald Trump while stressing that U.S. sales of weapons to the UAE was not part of the normalization deal. In a joint statement released by the 3 parties, the language between the English and Arabic releases differed on Israel’s commitment not to annex parts of the West Bank as part of the normalization deal. In the Arabic version it said the agreement had “stopped” Israel’s plans while the English said it had led to “the suspension of Israel’s plans to extend sovereignty.” (HA, REU 8/31; AJ 9/1; REU 9/2)

Syrian officials said that Israel fired missiles at military installments south of Damascus, killing 2 Syrian soldiers and wounding 7. The London-based Syrian Observatory of Human Rights later said that the number of deaths was 10, most of them foreign. (HA 8/31; HA 9/1)

A former Lebanese ambassador to Germany Mustapha Adib was announced as the new prime minister of Lebanon after the government resigned earlier this month. The announcement came as French president Emmanuel Macron was en route for Beirut. Reuters reported that Adib was President Macron’s preferred choice. (AJ, HA 8/31)

Palestinians fire 5 mortars at Gush Katif settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. Jewish settlers fire on Palestinian homes in Safarin, injuring 1 Palestinian; place 3 mobile homes, a tent on a new settlement site nr. Tulkarm. The IDF reinforces the blockade on Tulkarm, digging 3 trenches around the city; tightens closures on Jinin, Nablus; digs trenches around Tubas. Another Israeli injured in the 6/1 Tel Aviv bombing dies of her injuries, raising the toll fr. the attack to 22. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 6/17. (MM 6/19; AP, NYT, WP, WT 6/20; WJW 6/21; LAW 6/23)

Israel accuses the PA of failing to act to prevent "terrorism" during the 1st wk. of the cease-fire implementation, declares that the 6-wk. cooling-off period (stage 3 of the Tenet plan) will not begin on 6/20 as scheduled, demands that Sharon "reassess" the cease-fire with the Palestinians. Sharon convenes his security cabinet to discuss the issue. (AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/20; MM 6/21; DUS 6/25 in WNC 6/27)

Lebanon says that in 6 days, Syria has withdrawn 6,000 troops fr. the Beirut area. Some troops reportedly have redeployed to the Biqa` Valley, but most have returned to Syria. (NYT 6/20; JT 6/20 in WNC 6/21; Economist [Internet] 6/21; al-Nahar 6/22 in WNC 6/26; al-Nahar 6/26 in WNC 6/28; MEI 6/29)

Citing the "murky political situation" surrounding final status talks with Israel, Arafat postpones until 1/15 a crucial PLO Central Council (PLOCC) mtg., which was to take place on 12/20. (JT, al-Quds 12/19 in WNC 12/21; AYM 1/5 in WNC 1/6)

Pres. Clinton renews 6-mo. waiver of the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which calls on the U.S. to move its emb. in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem or face cuts to the State Dept. budget. (MM 12/22; WJW 12/30; JP 12/31)

Iraq rejects the UNSC plan for resuming arms inspections, easing sanctions. (NYT, WP, WT 12/19; MM 1/5; MEI 1/14)

In Beirut, Iran, Lebanon hold talks on expanding tourism, scientific, cultural exchanges. (IRNA 12/18 in WNC 12/20)

In Gaza, the PLO Central Council (PCC) opens debate on statehood declaration, with 96 of 124 mbrs. attending. Arafat opens the mtg. by affirming Palestinians' right to independence, but recommending against declaring a state on 5/4. Hamas sends a 4 mbr. observer group led by Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, marking 1st time it has participated in a PLO mtg.; the move is criticized by Hamas political leaders in Jordan. Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine boycott. (MM 4/27; AFP, IDF Radio, JT 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/28; IDF Radio, MBC 4/28 in WNC 4/29; al-Ayyam 4/28, 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30; MEI 5/7; al-Istiqlal 5/7 in WNC 5/17; CSM 5/17)

In Nablus, 1,000 Fatah mbrs. march in support of a statehood declaration on 5/4. (WT 4/28)

A Palestinian arrested by Israeli police on burglary charges on 4/27 is admitted to a Tel Aviv hospital having been beaten so severely that one of his kidneys stopped functioning. (Reuters [Internet] 5/6)

Without explanation, the GIS orders the Hamas weekly newspaper al-Risala closed "until further notice." Under pressure fr. unnamed PA officials, the paper is allowed to reopen several hrs. later. (AFP 4/27 in WNC 4/28; al-Hayat al-Jadida 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30)

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Commission passes (52-1) a resolution reaffirming the Palestinians' right to self-determination, right to return. The U.S. votes against. (ADC press release 4/28; Xinhua 4/28 in WNC 4/29; Prime Minister's Report 4/30) (see 4/23)

Israel claims that the PA has released 3 Hamas prisoners involved in attacks in which Israelis were killed. PA, Hamas deny the story. (IDF Radio 4/27 in WNC 4/28; NYT, WP 4/28; al-Ayyam 4/28 in WNC 4/29; PR 4/30; JP 5/7)

In Washington, Israeli DM Moshe Arens meets with Secy. of State Albright, NSA Berger, Secy. of Defense Cohen for talks on Arrow missile program, Israeli receipt of 60 new F-16D fighters, regional issues. Albright, Berger criticize Israeli settlement policy. (USIS Washington File 4/27; MM 4/28; IDF Radio, MA 5/3 in WNC 5/4; WJW 5/6; JP, MEI 5/7)

Lebanese security personnel arrest an Israeli woman, Mary Vizeman, on suspicion of spying after she is found in Tyre without a passport. Vizeman, who speaks Arabic well, claims that she came fr. Nazareth to visit a friend in Beirut. (VOL 4/28 in WNC 4/29; JP 5/7)

Hizballah attempts to capture 2 IDF/SLA posts in s. Lebanon, wounding 8 IDF soldiers, 3 SLA mbrs. IDF shells Hizballah targets in response, wounding 2 civilians. (VOL 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM 4/28)

PA-Israeli subcomm. mtgs. resume for 1st time in 7 mos. with a security subcomm. mtg. in Tel Aviv. Joint Steering Comm. will meet once every 2 wks. to discuss progress of 8 subcomms.(ITV 10/7 in WNC 10/8)

LACC meets in Ramallah. (UNSCO press release 10/26)

In Washington, Pres. Clinton discusses status of peace process with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman; rejects Weizman proposal for Camp David-style summit, saying sides are too far apart for success. (MM 10/8, WT 10/9; PR 10/10)

In Gaza, Hamas's Shaykh Yasin meets with Arafat; says that suicide bombings could be abandoned under certain conditions, but full truce would require full Israeli withdrawal fr. West Bank and Gaza, removal of settlements; stresses that Hamas is not challenging PA authority. (CSM, NYT 10/8)

In Beirut, Iraq, Lebanon hold talks on expanding trade, economic ties. (RL 10/7 in WNC 10/8)

In response to U.S. dipatch of an aircraft carrier to the Gulf 10/3, Iran announces that 10-day naval exercises involving more than 50 ships will begin 10/11. (NYT, WT 10/8; NYT, WP, WT 10/13; WT 10/14)

U.S. special envoy Ross holds separate mtgs. with Israeli DM Mordechai, PA's Arafat; makes no progress. (AFP 5/9 in WNC 5/12; MEI 5/16)

PSF, Shin Bet, CIA representatives meet in Tel Aviv to discuss resuming Israeli-PA security cooperation. Shin Bet head Ami Aylon refuses to attend the mtg. in anger over PA claims that the Shin Bet was behind 2 suicide bombings 4/1 (see 5/4). (AFP, IDF Radio 5/9 in WNC 5/12; MM 5/13; NYT 5/17)

In Ramallah, Farid Bashiti, an East Jerusalem Palestinian accused of selling Arab homes and land to Jews, is found dead. Israeli police open an investigation. At Friday prayers at al-Aqsa, the PA-appointed mufti of Jerusalem, Ekrima Sabri, says Bashiti must not be prayed over or buried in a Muslim cemetery. (NYT, WP, WT 5/10; WT 5/11; IDF Radio 5/11 in WNC 5/13; WJW 5/15; MEI, PR 5/16; WJW 5/22) (see 5/5)

IDF destroys the foundations of a new UNRWA school in Abu-Dis, says the building permit was granted by mistake. The construction project is funded by donor countries. (PR 5/16)

In Amman, PM Majali, Iraqi dep. PM Aziz discuss bolstering bilateral relations, forming a united Arab stand on the peace process. (al-Dustur 5/10 in WNC 5/13)

In Beirut, a Lebanese court sentences Samir Ja`Ja` to life with hard labor for the attempted murder of Michel al-Murr in 3/91. 3 accomplices are each given 20 yrs. with hard labor. 2 others are acquitted. (RL 5/9 in WNC 5/13)

FBI begins investigating whether a "senior U.S. government official" has been passing highly sensitive information to Israel. U.S. officials say that in 1/97, the National Security Agency intercepted a transmission btwn. 2 Israeli intelligence officers in Washington and Tel Aviv, discussing a request by Israeli Amb. to the U.S. Eliahu Ben-Elissar to activate a alleged mole code-named Mega to obtain the secret letter of assurances fr. fmr. Secy. of State Christopher to Arafat, which was attached to the Hebron protocol and has never been made public. The transmission suggests that Mega has provide information to Israel in the past. Israel denies spying. (WP 5/7; NYT, WP 5/8; MM 5/8; IDF Radio, ITV, YA 5/8 in WNC 5/9; MM, WP, WT 5/9; SANA 5/12 in WNC 5/13; MEI 5/16; JP 5/17)

Arafat, Israeli pres. Weizman meet in advance of U.S. special envoy Ross's arrival 5/8. (MM, WT 5/6; ITV 5/6 in WNC 5/7; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 5/7; AFP, YA 5/7 in WNC 5/8; WJW 5/8; JP 5/10; MM 5/12)

After Arafat-Weizman mtg., an Israeli-PA-U.S. security mtg. is held to discuss resuming coordination. (MM 5/7; ITV 5/7 in WNC 5/8)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak accepts Iran's invitation to attend the 12/97 OIC mtg. in Tehran but says that Egypt is not considering resuming diplomatic relations with Iran (severed after Egypt signed its peace treaty with Israel in 1979). (WT 5/7)

Iran's FM Velayati arrives in Beirut for mtg. with FM Buwayz. (VOL 5/6 in WNC 5/7; IRNA 5/7 in WNC 5/8)

Israeli police forcibly evacuate 30 Jewish settlers fr. a shack they had set up nr. Nablus in an attempt to expand Yitzhar settlement. (MM, NYT 5/7; IDF Radio 5/7 in WNC 5/8; PR 5/16)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem, Ramallah for being constructed without a permit. (LAW 5/6; PR 5/16) (see 5/5)

A bomb explosion in s. Lebanon blamed on Israel kills 2 civilians, injures 2. A 2d bomb at the same site is dismantled. In a separate incident, Israeli planes attack suspected Hizballah targets in the Biqa` Valley, injuring 1 civilian. (RL, VOL 5/6 in WNC 5/7; WP 5/7)

Israel says that, under a Hebron deal, PA policemen may operate in H2 as part of joint mobile units. (Hatzofe 12/10 in WNC 12/11)

Jordanian Information M Marwan Mu`ashir begins 5-day trip to Tel Aviv, emphasizes Jordan's concern over Israeli settlement policy. (JT 12/10 in WNC 12/11; IDF Radio 12/11 in WNC 12/12; MEI 12/20)

The U.S. consul general says that Israel is threatening to revoke residency rights of Palestinian-Americans living in Jerusalem unless they give up their U.S. passports. The U.S. protests, says it knows of 60 cases when Israelis threatened Americans with the loss of their Jerusalem IDs. (WP 12/10; PR 12/20; JP 12/21)

Israel grants special entry permits to 120 Palestinian journalists accredited by the IGPO. (IGPO 12/10 in WNC 12/12)

PA allocates only $40,000 of the $70,000 necessary to stage the annual Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. (WT 12/11; WT 12/23; PR 12/20)

In Beirut, EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Lebanese FM Buwayz. (RL 12/10 in WNC 12/11; MEI 1/24)

Iraq says it will give Turkey priority in exporting Iraqi oil now that the UN oil-for-food deal has been implemented. (INA 12/10 in WNC 12/11) (see 12/9)

ILMG continues discussions begun 12/9. (RMC 12/10 in WNC 12/11; RL 12/10 in WNC 12/12)

In Tel Aviv, Israeli, PA talks on civil authority in Hebron reportedly reach agmt. Later in the day, talks on Hebron security resume in Jerusalem. U.S. special envoy Ross thinks an agmt. can be reached within the next 2 wks. (RJ 10/22 in WNC 10/25; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; WJW 10/24)

French Pres. Chirac visits East Jerusalem. (MM 10/22; IDF Radio 10/22 in WNC 10/23; LCI 10/22 in WNC 10/25; NYT, WP, WT 10/23; CSM, MM 10/24; MEI 10/25; JP 11/2; MEI 11/8)

In Beirut, Lebanese, French officials negotiate aspects of a partnership agmt. that they hope to sign by the end of the year. Outstanding issues (agriculture, rights of institutions and serviced, immigration) must wait until new Lebanese government is formed. (RL 10/22 in WNC 10/24)

Nr. Ramallah, IDF shoots (live ammunition), kills Palestinian youth during antisettlement protest. Also in the West Bank, a Palestinian motorist is killed when his car is fired upon nr. Ofra settlement. (MM 10/22; LAWE 10/23)

YA reports that several Turkish air force crews recently participated in joint training, military exercises with the Israeli air force in the Negev. (YA 10/22 in IL 10/22)

Lebanon's Press Association Council complains that "newspapers are not exercising . . . self-censorship," are publishing topics banned under the new media law (see 9/17); orders newspapers to cease publishing direct interviews with Israeli officials. (al-Nahar 10/23 in WNC 10/24) (see 10/2)

Birri is reelected as Lebanon's parliamentary speaker. (RL 10/22 in WNC 10/24; WT 10/23)

PM Netanyahu visits Israeli self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon; warns that continued attacks by Hizballah could trigger strong Israeli retaliation. Hrs. later, 1 SLA mbr. is killed by roadside bomb. (MM 8/20; RL 8/20 in WNC 8/23; WT 8/21; RMC 8/21 in WNC 8/27) (see 8/16)

In Beirut, Pres. Ilyas Hrawi, Kuwait's Shaykh Sabah discuss peace process, Arab unity. (RL 8/19 in WNC 8/22)

After receiving notices that their land lies in area C and has been designated a military area, Israel demolishes 4 50-yr.-old Palestinian homes nr. Nablus. (LAWE 8/21)

Israeli Housing Min. drafts plan to approve construction of 5,000 new housing units in the West Bank, along the Green Line, over next 2 yrs.; increase West Bank settler population by 70,000 over next 5 yrs. (IDF Radio 8/19 in WNC 8/22; WT 8/21; MM 8/28; JP 8/31)

In the Golan, Israeli police arrest Human Rights Watch worker Bashar Tarabiyya, a U.S. resident, on suspicion that he threatened national security, engaged in pro-Syrian activity. (MM 9/23, 9/27; JP 9/7)

Jordanian security forces round up 100s of people around the country following 3 days of bread riots. 500 have been arrested in Karak alone. Opposition leaders call on PM `Abd al-Karim Kabariti to resign. (JTV, RJ, RMC 8/19, al-Ra`i 8/20 in WNC 8/22; MM, WP 8/20; MEI 9/6) (see 9/18)

Iraq calls on Turkey, Syria to resume as soon as possible tripartite talks on distribution of the Euphrates, Tigris waters, halted since 1992. (Mother of Battles Radio [Baghdad] 8/19 in WNC 8/22) (see 6/30)

FBI announces plans to open 23 new offices around the world--incl. in Ankara, Cairo, Riyadh, Tel Aviv--that will focus on combatting terrorism, drug trafficking that affects the U.S. (WP 8/20)

PM Rabin says Syrian Pres. al-Asad told U.S. Secy. of State Christopher 2 wks ago that he was prepared to allow Israel to set up a low-level diplomatic presence in Damascus before it completely withdraws fr. the Golan. Israeli government sources hint Israel is prepared to give back all of the Golan. (NYT 4/1, 4/2; WJW 4/6)

Russian FM Kozyrev meets with Pres. Hrawi, FM Buwayz in Beirut, leaves for Israel.(MM 3/31; RL, VOL 3/31 in FBIS 3/31)

Hizballah forces also clash with IDF in s. Lebanon, killing 2 IDF soldiers, 1 Hizballah mbr., wounding 3 Hizballah mbrs. (MM 3/31; VOL 3/31 in FBIS 4/3) 

Israeli intelligence locates sr. Hizballah cmdr. Rida Yassin, sends helicopter-gunship north of self-declared security zone, kills him. Hizballah retaliates, shelling northern Israel, killing 1 settler, wounding 9; says it will no longer abide by July 1993 accord to not target civilians. IAF shells s. Lebanon. U.S. Secy. of State Christopher phones Beirut, Tel Aviv, Damascus to deescalate situation. (MM 3/31; ITV, QY 3/31, IDF Radio, QY, YA 4/2 in FBIS 4/3; NYT, WP, WT 4/1; NYT 4/2; WJW 4/6; JP 4/8; MEI 4/14, 5/12)

PM Rabin says he will hold Syria accountable for Hizballah attack on northern Israel. Israeli Amb. Rabinovitch says attack will influence Israel's stance in talks with Syria in Washington. U.S. Secy. State Christopher tells Syrian FM al-Shara` to put an end to Hizballah rocket attacks. (JP 4/8)

Israeli sources say Syria, Israel have resumed low-level talks in Washington through mtgs. with U.S. special Middle East coordinator Dennis Ross, some progress has been made on security issues. (ITV 2/26 in FBIS 2/27)

Syria pledges it will not sign NPT unless Israel joins. (WT 2/27)

IDF moves additional 300 troops, 20 tanks into s. Lebanon, deploys them nr. Nabitiyya, Marja'uyun. (MM 2/27)

Israel extends naval blockade of s. Lebanon fr. Sidon to Damur (20 km. south of Beirut). PM Rabin says goal is "a peace agreement with an independent and sovereign Lebanon and a war against the enemies of peace." Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri calls blockade political, military, economic terrorism that will not force Lebanon to break its alliance with Syria. (MM, NYT 2/27; al-Hamishmar, VOL 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; VOL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; MM 2/28; QY 2/28 in FBIS 3/1; MEI 3/3; JP 3/4) (see 2/23)

In Tel Aviv, Israeli, PA, U.S. officials discuss establishment of industrial zones in o.t. Israel, PA agree to write position paper on project for U.S., outlining funding, creation of joint supervisory comm. (IGPO 2/27)

PA, Israeli delegations meet at Erez to discuss import, export of agricultural goods, allowing Palestinian trucks carrying produce entry into Israel. Virtually no trucks have been allowed to enter since closure began 1/22. (VOP 2/26 in FBIS 2/28)

PM Rabin says he plans to import over the next few months 20,000 foreign laborers to eliminate the need for Palestinian workers in Israel. (CSM 2/28; WT 3/1)

PA permits reopening of Islamic Jihad's al-Istiqlal newspaper, closed by PA 2/7 for publishing anti-Jordanian articles. (QY 2/26 in FBIS 2/27)

Israeli cabinet extends closure of o.t. (VOP 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; VOP 2/28 in FBIS 3/1; WT 3/1)

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations calls on U.S. to move its embassy fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (WT 2/27)

Palestinian police stop IDF vehicles carrying IDF Brig. Gen. Doron Almog in Gaza Strip.  Standoff continues for 1 hr. until Palestinian police col. issues written order to permit Almog to continue.  (WP 5/26)

Israeli-Palestinian agricultural trade talks open in Tel Aviv to regulate commerce in agricultural products btwn. Israel, self-rule areas.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/25 in FBIS 5/26)

Secy of State Christopher, FM Peres, at joint news conference in Washington, criticize PLO Chmn. Arafat's decree restoring pre-1967 laws in Gaza and Jericho, saying Arafat lacks authority for such a decree.  Israeli FMin. issues statement saying Arafat statement of "no legal validity" and a "breach" of Gaza-Jericho agreement.  (Israeli Govt. Press Office release 5/25 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; MM, NYT 5/26)

PLO Chmn. Arafat orders release of his wife's uncle George Hawa, held for 5 days by PLO officials in Tunis on suspicion of taking kickbacks fr. companies seeking contracts in Jericho, Gaza Strip.  (MM 5/25; WP 5/26; al-Sharq al-Awsat 5/27 in FBIS 6/1)

Trial starts in Beirut of 7 mbrs. of FRC ("Abu Nidal" group) for 1/29 murder of Jordanian diplomat.  (MM 5/25, 5/26)

Israeli officials warn that Iraqi missile attack could not stand without retaliation. Yet after telephone calls from Pres. Bush and Sec. Baker to P.M. Shamir, U.S. admin. says Israel will not retaliate for the time being. Saudi officials say Arab nations would face additional pressure if Israel entered fight, but probably would not desert coalition. More than 20 countries, including 13 in Europe, and UN Sec.-Gen. condemn Iraqi attack and urge Israeli restraint; USSR urges Israel and allied Arab nations to avoid turning war against Saddam into Arab-Israeli conflict [IDF, AFP, TET 1/18 in FBIS 1/81; NYT, LAT, WP 1/19; MEM 1/21; IDF 1/18 in FBIS 1/22].

Open elation in Jordan over missiles hitting Israel; some Tunisians, Syrians, and Lebanese also show support for Saddam's attack. PLO says attack represents "effective entry of Israel into the conflict" [MEM 1/18; LAT 1/19].

Allied warplanes mount hugh effort to destroy Iraq's remaining mobile SCUD missile launchers, partly in effort to keep Saddam Hussein from attacking Israel again. [NYT, LAT, WP 1/19; MEM 1/21].

U.S. Patriot anti-missile defense system destroys incoming Iraqi SCUD missile aimed at Saudi air base [NYT, LAT 1/19]; 2 SCUDs hit Tel Aviv [WP 1/19].

After 3d day of bombing, Baghdad is without electricity and telephone service, and is suffering severe shortage of water, according to Western media in Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP 1/19].

Jordan reopens its border with Iraq after 9 days, official says "we don't want anymore suffering" [JTE 1/19 in FBIS 1/22; LAT 1/19].

Officials say U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Ryan Crocker and his staff have flown to Cyprus, fearing anti-U.S. backlash in Beirut [LAT 1/19].

Jordanian lower house of parliament statement backs Iraq in Gulf war, brands U.S. as "Great Satan" [LAT 1/19].

Pres. Gorbachev sends letter to Saddam Hussein asking for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait (cf. 1/21) [BADS 1/21 in FBIS 1/22].

Israel has told Jordan it objects to any Jordanian-Iraqi military cooperation. Israeli military source expresses concern that "a military alliance . .. is being set up against us" (cf. 2/20) [HAD 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

5 Knesset members announce reestablishment of Likud faction Liberal Party, which had previously merged with Herut movement [JDS 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

High-level Palestinian delegation, sent by Yasir Arafat, arrives in Beirut to meet with Gen. Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea [MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21].

Under pressure from Arab gov'ts., Soviet Union rejects U.S. appeal to allow direct flights for Soviet Jews from Moscow to Tel Aviv [NYT 2/20].

Soviet ambassador to Cairo, Gennadiy Zhuravlev, has stressed USSR readiness to host Israeli-Palestinian talks; denies this undermines Egypt's role [RYF 2/19 in FBIS 2/28].

Israeli air force bombs DFLP bases near Kfar Jarah, 4 miles east of Sidon in Lebanon; one person reported killed [LAT 2/ 20; IDF 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Soviet deputy foreign minister Gennadi Tarasov says that the USSR "has no plans to establish direct air links" between Tel Aviv and Moscow, despite commercial agreement of 2 months ago [NYT 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: IDF closes 3 schools in the Hebron area for stone throwing at IDF vehicles [FJ 2/12].

IDF arrests at least 100 Palestinians in Ramallah area in 24-hour sweep [FJ 2/12].

Arab World: At least 25 people are killed in intra-Christian fighting in Beirut. [NYT 2/4].

Israeli and Palestine Liberation Front forces clash on S. Lebanon; each side claims to have killed several of the other [FBIS 2/5; MET 2/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 24 MKs denounce as racist Ariel's decision to make Arab workers wear badges [NYT 6/1]. Knesset Finance Committee approves NIS (new Israeli shekels) 30 million for settlements, roads in O.T., NIS 10 million for Jewish Agency's settlement department [FBIS 6/ 1]. Bank of Israel reports that intifadah cost Israel's economy $650 million in 1988; Israel's trade surplus with O.T. dropped 76% to $42 million; overall exports fell 4.2%; tourism fell 15% [FBIS 6/2].

Other Countries: Amnesty International reports that Israel has detained 5,000 Palestinians without charge or trial since beginning of uprising [NYT 6/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops open fire, kill 20-year-old Palestinian, wound 3 in Khan Yunis [LAT, NYT 6/1]. In Tel Aviv 18-year-old Palestinian from Nusayrat dies from wounds received 5/30; 15-year-old Palestinian dies from wounds received 2 weeks earlier [FBIS 5/31, NYT 6/1]. An additional 13 Palestinians are injured in Gaza; at least 4 Palestinians in W. Bank [FBIS 6/1]. Arab World: Israeli warplanes bomb Hizballah, Abu Nidal bases near Beirut; 5 guerrillas are killed, 3 injured [LAT 6/1]. IDF troops shoot, kill 3 guerrillas in south Lebanon, several members SLA reported killed [FBIS 5/31, MET 6/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Shamir calls for the removal of Avraham Tamir, dir.-gen. of the For. Min., for stating that Palestiniansee the PLO as their leadership [NYT 9/4]. The Israeli airline El Al announces that it will expand the number of flights to South Africa; South African Airways will also increase flights to Tel Aviv [JP 9/3]. In Tal, Israeli troops confiscate donkeys used to take Palestinian goods to market [FJ 9/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jabalya 2 Palestinians are shot during clashes with troops; in Rafah 2 Palestinians are seriously injured during demonstrations [FJ 9/11].

Arab World: PFLP guerrillas clash with fighters from Fateh-Uprising (Abu Musa) in the suburbs of Beirut; 3 Palestinians are killed [NYT 9/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Los Angeles Times-Yediot Aharonot poll shows Israelis are significantly more supportive than Americans of the U.S.-Iran arms negotiations. Americans are also more "suspicious of Tel Aviv's motives" in mediating the deal; 38% say that American aid to Israel should be decreased as a result [LAT 12/16].

Other Countries: Church of England envoy Terry Waite denies engaging in "any dealings in arms or money" in connection with the release of American hostages in Beirut [WP, IN 12/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers surround Nablus campus of al-Najah U. and use tear gas to disperse peaceful marchers. The troops refuse to allow students to return home until evening [FJ 12/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities close Nablus offices of Construction and Public Institutions Unions and Union of Public Service Workers for one year for "security reasons," alleging groups are linked to PFLP (Fl 9/26).

Arab World: Egypt's ambassador to Israel assumes functions in Tel Aviv (WP 9/24).

Other Countries: UN Security Council adopts resolution calling on Israel to withdraw troops from S. Lebanon and to permit UNIFIL to move up to border. U.S. abstains; 14 members of council vote in favor of resolution (WP 9/24).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF warplanes bomb Palestinian targets in Druze-controlled Shuf mountains southeast of Beirut, the tenth airstrike in Lebanon this year; two women are wounded. New York Times reports five wounded, four Druze villages bombed (NYT 9/24). Defense Minister Rabin tours SLA outposts before raid, vows to crush attempts to attack SLA which has lost 16 men in recent weeks. French continue to evacuate positions for safer ground (NYT, WP 9/23). Shamir says Israel is not planning an invasion (NYT 9/24).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gush Emunim squatters establish settlements Nachliel and Givat Helevona (a.k.a. Eli) north of Ramallah. Jewish squatters add 4 caravans to settlement at Tel Rumaida in al-Khalil (Hebron). In exchange for Progressive List for Peace (PLP) votes to support Shlomo Hillel as Knesset speaker, Labor agrees on 3 issues: to legislate against apartheid practices toward Palestinians, to approve proposed change in Umm al-Fahm's status to full township, and to consider favorably establishment of an Arab university in Israel. Canadian and British delegates meet with Palestinian mayors and community leaders in Jerusalem on eve of Int'l. Liberals Congress in Tel Aviv (9/13-16).

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat returns to Tunis, meets Soviet delegation there. Nabih Berri & Walid Junblatt boycott weekly Lebanese cabinet meeting to press gov't. to discuss political reforms and conditions in S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: In US, representatives of 11 relief and community service organizations meet State Dept. officials to protest Israeli policy toward Palestinian universities.

Military Action

Arab World: Beirut Radio reports 4 IDF troops killed in 2 S. Lebanon bomb attacks; IDF soldier injured by land mine in S. Lebanon (9/10) dies of injuries.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military court sentences Redha Kadoura to 30 yrs. on charge of grenade attack in Tel Aviv (2/28/84). New settlement Hagai dedicated south of Hebron.

Arab World: Lebanon announces closing of Israel's liaison office in Dubayeh, N. of Beirut. S. Lebanon residents strike to protest Israeli-backed kidnapping of Sheik Shams al-Din (7/17).

Other Countries: Lebanon restores diplomatic relations with Iran.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli air force unveils new mobile radar equipment which detects small, low-flying aircraft.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Arab nurses fired from Tel Aviv hospital on charge of "using terrorist tactics" on Jewish patients. Police order 13 al-Shayah/Ras 'Amoud families to vacate in 21 days homes built on land claimed sold to Israel in 1928. Arab World: In Beirut mtg. with UN Sec. Gen. De Cuellar, Lebanese Pres. Gemayel and PM Karami urge Israel's speedy withdrawal from Lebanon; De Cuellar offers UN as mediating body in negotiations, but rejects Sharon's suggestion that UN troops act as buffer between Syria and IDF in Beqaa.

Other Countries: Demonstrators in Colombo protest presence of Mossad counterinsurgency advisors in Sri Ianka at Pres. Jayewardene's request.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF command post in Tyre comes under light arms fire; RPGs fired on IDF in N. Sidon. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5th American Jewish Kach settler arrested in connection with shooting of Arab bus passengers (3/4/84) and other "TNT" activities. 6 Israeli settlers tried in Jersualem for rioting and arson of Hebron market last year. Tel Aviv police unit leader Hafetz suspended for leaking information of "TNT" to press. Knesset defeats bill to declare "Hatikvah" Israel's national anthem, with its theme of a historic Jewish yearning for the "land of Israel." National Com. of Arab Town Councils urges adoption of national anthem that expresses the notion of two nations living in a single country. Returning from 3-day visit to Cairo int'l. trade fair, Israeli Industry & Trade Minister Patt reports no improvement in Israel-Egypt relations in sight; says 50% decrease in exports to Egypt since 1982 linked to poor political relations. US Marine commander Gen. Kelley begins 2-day official visit with IDF and DM Arens. At Jerusalem rally PM Shamir claims USSR refused renewed relations with Israel because of its hatred of the Jewish people. Members of Makuya sect of Japanese Christian zealots conduct pro-Israel march in Jerusalem.

Arab World: Beirut cease-fire called by leaders at reconciliation talks in Lausanne.

Other Countries: French Minister of Industry Fabius and Israeli Trade Minister Patt agree to further cooperation in commerce and industrial research. Pres. Reagan defends proposed arms package to Jordan before United Jewish Appeal. Added to his recent refusal to assist in obtaining Israel's permission for West Bank delegates to attend PNC session, Reagan refuses to support or withhold veto on Jordan's draft resolution condemning Israeli settlements in occupied territories as illegal. 4 JDL members arrested for criminal trespass and possession of noxious chemicals, and held in suspicion of bomb threat at Greensburgh, NY Town Hall showing of Russian architecture film. [JDL seeks severance of all US relations with USSR until all Soviet Jews permitted to emigrate freely.] 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset in emergency session on consequences of US withdrawal from Lebanon; proceedings classified.

Arab World: Arafat arrives in Sana'a from Kuwait for talks with Pres. Saleh.

Other Countries: US House Speaker O'Neill claims US shelling not authorized within War Powers Act. Pope John-Paul urges pull-out of MNF from Lebanon and calls for protection of Palestinian refugees there in appeal to US Pres. Reagan. French gov't. reacts critically to US decision to pull out of Beirut; engages in diplomatic efforts to reconvene UN Security Council for replacing MNF with UN force.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli patrol kills Israeli government ranger, shooting at wild dogs in field near Beit Lahiya, Gaza, mistaking him for Palestinian "guerrilla." Complaints registered with Tel Aviv police that Civil Defense volunteers from local high schools randomly beat Arabs; base commander Sarah Ruhamim, reportedly commanded pupils: "Get out of the patrol car and see that the Arabs get a beating; my daughter enjoys it terribly." Ruhamim resigned after sum- moned by CD commander. Arab World: USS New Jersey fires big guns for 5 hours at artillery positions behind Syrian lines. 6th/15th Lancers of British MNF withdraw from Beirut to aircraft carrier Reliant.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: 2,000 Israelis demonstrate in Tel Aviv's Museum Square in support of conscientious objection to military service in Lebanon. Yesh Gvul ("There's a Limit") announces over 3,000 IDF reserve officers and enlisted men joined movement against military service in Lebanon. Delegation from Israeli Council for Israeli-Palestinian Peace makes solidarity visit to Bassam Shaka'a after last week's escalation of settler violence in Nablus.

Arab World: Egypt's Pres. Mubarak says Arafat welcome to visit Cairo.

Other Countries: US announces unprecedented all-grant military aid to Israel to reach $1.4 billion in fiscal 1985. UN Security Council votes unanimously to permit embattled Arafat loyalists to evacuate Tripoli under UN flag.

MILITARY ACTION: Arab World: Israeli bombers strike alleged guerrilla bases in mountains near Beirut in retaliaiton for 1 Israeli soldier killed in S. Lebanon ambush yesterday. US commander in Lebanon authorized to use 16- inch guns on USS New Jersey against adversaries. 

Military Action:

2 US warships engage in first direct military support of LAF, bombard PSP positions near Souq al-Gharb with 350+ rounds of 5-inch shells (heaviest naval bombardment since Vietnam war) after militiamen penetrate Souq al-Gharb defenses, capture 3 strategic hilltops; PSP says it downed Lebanese Air Force fighter-bomber; air Force attacks, damages anti-aircraft batteries near Batroun, north of Beirut; artillery barrages hit East Beirut; 24 hour curfew imposed in Beirut's southern suburbs; bomb damages IDF convoy near Nabatieh.

Casualties:

Heavy but unspecified casual- ties reported on both sides of Souq al- Gharb battle, including casualties from naval bombardment; 5 IDF soldiers wounded near Nabatieh.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Druze citizens of Israel demonstrate outside US Embassy in Tel Aviv to protest US military support for LAF.

US and Other Countries: US officials say use of naval gunfire at Souq al-Gharb (when no direct threat to US personnel existed), is necessary because successfui LAF defense of the area is vital to safety of US personnel, and loss of the position could undermine stability of Gemayel government; French Foreign Minister says US shelling is not best way to solve Lebanese crisis.

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:

Syrians and Israelis exchange tank and mortar fire east of Beirut for first time in 4 months; gun battles in Tripoli between rival militias; Beirut offices of Arab Deterrent Force closed, premises handed over to Lebanese Army.

Casualties:

Lebanese doctor shot and killed at roadblock by Fiji UNIFIL soldier in South Lebanon; 3 killed, including Syrian soldier, 6 wounded in Tripoli.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Land Day demonstrations in Israel, West Bank, Gaza, 3,000 extra police on duty; 10-20,000 make Land Day march from Sakhnin to Deir Hanna; tear gas fired at demonstrators in Sakhnin; Peace Now demonstrates outside government exhibition in Tel Aviv of residential construction and housing finance opportunities for Jews on the West Bank; Labor Party chairman Peres says position of Haddad forces must not be infringed by troop withdrawal agreement, Israel should not submit to any preconditions, such as settlement freeze, prior to peace talks with Hussein; Habib meets Arens and Shamir who reject notion that Lebanese Army, without Haddad, can provide effective security on northern border; 7 year-old boy killed, 2 children wounded in Shefar Am when hand grenade they find explodes; commercial strike in East Jerusalem; IDF shoots, kills 18 year-old in Tarqumiya, near Hebron, during demonstration; curfews imposed in Nablus, 4 refugee camps; 2 molotov cocktails thrown at IDF vehicles in West Bank; 2 molotov cocktails thrown at IDF vehicles in West Bank; 2 grenades thrown at IDF vehicles in Gaza; 13 persons injured by stones; Al-Fajr editor-in-chief arrested; director of West Bank public health services says clinical symptoms of 53 girls from Arraba, taken ill on March 21, point to something more than a case of mass hysteria.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, in Damascus, tells rally he rejects Reagan plan, and Fez summit resolutions are only basis for solution to Palestine problem.

US and Other Countries: Soviet Union accuses Israel of planning a piratic strike against Syria, warns it would be playing with fire.